tummy overhang

I had TAH/BSO 3 1/2 weeks ago and my tummy looks like someone tied a string really tight around it. It is flat up to the incision and poofs out and almost hangs over above it. I had a pretty nice tummy pre-op but am thinking I will have to visit a plastic surgeon before I can ever wear a bathing suit or exercise clothing again. Any words of wisdom or reassurance?

I am 2 weeks out of the Castle and I believe that's what we call "swelly belly". They say it goes away ... some sooner than later, but not to worry, it DOES go away. I think only a few women escape without it. So, not to worry.

leslieo

you described me perfectly. If I didn't know better I would have thought that I wrote your post. Except that I am now 9 weeks post and still have the overhang. I'm not sure that it is the same as "swelly belly" because I get that too. In the morning I just have a little overhang, but by evening it is a BIG overhang.

I went back to work last week and can't fit into any of my pre-surgery clothes. I broke down and bought two pairs (black and kackie(?) the only colors they come in) of dockers comfort waist pants. They are great, they have this extra piece of fabric that is attached to a piece of elastic that fits into the pocket. When I put them on in the morning the elastic is all the way in, but by the time I get home from work, it is stretched to the max.

From what I have been reading on this site, we can expect this to last for a while.

janet

My belly seems to swell if I eat the wrong things or if I'm on my feet too much. I've been told that it does go away. I took the suggestion of another hystersister and bought a couple of elastic waist pants from Walmart (they were really inexpensive and don't look bad at all) to wear if I couldn't wear sweats.

Good luck!!!

Wow, I sure needed to read this thread. I too have that 'overhang', and it's exactly what you ladies have described - totally flat from pubic area up to incision site, and then...oh noooooooooo. I have always had a tummy, but NEVER IN MY LIFE have I had an overhang!! Not even after pregnancy! So, this is really bumming me out in a big way. :cry:

Haven't had swelly belly above that 'shelf', but the swelly hangy part does get worse as the day goes on. I was thinking of trying one of those new skin-firming lotions or creams they keep advertising lately, but I wonder if they even work. It wouldn't be the first time I've purchased a 'miracle' cosmetic product and found that I've wasted my money, think I will just wait and see if this gets better on its own. I can hardly wait till I can start doing some ab exercises again too (keeping my fingers crossed on that one).

This site is amazing!! No matter what I'm worrying or wondering about, it seems the answer is right here....or at least the support of knowing that other ladies are going through the same thing!

s to all of you, take it easy and talk to you later.

What's worse than an overhang? A lopsided overhang which I proudly carry! I tried reajusting the way my undies fit to make the swell look uniform, but no good. It's like my belly is smirking up at me I was never one to want to enjoy the sight of my naked body, but now - GEESH! I run from the mirror when I'm stepping out of the shower. It's great to laugh about thiswith you all !!

Thanks for the support my friends, I never really thought about the mornings being better than the afternoons but that is definitely the case. I've also noticed that after being on my feet awhile, I need to hold my "overhang" in my hands for comfort, I look pretty silly! I haven't even thought about trying on my work clothes, I've never been one to shy away from an opportunity to shop - I'm thinking some cute dresses to tide me through the summer months!! Cheaper than a plastic surgeon. I guess only time will tell. This is a fab site - just what I need right now!!

Hey Betty..... thought I was the only one with the lopsided feature! It's so weird, the incision looks straight across, but when I look at myself in the mirror the left side overhang is quite a bit lower than the right! I don't get it! I really can't imagine how that is ever going to disappear.

I asked the Dr. about it and he just said give it time. The other weird thing........even though I can't wear any of my pre surgery clothes I've lost 5 lbs..........go figure!! Guess once the swelling does go away the good ole jeans will fit even better!!

Do some doctors cut horizontally and some vertically. I think that my doctor is going to cut vertically, will this make a difference in the overhang? Just wondering.


Monica -

11 weeks and looks like the swelly belly and overhang are finally starting to retreat! The overhang is better too! Never thought I would see the day... Evening still brings an increase, but take heart, there is light at the endofthe tunnel. I too lost 7 lbs and my old clothes are still snug across the abdomen, wierd...