post op question

How long does it take for the swelling in your abdomen to go down? I am 15 days and still quite a bit swollen. Is this normal? Tammie

Hey Tammie, I'm 7 weeks post op and I still feel a little swelling, I didn't really feel a change until almost 4 weeks. But I had a partial open RNY. I think anytime you have abdominal surgery and they blow the gas inside you, its normal. Think about all the brusing inside, ouch........ Sandi

it takes 11-12 weeks for skin to completely heal...so although you'll feel better well, it takes that long. hope it is all going well for you!! susan

Tammie, I had my LapRny March 8 (two days before yours) and today was the first day I actually said, "I think my belly is actually starting to go down a bit." During my first week home it continued to get larger and I got really scared I was going to burst. For me it turned out I was retaining a lot of fluid - I was stopped on Lasix just before surgery and with all the IV fluids and only drinking lots of water it was pooling up in my abdomen. A few days of Lasix relieved the worst of it and now I am noticing it is going down as a few more pounds have come off. I sure hope by next week I can say "wow, my stomach has really gone down." I hope each day you find a little improvement. I am also starting to sleep a little better -- last night was two four-hour stints. I usually wake up ever two hours or so. I would love to see that improve to being a whole nights sleep. Can't remember when that last happened. Take care of yourself, get in your water and protein and walk as much as you can. That also helps bring down the swelling some. Many blessings, Maureen