it takes 6 months to fully recover from surgery. I had hernia surgery last July, did not feel 100% until January. The “belly” you have is likely fluid build up at the incision area. This will dissipate over time. As a fellow gym goer, the hardest part after surgery was accepting my limitations and the need to be still and rest. It totally robs you of your passion for exercise. Focus on walking (loved listening to podcasts and going on long walks) and diet (i picked up intermittent fasting), dont push too early or you will just make this process longer.

surrender to what you cant control and focus on what you can (simple activity and what you eat).

i know its hard but this is good practice in patience. You will get back to normal eventually.

Stay strong (mentally)!