Hey .45,
Did they do a laparoscopic repair, or an open repair of your hernia?
If Laparoscopic, you should be allowed to return to light duty in 48 hours and full duty in two to 3 weeks as you noted. All depends on pain tolerance. YMMV of course and nothing is set in stone.
If you are allowed light duty, you should be able to OC, as a couple of pounds (39oz) for a .45 would not be considered heavy lifting or straining. Of course, if your doc has returned you to work for light duty, he has to spell out on your physical restrictions sheet exactly how many pounds you are limited to lifting, how far you can bend, whether you can climb ladders/stairs, operate machinery, and exactly what you can and cannot do at work, which would tell you what your weight restrictions are.
You would have two to three scars if done Laparoscopically. Generally one larger scar if it was done by the open approach, and that would be a horse of a different color as far as recovery goes.
Cheers.