If I have a patient that is ONLY have a sling procedure, the instructions might go something like this:

1. Expect that your surgery will be done as an outpatient procedure
2. There is a very small risk of not being able to urinate after the procedure and in this case, you might have a catheter in place for several days while you initially heal.
3. You will be able to do your usual activities around home almost right away, but you need to avoid any lifting and minimize stairs for the first two weeks
4. Avoid constipation with stool softeners
5. Here is a link to a video put out by the Bard company for their "transobturator slings". The sling materiel is either brought out in the groin area or above the pubic bone. This is the best that I could find to suit your viewing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFpue_gxWYM

Finally, the chance of "erosion" of the sling material is very small. Probably less than 1%. Those commercials are taking advantage of the fact that patients with this unusual complication were not told it might happen (lack of informed consent). It is an unlikely problem but you should talk with your doctor about it.

I hope this helps. Please ACCEPT and leave positive feedback!