Why Do I Feel Bloated and Uncomfortable After Eating 3 Weeks Post-op Tummy Tuck?

Question

I am 3 weeks post-op for a tummy tuck with a muscle repair, and an umbilical hernia repair. I have noticed that when I eat, I have to eat significantly less because I will feel extremely bloated and uncomfortable if I don't. I was wondering if and when this will stop happening. Also, I am concerned that being bloated will stretch out my fascia again, or ruin the tummy tuck result. I do still where a compression garment during the day and binder at night. Thank you very much.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

There are many reasons to bloat after tummy tuck.. Medications, anaesthesia, muscle tighteneing.

	Try simethicone or maalox plus (over the counter) .  laxative or fleets enema may be useful.

	simplify your diet for now.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

The tightening of the abdominal fascia is a part of most tummy tuck surgeries. This part of the surgery tightens the abdominal wall and increases the pressure behind the rectus muscle. There is less space for the diaphragm to descend during deep breathing which can slightly impair deep breathing in the first several weeks after surgery. The limited space also makes patients feel more full with smaller meals because the stomach organ also does not have as much space to expand into. These unusual feelings normalize with time and should not cause much alarm. Things should feel back to normal about 2-3 months after your procedure.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

What you are experiencing is quite common after tummy tuck surgery. It is probably related to the increased intra-abdominal pressure after the muscle plication;  if it becomes a major concern then a gastrointestinal workup may be  helpful.

	Best wishes.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

As previously stated eat small more frequent meals. Also if not improving by 3 months post op see your surgeon to be examined and obtain a GI evaluation. Regards

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Your feeling of "bloating" a few weeks after a tummy tuck is not rare and is related to the tightening of your abdominal wall with a resulting decreased intra-abdominal volume (capacity). In other words, because of the decreased "space" for your intra-abdominal organs, it will take less food volume for you to feel full (for example). There may also be other issues at play as well which may resolve with time.

	Unless you gain a lot of weight, this should have no impact on the muscle repair or the overall result. Wear the binder as instructed by your surgeon.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	This is not an uncommon sensation in the short period after a tummy tuck.  Try to eat smaller meals more frequently as this can frequently help with the feeling of bloating.  You will unlikely stretch out the repair of your abdominal wall.

	All the best,

	Dr Repta

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

This is totally normal as when the muscles have been tightened, the gas, air swallowing and general bloating associated with eating puts pressure on the repair and causes discomfort. Continue with the garments, watch out for gassy foods, eat lightly and more frequestly and this will eventually go away.

Why Do I Feel Bloated and Uncomfortable After Eating 3 Weeks Post-op Tummy Tuck?

Answers (7)