Belly swelling? When does it go away? - ThinnerTimes

skinnymonkey · 10-26-2004, 11:53 AM

I know everyone post-op has concerns that nag at them... this is one of mine. Wondering if it's happened to anyone else!

I'm about 3 weeks out (had my surgery October 4, Lap RNY). They said some initial swelling was normal, but that most of it would go away in a couple of weeks.

I've lost over 20 pounds since then (it was 20 pounds a week ago) and am back to work.

My issue is this: on my left side under my large incision, my stomach is still swollen. It's swollen down near the bottom of my belly, which feels heavier and looks larger than the other side.

There's not a lot of pain. I am still sore, of course, since I'm not that far out. But I am worried about the swelling. My pants are too big everywhere except the waist! I look like I'm wearing a drawstring sack!

Did this happen to anyone else? i'm not sure if I should be worried or not.

watergirl · 10-26-2004, 11:57 AM

I'd call your doctor and find out what's happening. It's not happened to me, but maybe someone else here can help you. God speed on getting it taken care of.

Americanwoman397 · 10-26-2004, 11:58 AM

I did have a problem with being swollen for about 4-6 weeks. I think about 6 weeks when I realized it was gone. I talked to my Dr and they said that was very normal because it takes about 2 months for your tummy to heal. Hope this helps a little.

skinnymonkey · 10-26-2004, 12:02 PM

That does help a lot, thank you! I just wanted to know if other people had gone through it and whether it turned out ok. If it has happened to others then I feel a little better.

Christina · 10-26-2004, 12:44 PM

Just wait, the belly is the LAST thing to go!!! Throughout your journey you will notice that pants are too big, except the waist. It really stinks, but it beats having size 14's or 12's not be able to fit you at all..

I was swollen for several weeks after surgery, but if you have any type of large mass or something contact your Dr. immediately as well as any type of discoloration or pain. This could be sign of something more serious. Don't take your health lightly, anything can happen at any time that you may or may not expect.

Welcome to the other side and let us know if you have any more questions.

melanie hirschorn · 10-26-2004, 01:45 PM

check with your doctor, but i remember it took about 6 weeks. with any abdominal surgery it takes time for the stomach swelling to go down. i couldn't believe i had lost like 20 -30 pounds the first six weeks, but my pants were still so tight because of the swollen stomach.