"Large" Person having TAH, BSO for large fibroid(s)

I'm assuming I'll have a horizontal incision because of what I'm having surgery for - yes?

Is the fact that I'm large, i.e. have extra layers of belly fat, going to mean that my insides will take longer to heal, or that I'll be sorer longer than a normal sized woman, or that I'll have more danger of ripping stitches if I'm not careful?

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Originally Posted by Moonchilde I'm assuming I'll have a horizontal incision because of what I'm having surgery for - yes? Is the fact that I'm large, i.e. have extra layers of belly fat, going to mean that my insides will take longer to heal, or that I'll be sorer longer than a normal sized woman, or that I'll have more danger of ripping stitches if I'm not careful?

You might have a vertical incision, not just because of your size, but because of how big the fibroids are and where they are. I'm a lot thinner than I used to be, but I'm no supermodel and my fibroids are very big. I'm about a UK size 18 and when I lie flat, I can feel the growths/enlarged uterus through the wall of my belly, well above the level of my navel. I don't know yet what the surgeon has in mind re the incision, but what I do know is that my weight isn't the sole consideration.

Also, a lot depends on where your excess weight tends to go; I'm apple-shaped, which means it goes on round my middle. If it goes on your bottom, it doesn't cause nearly as many problems for obvious reasons. Having said that, according to my GP, who I saw this week for something minor, (but pertinent to the op) I can look forward to losing some weight and maybe a few inches around the middle. Perhaps you will as well; very big fibroids make a difference to what you see on the scales, the size of your waist and your energy levels.

Your weight might make a difference to how quickly you repair and how long you'll feel sore, but it might not - we are all different. Take plenty of rest, drink loads of fluids, take your meds when you need them and abide by the instructions as to when you can do certain things. You'll be fine.

I am one of the fluffy sisters around here

My doctor told me his plans pre-op to do a verticle incision due to the size of my uterus (26 week size) and it had nothing to do with my weight. Your doctor should tell you his plans. From my understanding, verticle insions are used for very large uteruses, large fibroids or if they need to get a good look inside.

My doctor expected me to have a normal recovery even though I am fluffy, while the doctor who did my second opinion thought my weight would impact my recovery and would expect me to need 8 weeks vs the 6 my doctor was leaning towards.

We all heal differently, but for my personal experience, I healed on the quicker side, even though I was heavy. I will also add during my recovery I tried to be very good at taking care of myself and forced myself to walk a little more each day even if I didn't feel like it.

Talk to your doctor to see if he thinks there are any issues you have that would make your weight a factor...and then just do as he says to make your healing process as good as it can be.

Best wishes

Hi Sister i dont know if it have anything to do with size or how fat your belly is, i was about 145 lbs when i had my surgery done on the 22nd dec had some problems and stitches came out.You ask the dr question about your movement and move as you feel fit everything is going to be ok.
love sista62

Thanks so much to everyone who has replied - you've all given me a lot to think about. I'm going to ask my surgeon what sort of incision she plans, but I sort of wanted to know earlier because of buying a Swelly Belly Band. Oh, well, even if I've bought the wrong shape, I suspect I'll still be able to use it.

Thanks again, everyone!

Mooncat (Vicki)