3Rd Day Post-Op, Qs... Is This Normal?

[LeaveItToSleever 80]

I've haven't read about anyone else having these issues, so I need to know.

1. I'm 5 lbs heavier after surgery than I was before surgery.

2. My belly is extremely distended, and feels like a huge, soft marshmallow.

3. There is no skin sensation on my belly. My whole abdomen is totally numb.

4. I'm swallowing tons of air with each sip, and can't figure out how NOT to. The gas pain is excruciating. Gas-X has NO effect. I can't burp either! Is there something I can do to stop swallowing air? I can't stand this gas pain.

[phillygirl8133 74]

I did a d have pics for proof or will go away I lost 30 in 2 wks the once the swelling goes down u will be ok

[Sherry77 166]

I am 5 days post op. I wouldn't worry about the weight gain as the hospital pumps you with so many IV fluids. Try using 1 oz cups to sip that helped me swallow less air. Also walk walk walk, that will help pass gas and alleviate pressure. I'm not sure what to say about the numbness in your tummy :-(. I hope this helps.

[LaBelle509 326]

Sherry77 is right! The weight gain is a result of all the IV that you received and the swelling from major surgery. During surgery I was told that my abdomen will be pumped up with air, and the best way to get rid of it is to walk. Simply. You might also notice that the pain travels to your shoulder area. I was told that was normal and to be expected. Again the solution was to walk.

The incision site on the left did feel numb to touch at first as well as my navel area. But to be honest I did not worry much about that lol!

When drinking, remember not to use a straw and to sip slowly taking small sip

Be patient and Hope you feel better...

[ready4change79 26]

Also the gas pain is from the gas they blow you up with and gas x or nothing will help. The best thing is to walk walk walk. My Dr also told me some say the gas pain is worse on the 3rd day. It will get better.

[Kimberly82 0]

Im also having some of the same problems, I am 4 days out of surgery. I will be honest, Ive not really walked any, and am getting quit depressed and mad at myself for doing this. I guess I'll make myself go for a walk, because woling in my on pitty istn helping

[Queen of Crop 1,104]

Yes....walk! It's really really important; even small steps up and down the hall, but you must get up and walk. This is a really important step in your recovery. The weight gain is normal; in a week or two you will start losing regularly. If things don't improve in a few days call your doctor.

[ppatterson 24]

Weight gain is totally normal. I was depressed until someone on the forum encouraged me to really measure myself. My waist alone was 3 inches larger than before surgery. That was an eye opener. I relaxed after that!

[Nettle 3]

Yes, the bloating is normal and walking will help. I didn't have the numbness, although I gained 7 pounds in the hospital. It's all the fluids and gas and will come off. As for swallowing gas, I had the same problem. I talked with my surgeon and he gave me this tip.......take a sip of liquid, hold it in your mouth, tilt your head back and purse your lips; when the Fluid is at your throat, then swallow. This transfers most of the air out of your pursed lips. I felt silly doing this for a few days, but it helped. After a few days, I realized I wasn't doing it anymore and that I had somehow learned how to swallow less air. As the swelling of my new tummy went down, I was able to burp. I am now 5 weeks out. It will get easier. Hang in there.

[maxskillz 43]

Im also having some of the same problems' date=' I am 4 days out of surgery. I will be honest, Ive not really walked any, and am getting quit depressed and mad at myself for doing this. I guess I'll make myself go for a walk, because woling in my on pitty istn helping [/quote']

Walk, walk, walk!!! It will help you feel better the fastest. I didnt the first day and felt miserable. I couldnt sleep that night because of pain and forced myself to walk. Soon realized i felt the best when i was walking. Had to stay an extra night because my bp was to high but would get up and walk every couple of hours at the minimum. Now at home im walking 45 minutes each morning. Been very active throughout the day was at the mall today with my kids. Seen a couple of movies. Im 6 days post op. Once you start walking alot of the other issues will go away. I tend to get tired at night but that is expected being on the clear liquid diet.

[shrinkingturtle 21]

All of this is so normal. as far as #5 keep walking