Heading into day 4 post hysterectomy - how long for the bloating

A bit more emotional today. Doesn't seem real that my womanly organs (cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes) are gone. I kept both of my ovaries, yet I'm just sad.
Finally had a bm post surgery as i was getting concerned from all the water, walking, & stool softeners I was taking in. My pain is minimal, but every so often, the incisions will remind me that they're a gang of 4 and they're still there! One of the questions I have is will I remain bloated as if I am 2 months pregnant? I assumed this was inflation of gas used in surgery which I no longer feel the discomfort. I dunno... I'm so confused and a bit regretful that I had it done although it was needed to cure my ailment. Maybe it's my hormones talking?

Hello in Fort Worth, I am NE of Dallas.

I'm sorry you're a little down and bummed post op, but glad you don't seem to be having much pain. I've read that the ovaries can be "sleepy" post op, so maybe that is contributing.

Sounds like your recovery is going well so far. Hang in there and try to stay positive. When you feel up to it, get out and enjoy some of our Texas sunshine...it's good for the mental and physical!

PS: Yes, the swelling will go down, but be prepared for it to come back now and then. It's another way the body reminds you that it is firmly in charge right now and it kinda sucks...sorry!

It comes back at times?! Oh great!!! As far as the Texas sunshine, I've been walking and sitting by the pool soaking in the sun minutes at a time. I get tired very easily. I'm sure my dogs think I'm a total bore as I can't throw their toys to fetch as I used too. It's amazing how much you use your abdominal core...way more than I realized!

I'm just looking forward for this recovery to be over and get back to normal.

I had two kinds of "bloating." One was due to fluid retention. This went away during the first week after surgery. The other was due to traumatized tissues in my abdomen. This lasted about three months after surgery, but it decreased gradually over time. By the last month, it was minor and only noticeable in the evenings.

Another common cause of post-op bloating is a sluggish GI tract, which can persist for several weeks, even after that first BM. One thing that can really help to encourage regular movements is taking regular walks. Drink choices that can also help include enough water so that your urine is clear or pale yellow, peppermint or ginger tea, fennel seeds steeped in hot water, a glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon, and a smoothie with almond milk, cherries, spinach, and ground flaxseeds. Greens are high in magnesium, which promotes proper bowel function; other food sources include pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate. Another top tip, to get things moving as nature intended, is to squat on the toilet right after you eat; this stimulates the gastro-colic reflex, in which the stomach tells the brain that it's full, then the brain tells the colon to empty its contents, to make room for the new stuff coming in, and the squat position properly aligns the rectum, so the poop can pass through more smoothly. Also avoid common bloat triggers; that includes legumes, onions and garlic, cruciferous vegetables, cucumbers, melons, pears, and artificial sweeteners. Here's hoping you'll be back to 💩 soon, and rid of that pesky bloating!

Hey girl, another day in, woo hoo!!

Just keep taking it easy and get up and moving around a bit as you can . I swear it gets better, hang in there!!