Question:

I had a laparoscopy on Wednesday (today is Saturday) of this week.  I had two incisions:  one in my belly button and one above my bikini line.  I was given percocet for the pain, and this has been effective.  I finally felt well enough to shower, get dressed, and drive to the store today.  So I think my recovery is coming along well. What I’m confused by is this:  my stomach is so swollen, it’s making me look about 4 months pregnant.  Is it normal for one’s stomach to be so distended after a laparoscopy.  And, more importantly, will this go away?  So that I can fit in my clothes again?  Any feedback would be appreciated! Thank you.

Response:

Rhallo, During a lap, the doc fills your abdomin with gas so he/she can work better. Sometimes they don’t get all of it out, so one’s belly can be quite puffy. If this is the case, you should be having some chest and shoulder pain, as well. Megan :o )

Response:

That sounds exactly how I looked for several days after both my laps.  In addition, after my second lap, my boobs were also tremendous!  I suspect that’s because I had so much work done on my ovaries that I must have spilled tons of hormones into my system.  (My husband loved it! :-) )  It’ll go away in a few more days.  In the meantime, wear loose clothing so as not to irritate your tummy – it’s probably sensitive right now after the beating it took last week. You sound like you’re recovering well though, if you’re getting up and out of the house.  Try to stay active, but don’t overdo it. Best wishes, Anne in Southwest FL (Rhallo2105) writes: I had a laparoscopy on Wednesday (today is Saturday) of this week.  I had two incisions:  one in my belly button and one above my bikini line.  I was given percocet for the pain, and this has been effective.  I finally felt well enough to shower, get dressed, and drive to the store today.  So I think my recovery is coming along well. What I’m confused by is this:  my stomach is so swollen, it’s making me look about 4 months pregnant.  Is it normal for one’s stomach to be so distended after a laparoscopy.  And, more importantly, will this go away?  So that I can fit in my clothes again?  Any feedback would be appreciated!

92.7% of statistics are made up on the spur of the moment.

Response:

Hi, RH: What you are describing sounds perfectly "normal" to me – it happened after each and every lap I’d ever had.  I got to describing myself as the lap-pouch bellied woman after a while. It does sound as though you are healing nicely, getting up and about and what not.  I’m sure the distention of your abdomen will go back to normal after a couple more days.  Remember, it’s been cut open, poked, prodded and filled with gas, so it’s bound to be a bit swollen and tender for a bit. Keep feeling well and let us know how you are doing. All the best, Heather (HCG91570)

Response:

Hi,    I am not a doctor but I can tell you from my experience that each time I had a lap my abdoman was very swollen. It took different amounts of time on each surgery but I was always able to get back into my clothes and I do wear my clothing fitted. My last surgery was a laparotomy and I am still trying to get my tummy back to normal. I have gotton back into my clothes but they are a little snug. I think it just takes some time. It probably depends on each peron but you will probably be able to get back into your clothes within the next 2-3 weeks. Good luck to you. Take Care, Menoi http://members.aol.com/mandre2517/endo.html

Response:

Rhallo, During a lap, the doc fills your abdomin with gas so he/she can work better. Sometimes they don’t get all of it out, so one’s belly can be quite puffy. If this is the case, you should be having some chest and shoulder pain, as well.

Though I didn’t have any shoulder pain, just rib-cage pain.   Since diaphragm endo can cause shoulder pain (Dr. Redwine’s website says he considers shoulder pain diagnostic for diaphragm endo), I guess the gas pressure on the diaphragm is what causes that after a lap for some people. Anyway, Rhallo, it sounds like you’re healing well.  The puffy stomach will go away.  Walk around every so often – that will help it work its way out of the body.  (Does anyone know just how it gets out?  I assume it goes from cell to cell and into the colon.) =Tamar

Response:

 my stomach is so swollen, it’s making me look about 4 months pregnant.  Is it normal for one’s stomach to be so distended after a laparoscopy.  And, more importantly, will this go away?  

I, too, have had, and currently have, the attractive lap belly. After my first lap I went right on Lupron, so I kept gaining the weight so I never fit into clothes! But after the last lap in September, it took me about 2 months to get back to where I was before the surgery.  I was not comfortable in pantihose for almost 4 months, but this is mostly due to a belly button that’s had 4 incisions in it (now 5). Assuming you are not on any medicine that would be causing you to be "puffy" like prednisone or hormones, eventually you should be able to fit into to your clothes.  I take longer than most people.  You may, too.  But that’s the best part about laps in Winter-the clothes are thicker and it’s less noticeable! And remember, a long blazer is your friend. -Michelle W.

Response:

Related Questions