I've been weightlifting for about 10yrs til 8 weeks ago had open surgery with mesh to repair hernia. dr said after 8 weeks i can go 50% is that right?

Probably ok: I would go with what your surgeon recommends. He/she was the one that did the procedure and knows the most about the repair. All we can do is speak in general terms. It also would depend on what your idea of 50% is. You trusted your surgeon to do the procedure, so i'm sure he knows.

Depends: The extent of resuming activity with an open hernia repair depends on the size, location and technique used in the repair. I advise you follow your surgeon instruction and keep him informed of any acute changes. Good luck.