I agree with Scott. This is a pretty simple procedure. Any general surgeon could do it. You may want one more experienced, just in case something weird occurs, but there is no need to fly to Cleveland. I don’t really know much about exercise, but you mainly do not want to strain your abs. That increases intra abdominal pressure and can expand the hernia. What ever you do, it would be best to use abdominal support while doing it.
My hernia was diagnosed with a physical exam. No CT scan was necessary.
Jan