Question:
Can anyone explain why I have a very firm stomach from my belly button on up?

I know it's not muscle yet as I still have over 100 lbs to loose. I have alread lost 110 lbs but have noticed that my stomach is very hard. I look pregnant it is so hard. No pain but it just doesn't feel right.    — Nannette N. (posted on August 29, 2001)

August 30, 2001
You could possibly have a hernia. Contact your surgeon so he can check it out.
   — Dawn H.

August 30, 2001
I had the same thing and I found out I have a hernia. From my belly button up sticks out like I'm pregnant.
   — Helen C.

August 30, 2001
I had the same problem and went to see my doctor on Monday. I was afraid I had a hernia. He said no - that it was just scar tissue. He said some people have more scar tissue and others have less, but I shouldn't worry that it's a hernia unless it feels/looks like something is poking out. In my case, it's just firm and flat. Hope the info. helps.
   — Terissa R.

June 11, 2002
If you read my profile, you will see I had the same problem. For over a year after my surgery people kept asking me when the baby was due. It was psychologically damaging, let me tell you. No matter how much weight I lost everywhere else (and people were telling me that I was looking gaunt in the face, neck and shoulders!) it would NOT go from my upper stomach. I had people tell me I looked like I was having twins. 4-5 strangers each day would ask when the baby was due. And it was very firm, unlike the newly squishy rest of me! LOL! My plastic surgeon said that the distention was so dramatic that he was not sure he could get rid of all of it. But he did. I had the abdominoplasty/panniculectomy on May 1. The abdominal muscles were so lax but once he tightened them and removed the remaining fat that would NOT come out on it's own, I had a flat tummy. Once the swelling goes down completely (can take 4-6 months for it all to go down) I will be totally flat. At least that is my prayer!
   — Janice D.