I have excessive belching 4 months post op Tummy Tuck. Any suggestions ?

Question

Age 62 I've had rare acid reflux & a small Hiatal Hernia x 10yrs. NO BELCHING! I am 4 mons PO TT with Rectus plication. PO I had severe nausea but no vomiting for appox.1 wk. Since then to the present I am PLAUGED with FREQUENT belching which worsens after meals. There is visible distention in the upper abdominal area always which worsens after eating along with a feeling of excessive fullness. Was the Hiatal Hernia worsened by the plication? Would an endoscopy be reasonable next step?

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

The visible distension of the upper abdominal area that you notice after eating is actually fairly common, and this happens because, as the stomach expands with food, there is pressure applied to the outer abdominal wall thus causing the fullness.  It should get better with time as your abdominal plication will relax slightly with time.  This may be causing the pressure on the stomach as well which as you postulate may have worsened the hernia.  I would recommend discussing this with your PCP who may even wish to send you to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation, but my guess is that it will slowly get better with time.  Best of luck with your continued recovery!

I have excessive belching 4 months post op Tummy Tuck. Any suggestions ?

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