how long does stomach stay swollen?

Oh, man, that was not what I wanted to hear! I am only 3 days post op so I have a LONG way to go it seems! I do like to walk and have an iPod so out it comes tonight!

Sisters, I have encouraging news!

Today I put my maternity pants on (bought especially for SwellyBelly as that is all that would fit) and they SLIPPED DOWN A LITTLE!!!!!! I'm at 5 1/2 weeks, and still look almost 9 months along - no joke - but at least that darn belly must have shrunk a few millimeters! YAY!

It doesn't sound like much progress, but I'll take it!
Julia

Nearly 3 weeks post-op, and I've lost four pounds. Some swelly belly if I do too much or stay out in the heat for too long (and I discovered today that 45 minutes at a time is almost too long. But all in all, I'm delighted with the results. I was in fairly good shape before surgery (I'm a horse trainer/riding instructor with my own barn), so maybe that helps? Only three more weeks, then I'm back in the saddle. I cant' wait!

Anyway, walking is good for you, but in moderation. Don't try to be doing two miles the first day; start out with a couple of trips around the block and work up from there.

Thanks Patelska. I haven't looked 4 months pregnant in 12 years, while carrying my youngest son. Thanks for the explanation. My dh keeps saying I don't look pregnant, but he's lying. No nice way to put it, bless his heart. I can't wait for my flat tummy. My surgeon actually flattened my stomach but I'm too swollen to see it.

I'm nearly four months post op and STILL have a rather large swelly belly that looks more like pouch than a belly. I've lost 10 lbs since surgery and still can't wear my favorite jeans. Pre-surgery I did lots of extra tummy exercises @ the gym w/ extra weight, extra reps & sets on the ab machine figuring a strong belly would heal faster, right? Wrong!

10 weeks post op my doctor said I could resume all sports & activities but not to overdo it. She also said my "swelly belly" was not swollen - it was fat!!! But how could that be true when I had lost weight?!?!

How much exercise is too much? How is one to know until it's too late? At 10 weeks post op I returned to the gym and pool, used lighter weights, did less reps & sets, slow lap swimming pace, etc., but even that was too much 'cause all of a sudden my tummy didn't feel right, so I got out of the pool and found myself sore, sensitive and even more swollen than before!

Honestly, it feels as if my tummy will never go back to "normal." Please, someone, tell me I'm not unique and that the swelling WILL some day (soon) go away.

Thanks for all your responses. It is comforting to know so many other women are and have been thru the same thing.

I am almost 4 months and still have swelly belly. Some mornings I am fine and others I am pregnant looking. At night, if I have done too much, I am HUGE. I don't even have to do much and I get HUGE! It *****.
I went to the Dr the other day and he said, as usual, it will be a while. great...
I love the stretch shorts you can get in the work out section of department stores. I have also invested in plenty of tank tops for the hot flashes!

HI, 9 weeks post op and yep, still look pregnant. Although the swelling has gone down some, my clothes do not fit at all. I have met many women who have had a hysterectomy and say it basically takes 8-12 months for the swelling to disappear. I am not impressed with this answer!!!

me to. I ran into a friend the other day I haven't seen in over a year, He asked me if I got my self into trouble thinking I was pregnant. I has my hysterectomy 6/22/6 & I just started getting the swelly belly about 1 week ago. It's awful.

melissa

me too guys i defenatly look at least 5 months pg.and it does get worse at night and especially if i've had a long day!!