Sah

I live in Sydney,Australia and had SAH a week ago now. Am recuperating now at home for next 5 weeks. Not sure how I feel about the whole thing yet. I guess I went through the grieving process when I was told I had to have the surgery. Guess I didn't plan on more kids at my age- 42, although that was not so much my choice as my partner's and now I guess the choice has been totally taken away from me.
Feel okay post op. Still in pain sometimes, hate the weakness and the fact that I'm going to have to work **** hard to get back to the gym and be able to do what I used to. Not the sort of person that gets a kick out of just walking. But I guess the thing that has me most worried is my tummy. Please tell me that this is not the way it's going to stay forever. Please tell me that it will go flat again and I won't be left with this hideous swollen belly! Disgusting!

I kind of have to laugh because I'm a big girl, at 350lbs, but super active. I work full time, exercise at least an hour a day, and a full time housewife and caretaker of my 14 year old brother. Several days following my own hyst, my belly was swollen around the incision area/s, but within a week the swelling did go down, so I highly doubt that your swelling will last forever. After that first week, I was getting up and doing dishes, vacuming, etc. The only thing I shy away from still is heavy lifting and bending at the waist, so to do laundry/whatever I will have my husband or brother lift the baskets for me so I can do that.

I think you'll be fine.

After surgery, my tummy looked awful. I was horrified. It wasn't the swelling as I had minimal swelling, it was the saggy, hollowed out from the belly button to my bikini incision pouch that I was left with. Both my left and rights sides were pouched out too. I freaked! I know I am way past my bikini days but I am particular about how I look. With continued exercise and watching what I eat, my tummy has returned to pretty well normal looking. It isn't as flat as I would wish and the left side is still a bit pouchy over the incision but I can live with it now. I am still going to do what I can to get it flatter but I think it takes time. At least, that is what both my surgeon and family doctor told me when I asked. I hope this helps.

G'day mate! I love being able to talk to sisters from all over the world! This site is amazing!!!

You won't have the belly forever. If you can wear a binder for a couple of weeks, do so. It'll help with the jiggling. And please, let yourself heal! Rest, rest, rest, and let the inside heal as well as the outside. If you're an active person, after your recovery period, you will get yourself back in shape. Hang in there, and heal well!