What can I do to help the swelling go away???

laurak712
on 7/12/11 2:02 am - New Braunfels, TX

I had my hubby gently massage my tummy every night before bed. It felt good and seemed to help. He would start from the mons area and gently push up and out to the side. This is what Dr. L recommended and showed him how to do it. I would open the garment for him and I had him do this for a couple of months every night. : )

Laura

Height 5' 7

Laura in Texas
on 7/13/11 1:27 am

RNY on 09/17/08

Thanks, Laura! I will ask Dr. L will show me that when I see him on Monday.

Laura

Laura in Texas

53 years old; 5'7" tall; HW: 339 (BMI=53); GW: 140 CW: 170 (BMI=27)

RNY: 09-17-08 Dr. Garth Davis

brachioplasty: 12-18-09 Dr. Wainwright; lbl/bl: 06-28-11 Dr. LoMonaco

"May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears."

(deactivated member)
on 7/12/11 2:35 am

VSG on 12/21/09

I'm no expert, this is true, but I LOVE having my drains...YES, I said I LOVE having my drains..!!!
I know, I know...I'm more than ODD..but these babies are keeping my swelling from being way out of hand...I drink slushy Gatorade, Popsicles, anything and everything that can be frozen...Ice has become my very good friend...

My surgeon was going to remove one of the drains yesterday, because it was barely draining, but I ASKED to allow it to stay in...I figure the little it was draining, would be asking for more swelling if removed, so he kept in..Next Monday, I'm thinking he will be taking them out, everyone, and I'm not looking forward to what will happen when they are gone...So, I'm happy they are still with me, even as bothersome, as they are..

Wishing you well and little to no swelling..! :D

cyndy

siberiancat
on 7/12/11 3:03 am - COLUMBIA CITY, IN

RNY on 03/25/09

Cyndy - while my drains were in my belly was flat. The "pouching" of lower abdomen began after the drains came out. My lower belly is hard and shinny. I am checking into some lymphatic massage. I'm still aiming for 100+ oz water or decaf green tea daily.

Penny
Highest Weight 255 * Wt loss includes 19 lb lost before surgery

Laura in Texas
on 7/13/11 1:29 am

RNY on 09/17/08

Thanks, Cyndi. But my swelling actually went down a lot after my drains were removed. 2 inches overnight. But I'm impatient and just want the rest to go away so I can see my flat belly!!

Hope you're feeling stronger everyday!

Laura

Laura in Texas

53 years old; 5'7" tall; HW: 339 (BMI=53); GW: 140 CW: 170 (BMI=27)

RNY: 09-17-08 Dr. Garth Davis

brachioplasty: 12-18-09 Dr. Wainwright; lbl/bl: 06-28-11 Dr. LoMonaco

"May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears."

Beckstar
on 7/12/11 7:57 am

RNY on 06/17/09

Laura,
I know I replied yesterday but I also wanted to let you know I went to my doc today and he ended up draining over 300 cc from me! yes 300 mL or cc. that's why i was feeling so swollen. some swelling is normal but if it's excessive you may need to get drained. you paid good money to your doc, use him/her as much as you need.
beck

Crazeru
on 7/12/11 8:16 am

DS on 04/17/08

I have to take a diuretic daily, but for the first couple of weeks after PS, I was taking 2 a day and increasing my potassium. I'm 6 mo out and have been wearing my garment nightly. It allows for me to go all day and evening, then the swelling takes over. I'm down by morning and ready to go again.

It just takes time. I think I was wearing my terry cloth pants for a couple of months. Now, I have to wear a belt to keep my low-rider jeans up.

Lots of lemon in your water is a natural cleanse.

Chris
HW/225 - 5'1" ~ SW/205/after surgery 215 ~ CW/145~ BMI-25.8~Normal BMI 132 ~DS Dr Rabkin 4/17/08
Plastics in Monterrey - See Group on OH Dr Sauceda Jan 13, 2011
LBL, BL, small thigh lift, arms & a full facelift on 1/17/11 UBL 1/21/13
Love my Body by Sauceda

Laura in Texas
on 7/13/11 1:30 am

RNY on 09/17/08

Thanks, Chris! Glad you found something to work for you. I will keep it in mind!

Laura

Laura in Texas

53 years old; 5'7" tall; HW: 339 (BMI=53); GW: 140 CW: 170 (BMI=27)

RNY: 09-17-08 Dr. Garth Davis

brachioplasty: 12-18-09 Dr. Wainwright; lbl/bl: 06-28-11 Dr. LoMonaco

"May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears."

LaDena
on 7/12/11 3:29 pm - Spokane Valley, WA

RNY on 10/19/09

So glad you posted this question. I too am having the same problem. I am 5 months post op. I have done everything my surgeon's office and PCP have told me to do with little to no results. I am very frustrated. I can gain 7-10lbs of fluid alone by the end of the day. I look like I am 5-6 months pregnant! My PS literally told me she didn't know what to do with me. I've had both an Ultra Sound and CT. Both show some fluid. However, she did not order it to be drained off of me. I am using Lasix 40mg twice daily. It is the only thing that keeps the swelling to a dull roar. In fact, I took a dose earlier and have literally peed off 3 pounds in an hour. On top of the swelling, the tenderness and pain at times almost become unbearable. At this point I have scheduled a second opinion visit with another PS. I am a nurse and my fellow nurses have all urged me to seek another opinion. My current PS doesn't deny that I have a problem, but acts as if I am not HER problem any longer. Sigh......sorry to complain. It was good to get it off my chest and to know that I am not the only one having these issues. Good luck with your swelling and if anything works, please post it. I am just about willing to try anything.

Thanks!
Dena

*~*Ready for some changes!*~*
It used to be about living to eat, now I'm eating to live!
Food-it either goes to waist or to waste.

Highest Wt/Surgery Day/Current Wt/Goal Wt
279 249 140 140-155
Keeping it real!