Question:
Post Op Belly Size?

Hi everyone! I am 13 days postop (LAP RNY) and although I've lost 15 lbs, I look pregnant. I carry my weight all over but my belly is bigger than before surgery and I can't fit into pants I wore before surgery even with my weight loss because I can't button them around the waist. Will this change? When will the middle start to shrink?    — susanje (posted on January 20, 2003)

January 20, 2003
There is always swelling after surgery. Don't let that bother you. It will go down. Just give it more time.
   — Darlene P.

January 20, 2003
Hi and congratulations on your surgery. You might have the normal post-op swelling, which will dissapear soon. Or possibly have other things going on. If your stomach (old-distal stomach) is distended (enlarged) and filled with fluid or air, you'd be feeling very bloated and uncomfortable. If that's the case, call your surgeon so he can advise you. In the mean while, eat small amounts and walk as much as you can tolerate. Both those things will hep with getting rid of the puffiness associated with abdominal surgery. Take care, Diane N www.WeightlossSurgery.ws
   — DianeN

January 20, 2003
Hi, Not to be all personal or anything, but the week after I was home from the hospital, it looked like you could take a needle to my belly and pop it. I was bloated with gas and my doc said I could take gas ex to help. Gas felt different to me after surgery so I didn't catch the symptoms right away. Also, you have normal post-op swelling too. Good Luck!
   — Lyn S.

January 20, 2003
HI THIS IS ALL NORMAL, WHEN I GOT HOME AND MY NIECE WHOM IS 7 SEEN MY BELLY POKING OUT OF MY TEE AND SAID "AUNT JANNY YOU DID NOT TELL ME YOU WAS HAVING A BABY" AND ABOUT 7-10 DAYS LATER IT STARTED TO DEFLATE.
   — Janice C.

January 21, 2003
heya hun.. my stomach was swollen for a month or more.. walking helps.. then overnight it went away.. so just walk ..and know that it will go away.. because literally over nite i went from the 24 pants i was wearing to fitting into an 18/20.. so dont worry hun.. hope this helps..*huggles and bb*
   — johanna F.