Question:
Bloated, hard feeling stomach area.

I had surgery 11-11-99. I came home 11-14. I have no fever or incision redness. I realize this is major surgery and maybe this hard feeling is normal. I feel like I have a softball just under the breast bone. The incision is tender which I expected. I'm drinking at least 60 to 80 oz. of liquids so maybe that is contributing? Anyone else having this type of feeling? Thanks, Laurie    — laurie H. (posted on November 20, 1999)

November 20, 1999
Laurie...I too had that bloated hard feeling in my stomach. In fact, my whole belly felt like it was going to burst it felt so bloated. It took awhile but slowly but surely it went away. I don't remember how long it took...just that it went away...maybe a few weeks.I believe it is just the swelling from the surgery. Leslie
   — Leslie B.

November 23, 1999
I had the same feeling for the first three weeks, and it now seems to be going away. I only feel it immediately after eating. Sometimes when I take a deep breath I feel like there is a hard lump under the breast bone, but I think this is quite normal from the surgery and will disappear with time. Good luck.
   — Janice M.

November 25, 1999
Hello, just answering your question. I had the same thing and thought it was because of to much water. Well my husband said your body is asking for more so we started full liquids and it all stopped. I had 4oz of carnation instant breakfast and 4oz of pudding all surger free. With in 10 minutes I was not tried and went for the longest walk ever since surgery. WOW I now feel great and it was my body ready for more food. I am 7 days post op and till I ate someting with a little base I thought I was in trouble so try that out but go slow. Thank God for my sweet husband he always is there for us.
   — JULIE S.