Is It Normal to Feel a Bloated in Stomach After Breast Aug?

Anesthesia drugs can decrease normal GI tract function, and even as they wear off, narcotic pain medications and reduced activities can slow intestinal movement of food and gas through the gut. Bloating and constipation result. Laxatives stimulate peristalsis, but may not work uniformly in all areas of the GI tract, leaving cramps and a more bloated feeling. Try to stop your pain pills as soon as possible. Tylenol will not disturb gut function!

The second cause of that bloated feeling is actual fluid swelling from your chest and breasts moving by gravity (as you are upright most of the day) towards your abdomen, hips, and eventually legs. This can add to an already bloated feeling.

Do not restrict fluids or take "water pills;" you need to stay hydrated to return to normal bowel function. Be up and active (do not exercise) as movement helps restore gut function. Take stool softeners and go easy on the stimulants (laxatives).

Relax; this will pass in another day or two. If your bowels have not returned to normal function by day 6, you should call your doctor. Best wishes!

It is not uncommon to be bloated (or constipated) and to retain fluids after having a surgery performed under general anesthesia. Anesthesia, painkillers, antibiotics may cause such occurrences. It is recommended to drink plenty of water, eat healthy and move around a little to help your bowel movements and bodily functions get back to normal.Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Thank you for your question. It is quite common to be constipated after surgery, especially while taking narcotics.  I tell my patients to try to ween off of the narcotics as soon as possible and to push foods that help with constipation such as high fiber foods, prune juice, staying hydrated, etc.
 Frequent ambulation, over the counter medications and prescription medications that can be taken as well.
Best to communicate with your surgeon and see what he/she suggests. Best wishes.