Butter Britches 2 Posted March 31, 2014 My doctor did not use a drain, which I'm grateful for, BUT my belly is swollen and I wonder if that's why. My surgery was 3/19 and I'm down 15lbs but my stomach is swollen so much that my pants won't button. I'm sure this will resolve itself, my doctor isn't at all concerned, but WHEN?! I'm getting frustrated, I want to wear pants again! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hopeful2 be slim 121 Posted March 31, 2014 are you straining your self in any way? My stomach used to swell if I overdid any activity..or travelled..or sat for long hours. its natural. as its healing the swelling will go down. Do take rest and care. all the best. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jujube 42 Posted April 1, 2014 I had my surgery 2/18 and it was a month or so before my abdomen did not feel bloated. And I had a drain for one week. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hopeful2 be slim 121 Posted April 1, 2014 drain has nothing to do with the swelling i feel. The sleeve takes time to heal.it has been stapled and so naturally there s swelling . do not worry.You will be fine. we all have some issues..for 1 month. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gomekast 559 Posted April 1, 2014 2 words! Heating pad! I slept with mine on the belly soon as I got home and that took all the swelling down. Read it in the tips that are in the sticky topics they've got pinned. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kindle 8,667 Posted April 2, 2014 I had a drain for 3 days, but my belly was so swollen and bloated I looked like I was pregnant. It was about 2 weeks before I could wear anything besides stretch waist pants. Even after that my jeans felt uncomfortable depending on where they sat on my belly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gastricsleever 259 Posted April 2, 2014 Mine was the same as kindle's. Drain for 3 days but I was SO bloated! Wore stretch pants and dresses for 3 weeks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butter Britches 2 Posted April 5, 2014 It's finally gone down. I can wear pants again without being uncomfortable. I'm also starting to notice my bra fitting differently, which is a double edged sword. Even if the scale isn't moving, my body is! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites