Question:
I have huge bruise on my belly, completely covers bottom of belly by navel

I also had a small hernia removed that they found doin my Lap RNY~ is this caused by the hernia removal? It doesn't cause pain but it is very itchy    — Patricia F. (posted on April 7, 2003)

April 7, 2003
It could be some bruising from the hernia repair, but it is more likely from the subcutaneous heparin shots they give you (best absorbed from the abdominal tissues) to help prevent blood clots post op. It is nothing they "did wrong", and it will eventually fade away like any other bruise.
   — koogy

April 7, 2003
I Agree with Susan. I had several bruises all over my abdomen and it took about a month or so for them to go away. The heprin shots thin the blood which begins at the site of injection. Hence the bruising. Not a painful bruise, just discoloration. Nothing to be worried about!
   — sammygirlwpc

April 9, 2003
I also had a large bruise in the same place after surgery. My Dr. told me it was from the heperin shots and was normal. It was not painful and eventually went away.
   — Shannon T.

April 9, 2003
Yep sounds like heparin to me. I had the same thing and was so shocked. I told my doc that he should warn or at least tell the nurses on the floor to warn patients about the bruising. It took forever to go away but the heparin keeps us from throwing clots so it is a good thing! Alma (VBG 1/28/03, down 38 lbs.)
   — Alma W.