You do get the choose the treatment method and if you aren't allowed to choose, find a different surgeon. While one method might have an advantage over another for your specific situation, the patient chooses, not the surgeon unless one procedure isn't possible.
Regardless of whether you have a sew up or mesh, some implement is going inside you unless the miracles of medicine have figured out a way the cut, open and sew without entering your body with fingers, tools etc. No such thing.
If your surgeon says they will only do it one way, time for a new surgeon. When there are different ways to treat the issue then patient chooses. Get a second opinion BEFORE surgery, always.
Mesh can be nearly painless. Its possible to have a mesh done and not need a single tablet of pain reliever afterwards and resume normal activity real fast sans heavy lifting or other exertions.
Before you go for surgery, get your place ready in case recovery take a bit. Arrange the common items you need so you can get them without bending down/over. When you get home you'll be tired so have the sofa ready, movies and so on but don't grow roots, movement around the house is good for you the next day. Above all, a repair doesn't preclude another one so consider that.
Watch too many TV ambulance chaser ads or the pile on horror stories, especially about mesh and you'll go nuts. There isn't close to a majority of mesh going bad.
Interview the surgeon, ask about their experience and specialty. Ask how many rejections they've seen. Take control of your care.
