2 days postop and my abdomen remains distended and sore

[MaryRN66 49]

Just want to know if this is what others have experienced. the pain is getting better but my tummy looks as if I'm about 6 months pregnant. I am sticking to liquids and really am not hungry at all. In the humble opinion of those that have banded before me, does all of this sound normal? How long until things 'settle down'. Also I have not moved my bowels since the day before surgery even though I've added in Senna-S twice a day. I am passing flatulence but no stool yet.

Mary

[meggs353 118]

Hi Mary, I definitely had a swollen belly after surgery. I had lost weight but it didn't feel that way in my clothes. Every day for me was better than the day before. I took dulcolax to help move things a long (if you are on prescription pain killers that can really bind things up too).

It took a full week for me to really start feeling good, then another week feel pretty much normal. I tried to walk as much as possible as well to alleviate gas pains from the surgery and promote healing.

If you feel very uncomfortable, swollen, etc for longer without improvement give the doc a call to check in.

Good luck!

[briefs199 337]

Felt same way. Used Miralax after 3 days and started to lose the bloat. I didn't even use narcotics after surgery and was totally constipated. Get some miralax and you will feel better.

[TheDude84023 19]

Sounds like gas may be giving you fits. It may be a few days on the bowels. I didn't have anything happen until day 6.

It will get better

[Sharpie 3,306]

It is normal. Gas extended your stomach. stay hydrated, walk as much as you can, if you have not had a bowel movement, take some milk of mag or something (I even drank some prune juice) to get things moving. use a heating pad to help with gas pain. You will be amazed how good you will feel in about a week. don't overdo though.

[MaryRN66 49]

Thank you everyone for your kind replies. Now post-op day 4 and finally things are moving and the pain is lessening. I so appreciate all of your advice. This board has made this lifestyle change so much less scary.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF US BANDITS!

Mary

[purcell1965 1]

Thanks to everyone. My surgery was Monday and its nice to know how I am feeling is normal lol

[Wvcari 84]

My belly was very distended for several days. I didn't have many stretch marks before surgery, but gained a couple from the swelling/distention! ????