tummy bloating & swelling :(

Hi everyone !
I am new to this group. Had my hysterctomy surgery (Da Vinci Robotic) on December 19, 2011. Removed my uterus & cervix, kept both ovaries. On 12/23, had to go to the ER, as I started getting a fever. Turned out to be an urinary & kidney infection. Two antibiotics were prescribed, which made me very nauseous The medication will end tomorrow, yay !!! Slowly regaining my strength, walking little at home, getting plenty of rest. Each day feels better than the previous one. i'm completely off of the pain medication.
My incisions are healing well, but tummy still feels bloated & swollen. Wondering when the bloating & swelling would go ? not sure if I would fit into my trousers, when I return back to work around end of January !

I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news but sometimes the swelling sticks around for months. Then again, you might be one of the lucky ones and have it go in a few weeks. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason on why it takes so long or so short for the swelly belly to go away. Here is a HysterSister Article on swelly belly. I hope it helps.

Swelly belly stinks. Mine was so much better until today when of course I had a job interview. The one thing ive been having to do is use my bella bands. That way I don't have to button ( or even zip sometimes) my pants. Mine are from target and were a good bit cheaper than actual bella bands.

Thank you Danni3113 and lawgsa. I will read the article & check the bella bands

a not too tight girdle works really well if you dont have a binder.

Thanks Christinatas

I will be 4 weeks post op this Thursday. I am still unable to wear jeans. The left half of my belly wrapping around to my hip is still very puffy. I also had an ovary removed on that side, however. I wonder every day how long this will last, too?!?!?!

Hi SL1967,

The article that Danni3113 recommended, was very informative. I'm also going to check for the bella bands / girdles. Wish you all the best for your recovery. Take care

I have the binder, but rather than a girdle, I opted for the light control panties. They are just enough to help me feel supported without being strangled. I don't want to be stuck outside (at work, shopping, etc) and feeling like my clothes are unbearably constricting. At least the binder can be removed quickly and easily if you feel like it's just "too much".