Question:
Why is my tummy still so big?

I asked this question a few of weeks ago but I am now six and a half weeks post op and still my tummy is so big, especially at the top. I don't expect to end up with a flat abdomin, but I have never had my tummy stick out this much after losing even 15 lbs. When I turn sideways there's this peakish like appearance to the upper part. I will be seeing my doctor on the 28 but till then, anyone have a similar problem? I'm really hoping this isn't a hernia. I'm not up for going under the knife again anytime soon.    — Rosa F. (posted on August 23, 2003)

August 23, 2003
It seems that the place you want to lose it the most is the last to go!! I have lost 150lbs and still am about the same size around the waist. I have lost 3-4 inches but that is is. You have to remember you are fat all over not just your stomach, it'll come though. Just give it time.
   — dkinson

August 23, 2003
That sounds like you have Diastasis Rectii. I have the same condition. I got it partly from the obesity partly for having so many children (8 kids). Basically, instead of the abdominal rectus muscles being tight and straight up and down, they tend to curve (or bow out) and leave a "hernia" if you will. When you lie down and lift your head as if to do a stomach crunch, your stomach "peaks" like a little mountain or such. If you do the same thing with normal abdominal recti muscles and you were say in the second trimester of pregnancy, you would get the same results if you did a stomach crunch. Talk to your md and also keep me posted as I'm curious what happens after you lose a lot of weight as I'm facing the same thing. Hugs and best wishes Terri
   — tinky471

August 23, 2003
But I never had a really big tummy before, so why only after surgery is this a problem. My tummy is usualy one of the first things to go even if I just lose a few lbs. The bulge does goes down, slightly, when I lie down. I always had a nice shape to my body, even at 270 or so, but I look like a big roundish pear now. I'm don't liky this new look Please don't get me wrong, I'm happy to be loosing weight, but my shape was better before the surgery sigh. I tried on some old clothing and they don't look as nice on me as the items did when I was the same size maybe 7 months prior to surgery. Yes, I am little vain, but still a loving and caring person, that takes pride in my appearance no matter what my size. I will keep ya updated after I see the doc.
   — Rosa F.

August 24, 2003
Rosa Thank you for asking this question. I too have this, but I thought it was just me and that I was still swollen from having to have 2 major surgeries right after the original due to complications. Sure hope that something can/will be done because between that and my big pannus I am having trouble fitting pants around the waist.
   — Wendy G.

August 24, 2003
Rosa, I wouldn't worry too much about this just yet. I had lost 35-40lbs and was still wearing the same size pants as I did pre-op. Now that I've lost 100lbs at 5 months post-op, I have gone from a size 22 to a size 12. I know it can be frustrating but just give it some more time would be my advice and ofcourse, talk to you Dr. about it when you see him. Take care and good luck! :0)
   — denisel

August 24, 2003
Hey Rosa, amazing I came to the questions and answers for this exact same question. I'm 6 months out and have lost about 93 pounds. In the last few days my tummy has started to get big and hard....It actually appears to be in the place where my pouch is located....when I was first post-op it seemed to occur when I had eaten to much....I'm wondering if this is what is going on.....the only problem it has been doing this for about a week...I thought well maybe my system is all blocked up...but no problems there and it really doesn't appear to be a hernia...I'm at a loss as well. Have my 6 month appointment in a couple of weeks...but wanted to know something now....Thanks for asking the question.
   — D L.