Questions about swelling and gas

[vegasneon 181]

I saw a video where a girl had a lot of post op swelling in her face and hands. Is this common?

I know it is common to have pain from the CO2 gas after your surgery. My Dr's office said they try to release what they can but there will be some left and it usually results in left shoulder pain. How does the CO2 gas get out? Its outside your stomach so it isnt leaving by normal means, does it just dissipate inside you?

Thanks, I have never had any kind of surgery before and I have 4 weeks until my sleeve.

[JerseyGirl68 1,172]

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! You will be inflated with CO2 so they can see inside, and the majority of it will be released before they close you up, some gets trapped and it will have to work its way out. Walking helps with this. I didn't have any swelling in my hands or face, but I assume it was from the extra fluids gotten via IV. It will go away in a few days. I do know that I gained 9 lbs in the hospital during surgery (nice surprise!) and it was from fluids. It was gone in a few days. Good luck!!

[vegasneon 181]

Right, but how does the co2 "work its way out" when it isn't going out your mouth or butt because its not in your stomach?