swelling

Hello,

I had a LBL last Thursday (12/30) and I am wondering how long it takes for the swelling to start going down. I was at Dr. today and he removed the remaining drains and said swelling was in the normal range but I may have some fluid that has to be drained, he wants to see me next week to decide and maybe drain..

Thanks,
Stella

The swelling lasts awhile I had my LBL on 11/11/10 and i still wear a garment everyday. I still swell but it is getting better.

Thank you, I am feeling like I look 3 months pg with this swelling.. I am happy with the results (so far) but didn't know how long it would take for it to start going down. 

I was so over the moon about the drains getting removed today I forgot to ask how long I would be this swollen... Thank you for your reply.

Stella

LOL, if you read older posts on this PS forum you'll see people refer to it as the Swell from Hell. It can last anywhere from 6 months to a year but it's worst immediately post op. It does get better with time. My LBL was Nov 5 so I'm just over 2 months now and my swelling is definitely less - but clearly there. I find the swelling fluctuates through the day sometimes I can determine the reason and sometimes I can't. I am sensitive to sodium, perhaps you are too? I've been extremely careful to keep my sodium intake very low and it really has made a huge difference. Are you using compression such as an abdominal binder? I wore mine for 7 weeks and now I wear it occasionally when I think I need it - I find it does help.

If you have a seroma, then that will add to your swelling - hopefully you don't have one but if you do, then your Dr. will need to drain it....but there is a basic level of swelling due to the normal healing process which will remain for quite awhile.

I look like I'm 3 months pg too!

Laura