Question:
I am 6 months post op tummy tuck...

And I need help from anyone who has had a tummy tuck.... Does anyone else get BLOATED and swollen from the belly button down to the pubic bone area towards the afternoon/evening time? First thing in the morning my tummy is super flat, but as the days goes on, it gets bigger and more firm. By evening, I look four months pregnant! I don't think it's swelling because it just started happening recently. Can anyone relate or tell me what's wrong? I'm almost tempted to see a gastro doctor to find out if it's intestinal because I'm scared to death of twisted bowel or adhesions. Help!    — michelle T. (posted on September 7, 2003)


September 7, 2003
I am 5.5 months post tummy tuck and get the same thing especially if I eat something more fatty than usual or a few bites more than usual. this recently bagan maybe 2-3 weeks ago. I just assumed it was cuz there isnt any fat between the inside and the outside (does that make any sense?) I do still swell aften nearly daily from the breast down to the pubic area. Good Luck, Lesley
   — Lesley T.

September 7, 2003
I just had my tummy tuck & breast lift (and hernia repair) exactly two weeks ago tomorrow (Mon., 9/5). I'm still in the girdle, but still feel swollen at certain times. I have no one to compare things to so I can't really answer your question. I just didn't know going into this that I would have to wear the girdle 24/7 for six weeks and cannot take a full bath for 6 weeks. Or, that I have to sleep in a reclining position for several weeks -- I cannot sleep. But, I would still do this again.
   — Betty Todd

September 7, 2003
I had a lower body lift in February and I have noticed the same thing. I get kind of puffy from the belly button down in the evening. It seems that the more that I'm on my feet durning the day the puffier I am in the evening. I thought it was just me so thanks for asking!
   — Pamela B.

September 7, 2003
Lets see I had mine June of 02 so I'm what 15 months out. I still have days where I swell. I also wondered if it is my innards "puffing out a bit" and that before there was too much fat there to notice? And I've also noticed that when I do too much physical stuff (heavy lifting, lots of physical work)it sort of swells then too. Maybe muscles? I don't know, I'm quite a ways out and still notice this myself. Not sure this helps but at least you know you aren't alone.
   — Shelly S.

September 8, 2003
I've seen this discussed on other boards. I think it's gas, which expands inside your intestines and causes the swelling. It's so noticeable now because your skin and muscles are so tight that it presses against them. Also apparently you have a harder time forcing it out. I know I often get more gas in the evening, and even with my flab I sometimes can see expansion. Blech!
   — Chris T.

September 8, 2003
I'm 13 months post-op tt and I can see my belly get larger too. I think it's from eating all day and also gas.
   — Patty H.

September 8, 2003
Thank God, its not just me!! I had mine done on March 31, 2003. I have the same thing but mine is mostly the upper belly. I know its from eating, but still! I have a definate bulge by the end of the day. Its weird! Least we know we aren't alone!
   — Kris T.

September 9, 2003
I have not had a tummy tuck done yet, just had the gastric bypass but lately I have noticed the same thing towards the afternoon and as the day goes on... It's really strange.. then in the morning it seems normal again... The end of October will be a year for me..
   — Anne T.




Click Here to Return
×