What actually causes 'swelly belly'?

I am almost 4 months post op and my belly is still swollen - especially at night. Some days I feel so sad because I feel like this swelling will never go down.

I was wondering if anyone knows what actually causes the swelling? Why does it feel and look ok in the morning and worse at night? What, medically, happens in the body to cause the fluid buildup? I feel good otherwise, but it's so frustrating not to be able to comfortably wear jeans anymore. I used to love leggings, now I'm getting tired of them, lol. I have a desk job, take walks but do not exercise regularly.

Thanks in advance for any advice/info about the dreaded "swelly belly"!

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/article_163685.htm

that might help you to understand

Some years back I was in a bicycle accident, whacked the heck out of one knee and needed minor surgery. Two months later, the incision had healed nicely but the knee was still too swollen to bend completely. When I complained bitterly about this to the orthopaedist, he explained patiently that the tissues had been traumatized by the impact of landing and were still healing.

So every time I looked at my swelly belly - which lasted about three months after my hysterectomy - I thought, "Traumatized tissues." That hypothesis worked for me and also gave me hope, because I knew that the swelling in my knee *had* eventually gone away. :-)

As you sit, stand and walk during the day, you're calling on your abdominal muscles to work to support you. I think that's why the swelling increases during the day.

Thanks ladies!! I learn something new everyday with this post op recovery. I guess I just need to learn to be more patient!