I had an inguinal hernia repaired last November, and was told no riding for 4 weeks to allow everything to heal correctly. I was up and walking around within 2 days, and convinced the doc to let me try my trainer after 2 weeks. Didn;t feel great, but got cleared for actual road riding exactly 4 weeks after surgery. Take it easy and let yourself heal - the lost time is worth not having to deal with the hernia discomfort or potentially needing to have it re-repaired.

FWIW - I skipped the laparoscopic procedure so the doc could get a decent look at the injury and also allow him to place a mesh over the site to add strength to the repair. Laparoscopic surgery could greatly reduce your recovery.