Abdominal Swelling

Andrew's mother · October 5, 2008

Hi! I was banded on Sept. 30th and this site has been a Godsend as far as information and answering questions running through my mind. Thank you all so much. My question is when does the swelling go down? Is it just gas or is my body literally swollen from the surgery? Also, advice would be helpful! I feel like I would feel better physically AND emotionally if it would just go down. Thank you!

kimyflan · October 5, 2008

I am swollen too. It looks like I have a squash attached to my side!

Weas123 · October 5, 2008

The swelling is the air that the doctor injected into your stomach so he could move around more eaisly. I know it is uncomfortable and unsightly (I thought "I'm FATTER coming out?!??!?!")...

The swelling goes totally and completly down about two weeks after surgery, but it gets more tolerable about a week after. It's not forever and it's totally normal.

As far as advice to help it: beano works well for the pain... also rubbing your tummy in a clockwise motion around and around works (just don't try to pat your head at the same time).

Enjoy the bed rest :-) ... also enjoy the fact that a lot of weight is coming off in just a few months.:tt2:

Edited October 5, 2008 by Weas123

kimyflan · October 5, 2008

I am glad to hear that the air will gradually come out. I truly look pregnant! My daughter has no swelling or gas. We were both banded last week. Good luck and keep up the good work!

caelyn · October 5, 2008

I agree. This sight has been so helpful since being banded last week.

I finally decided to try tylenol pm caplets tonight to see if I can get some "good rest".:tt2:

AnnieMae · October 5, 2008

I was banded September 30, 2008. I'm still pretty bloated and wearing sweats all the time. I would like to put my jeans on but I don't want to do any damage to my incisions. I should be taking my measurements too but I don't want to know what size my belly is right now! I guess I'll wait 2 weeks and then start my measurements to get a more accurate result???

excarolinagirl · October 5, 2008

I've read on this site and in talking with others who have gone through this surgery that walking is very important. That will help expel the gas and prevent any blood clots. Good luck!

Dee

DianaS · October 6, 2008

The swelling is the air that the doctor injected into your stomach so he could move around more eaisly. I know it is uncomfortable and unsightly (I thought "I'm FATTER coming out?!??!?!")...
The swelling goes totally and completly down about two weeks after surgery, but it gets more tolerable about a week after. It's not forever and it's totally normal.

As far as advice to help it: beano works well for the pain... also rubbing your tummy in a clockwise motion around and around works (just don't try to pat your head at the same time).

Enjoy the bed rest :-) ... also enjoy the fact that a lot of weight is coming off in just a few months.:tt2:

Thank you for your answer - I was beginning to worry. Although the doctor assured me that it will pass in a few days, I am now on day 4 and still no sign this gas and swelling will ever go away.

I am burping like a drunken sailor! It's annoying, painful and embarrassing.

I can't seem to drink Protein shakes or take my Vitamins yet, because it feels like it gets stuck and hurts like crazy. Is this also normal?

Thanks for your reply.

DianaS

kimyflan · October 6, 2008

I thought I would try to sleep on my stomach last night. Big mistake. I woke up in such pain and had to take two motrin. Do you think the port in pushing against something and causing pain? It is located to the upper left of my belly button. It would make sense since this is where the pain is. Maybe a dumb question, but I thought I would ask. The swelling is still there and I have to go to work today. The preschool children are going to think I am pregnant! I have to leave in one hour and I still can't find anything comfortable to wear except for pajamas. I just may have to do that for a while.