Question:
I am 1 week post op and can't put on the jeans I wore last week.

They are about 4" away from being able to close. Can I be that swollen or full of fluids? I can't possibly have gained, I can't eat hardly anything    — Gail O. (posted on April 17, 2003)

April 17, 2003
I hear ya. I couldn't button my size 28s when I left the hospital and had to wear them open with the long T-shirt covering them. I asked my surgeon and he said it has to do with fluids and in my case, gas since I had lap surgery. They pumped my abdomen full of gas. Guess my friends were right when they said I was full of hot air! Anyway, the fluids and swelling with pass, hang in there. --Jen
   — Mrs. Rich

April 17, 2003
Yes, you're swollen from all the IV fluids in the hospital. I had to wear a size larger nightgown and loose pants my first month. It was a bummer but will soon go away.
   — LLinderman

April 17, 2003
Gosh...I know what you mean...I'm one week out today (Fri)..spent 4 days in ICU with only ice chips...and one day on the floor with clear liquids....left the hospital 5 days after surgery weighing 3 lbs. more than when I went in. Can't even find underwear to fit, yet...THIS TOO SHALL PASS. (at least that's what they tell me).
   — pat C.

April 18, 2003
Definitely related to IV fluids and meds you were on in the hospital. Be patient...things will change very quickly!!
   — khamil65

April 18, 2003
Yeah, you are bloated. My stomach was even huger after surgery because of the swelling and fluids.
   — fropunka

April 18, 2003
Answer: Swollen and gassy (*burp*). : ) Good luck!
   — msmaryk

April 18, 2003
I came home looking and feeling like the Michelin Man! I had an extra 15 lbs of fluid and I really felt it. It goes away in a few days and takes some other weight with it!
   — koogy