My stomach continues to get bigger after abdominal surgeries, is this diastasis recti or hernia or both? (Photos)

You need to be seen by your general surgeon. A CT scan can determine with absolute certainty if you have a hernia. Good luck!

Dear KristinR.B.,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

See your general surgeon again to get it your situation worked up. Complete work up and a physical exam by a general surgeon is required to determine cause of your abdominal bulging.

Thanks for the questions and photos. I'd be interested in what the general surgeon had to say about the abdominal distension as well. If the bowel inside is strangulating or partially obstructing he would be the one to decide whether reoperating was indicated. At that time the diastasis or ventral hernia could be repaired or if he was not willing to reoperate at least you'd have to piece of mind and information to give your plastic surgeon about the status of the bowel beneath. He would then be able to better recommend how the repair should be approached. Hope this helps.

Your pictures are very consistent with problems with the integrity of your abdominal wall. The abdominal wall is what gives the abdomen support and contains the contents of the abdominal cavity. I would get elevated by a general surgeon first and find out if your problem needs a hernia repair. Sometimes it is complex and a plastic surgery reconstructive approach will be needed.

Although we cannot make a confirmed diagnosis without a physical exam, I think the chances are quite high that you have a very large hernia. See your general or colon surgeon for a diagnosis. General surgeons do this type of repair.