Stomach is bloated and fat over 1 week post-op.

Question

I don't eat the healthiest meal but I've always been well shaped with a very flat stomach, except for a very short period of time right after a meal. It then almost instantly goes back flat to normal. After BA postop, my stomach has bloated quote a bit. It's been 9 days and my bowel movements have been normal since the 5th day, but my stomach is significantly much larger with the bloated stomach shape in tact. Even right above my public region and right under the crease of my stomach, it's out

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Congratulations on your surgery, and thank you for sharing your question.  It is very normal to bloat up in the abdominal region after surgery. A lot of your swelling does transmit down to the Tummy area because of gravity. this can even result in a 5-10 lbs difference on the scale. This does subside with every week that passes by. It may take several weeks prior to returning to baseline.  Good luck

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Bloating is not uncommon after this operation.  Please give yourself a few more weeks to let the bloating and swelling subside.  As always, maintain an open dialogue with your operating surgeon.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Rukmini S. Rednam, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello jenny4cosmetic,After having surgery some amount of bloating is completely normal from the anesthesia alone.  Using narcotic pain medications as well can really slow your normal intestinal function and cause cramping, gas, pain and slowed bowel movements.  If you continue have discomfort after another few days,  I would call your plastic surgeon to discuss which methods he/she would prefer to help you with you symptoms.  Common recommendations are drinking plenty of water, walking around, use of over the counter stool softeners and eating yogurt.Best of Luck!  I hope you feel better.Dr. Rednam

Amy T. Bandy, DO, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon at all for patients to get abdominal bloating after any surgery, as the body retains fluids post operatively.  Although you are having normal BM's since 5 days after surgery, your body is still retaining fluid for the first 2-3 weeks after surgery.  You will return to normal, be patient!

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us.Probably you have a paralytic ileus that is a condition in your bowels that occurs when you stay a lot of time without movements such as walking. That's why i suggest you to stay out of bed, take some vitamins and eat food rich in fibers to increase the bowel movements.Hope you get well soon,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your recent surgery!  Bloating is normal after surgery and can last a few weeks after. The pain medication and anesthesia along with swelling  can all be associated with this symptom. I would recommend a laxative, plenty of fluids and time. Best of luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, and I am sorry to hear about your bloating.  Some degree of bloating is common after surgery as a result of the anesthesia and prescription pain medication given to you, and as long as you are having regular bowel movements, this should resolve spontaneously over the next couple of days. If you do not see any improvement within a week, I would contact your surgeon's office.

Michael McNeel, MD, FACS · Answer

Your concern is a common one after breast augmentation and many other procedures as well. It is good that you are having normal bowel movements. Pain medication and constipation can certainly occur after surgery.There can be several other reasons for your stomach fullness.This typically means that the bloating is related to edema or excess fluid in your system. This is usually related to the IV fluids you received during surgery. I find that it takes about 7-14 days for many women to cycle that fluid through their system. You may notice that you will urinate a little more in the next few days.I have also noticed it when using an ace wrap on the chest/breast after surgery. If has always resolved on its own.Certainly pain medications can contribute to constipation of abdominal fullness. You mentioned you are moving your bowels normally so this may be only a small part of it. Some patients find relief with an enema. (sounds awful right)I usually suggest to my patients that light ambulation/walking can sometimes help get things back into shape as well.I trust this will resolve quickly and you will be concentrating on your breast appearance next! If not, just a quick call to your surgeon for their input would be a good step.Good luck,

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It can take a few weeks for the bloating to improve. It can be related to pain meds, and swelling from surgery.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi jenny4cosmeticYou are likely bloated from constipation.Call your plastic surgeon for his recommendations if this does not resolve by tomorrow.  I would suggest lots of fluids, Activia, stool softeners like Citrucel tablets, in the mean time.sek

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