While i am waiting for my umbilical hernia repair surgery is there anything i can (e.g. such as losing weight) that would definitely lower my risk of a strangulated hernia?

Avoid doing any activity that might put pressure inside your abdomen like lifting heavy weight or straining to poop. Weight loss is a good basic activity if you carry extra weight, but lees important than activities that may trigger the hernia to emerge or worsen.

Buy an elastic abdominal wall support OTC. Lie down and make sure the hernia is reduced into your belly then tighten the support. Wear it daily till surgery and you will be fine. Good luck