No, mesh is not always recommended, and in fact, if the repair can be done without it, THAT is preferred. The reason? Mesh is a foreign body and stimulates more adhesions than regular repairs. That is part of what makes it a stronger repair, because of the additional scar tissue that incorporates into it. This additional scar tissue can make future surgeries more difficult.
What determines whether or not mesh will needed is determined by the status of your abdominal wall structure around the hernia. If the tissues are in good shape without any tension to bring the edges together, you should be able to have a decent repair without mesh. But, if the fascia edges are raggedy, thin, or otherwise weak, then mesh is necessary to have something to hold everything together. Sort of like the difference between a split in your pants (easy to repair) as opposed to a gaping, shredded hole (like you see with jeans with blown out knees- that require a big patch to fix).
Recurrence rates for all sorts of hernias can be "up there," so I would not worry about it in your case. But, in the meantime, take it easy with the lifting or anything else that would put strain on your belly.
Jan