LSH - swelly belly question

Hello all you wonderful sisters! Gosh how crazy would we all be without this board for support?!!!

I had an LSH on 7/17. I am actually doing much better than I had anticipated as far as recovery goes, but I have a couple questions for any sisters that had lap procedures.

Does my big floppy, swollen belly count as swelly belly? It is numb and sore - even though I do not have the big incision. I tried ice packs and they don't seem to help...it's like I can't feel the cold. Wierd? Normal?

I am feeling better everyday. Tomorrow is 10 days post-op. I am not really vain in this question, but not sure if any of my regular clothes are going to fit or even feel comfortable. I was overweight before this adventure...so here goes...when will this "swelly belly" of mine start to recede??? At some point I am going to need to leave the house and put on clothes. YIKES!!!!! I don't expect flat abs, but I do not want to buy baggy (well baggier) clothes - If i don't have to.

I am hoping this is normal and is from the gas being pumped in, organs being swollen etc. I am on the right track here.

Any words of wisdom are welcome,

Michelle 34, lsh 7/17 due to adenomyosis. Kept cervix and ovaries. Lost one tube due to cysts.

I don't have words of wisdom but wanted to let you know I am right there with you. I have notice that it has gone down a little. But here I sit in sweats in 100* weather. I did just read it could take weeks or even months in the check points this site provides.

Hi {{{{mmr1972}}}} I had an LSH too and yes, swelly belly was my constant companion for a while!!!!!!! Your right about the causes; it also has a lot to do with the trauma to the surrounding tissue`s during surgery.............it can and does go away and it varies from woman to woman........mine was bad for about 3-4 weeks and then only came back after a hard night at work or a workout at the gym.....that lasted for about 3-4 months(off and on) and now at 6 months post-op I can`t remember the last episode of swelly belly..so hang in there your still early in your recovery..........if you have to buy a couple of pairs of bigger pants for comfort ;so be it!!! remember this is all temporary and will pass.......... `s and good wishes ,Renee

Hi Michelle,
Thanks for the post, I'm going through the same problem. LSH was on 7/11 so I'm 2 weeks post and that's my problem also. Feel like I'm pregnant. I think all the gas is gone in my system (At least it doesn't bother me), so I'm just guessing it post-surg swelling. During my post op visit yesterday, Dr said it would take a few months till I felt like my "new self" as body is still healing, so I'm going with that! Thankfully it's summer, so loose summer dresses work fine for now

Thanks for the responses ladies.
Renee - You are right. I guess if I have to buy fat pants or rather 'fatter' pants so be it !!!! I just hope it goes away eventually.

I am looking forward to being able to take some nice walks soon. I was always sooo tired before the trip to the castle, so I am anxious to have some energy again.

Michelle

Hey there. Just wanted to say hello. I had my surgery the same day as you. It is nice to hear that I am not strange. That someone else is going through the same thing. Than for you to be the same day is only a bonus.

Hi greencherry.
You are not strange and I hope you are starting to feel better. I am - slowly - I just really am annoyed by this swelly belly ! Oh well.

Hang in there!

I had my LAVH on June 26th, and I STILL have swelly belly. I notice it gets worse when I do more. It seems that besides my sweats and nightgowns the only other thing that i have that fits are sundresses, plus it is a little more comforatable then having something press on my stomach. I have a friend and she is 8months post op and still has her swelly belly off and on, so hopefully it wont be that way for us.