swelly belly 3 days post hysterectomy

I am three days post op and I was expecting the swelling. It didn't really appear until today. I thought it was a result of the air injected during the laparoscopy, so when I didn't swell right away,I thought it then wouldn't be a problem. In reading from others though they it lasts quite a long time and can worsen with activity...anyone have advice or a reason for this? I can understand the actual surgical places inside would swell from healing,etc., but why the whole belly? Best way to combat this?

The air put into the pelvic cavity for laparoscopic surgery is mostly removed by the doctor. Enough is left behind to cause some severe gas pains for some women, but not swelling. The swelling is due to the fact that you had an organ removed. That's a big deal for your body to adjust to! Think of what happens when you sprain an ankle. It hurts, then it swells. The swelling is a cushion to protect the tendons and tissues that are hurt. It lasts until your body is convinced that the tissues no longer need to be protected. The same thing happens with your belly. You uterus was removed, stitches were placed, ligaments were reattached, your body is in trauma. It is swelling to protect the tissues inside. Our bodies aren't really precise. Your body knows you have severe pelvic trauma. The whole belly is going to swell to protect it. It does take a while to go away. Most of mine was completely gone by a couple months, but every now and again it would make a reappearance if I really pushed myself. You can't make it stop faster. I know of two tricks. Ice can sometimes make it feel a little better. And, if for some reason you want less swelly belly at night, lie down for a couple hours in the evening. That will give you a bit of a break at night. Honestly, the only thing that makes it go away is time. Hopefully yours won't last too long!