Question:
Has anyone experienced tightness in their stomach after surgery?

I am 4 days post op and I was wondering if anyone has experienced tightness around the scar after surgery, almost like contractions. I keep watching my stomach to see if it moves; reminds me of when I was pregnant. If it WAS a hernia, which I'm just guessing, would it surfact that soon? It's not at the belly button, but on the right side of the top of the scar. I don't see the doctor for a week so any help would be appreciated.    — Ronda B. (posted on October 27, 2000)

October 27, 2000
I didn't experience tightness in my tummy, but boy did my legs feel tight - almost like a bad sunburn. Then it occurred to me I had gained 11 pounds in the hospital because of all the fluids they pumped into me. I was retaining water big time! Within a week, it subsided and I lost the water. I don't know if this will apply to your tummy...but just a thought. Good luck, and remember, 9 times out of 10, these little annoyances immediately after surgery tend to correct themselves as you heal.
   — Allie B.

October 27, 2000
Hi. My doctor told me that if I ever have any problems, or question, no matter how small, CALL HIM. He said better safe than sorry. Call your doctor!! It may be nothing, but hey your doctor makes a ton of money, make him work for it ;o) Seriously, call him, if nothing else it will help your state of mind. --Leslie
   — Leslie A.

October 27, 2000
I experienced my skin feeling very tight around my incision site. It was not as if it were contractions though. The tightness and pulling, as I was told by a nurse was part of the healing process. Still, if your not sure, by all means, call your surgeon.
   — PNethery