Help my body looks different since having an operation

[appleslice]

Just looked at myself naked for the first time since my gynaecological laparoscopy last Monday and it doesn't look the same my hips are rounder and my tummy looks 6 months pregnant (I expected my tum to be still slightly swollen) but I didn't expect to look so different and so big, I am shocked and made me sad to see myself like that. Is it normal to
feel like this after after an operation or have I just turned into a larger lady

i think they put gas inside your abdomen - perhaps you are just a bit bloated?

I was thinking that but surely it would have gone down after a week. It is making me feel abit down

Hi I had a gynae operation to weeks ago a tvt my stomach swelled up and made me look pregnant too it is starting to go down now two weeks post op. I couldn't fit into anything but skirts the first two weeks can just squeeze into my jeans now I'm sure yours will go down too but consult your gp if you are worried about it.

My mother had a prolapse repair three years ago and she says that her tummy has been swollen ever since.

On dear Bonsoir don't say that please. I have had some adhesions removed. Thanks Annem1 that is giving me some hope. I have been drinking lots of water to, but my hips look massive.

I had a tummy tuck back in June. I was expecting a super flat tum (which I got) but not expecting the amount of swelling I experienced. Tum would start off fairly flat first thing but definitely be looking pregnant by the end of the day. I am now pretty much flat tum most of the day now but find I am often a little more round by evening. My surgeon told me this is normal for up to a year after abdo ops so am thinking that it is probably the same for gynae too.

I have found that wearing light support knickers very helpful in controlling swelling (ie not so tight you can't breathe - size up). You do need to let your body swell though - tis part and parcel of the body healing itself.

oh and I am only just getting into my regular trousers comfortably now. Spent the entire summer wearing maxi dresses!

Thank you tulpe that is giving me some peace of mind. I will have to give my self some time, I was just expecting to be back to normal with in the week.. it's making me feel very unattractive and not want to go back for further surgery in a few months for a hysterectomy and work on my bowel..

I will get some different pants, I am worrying about returning to work as tend to wear pencil dresses.

You are very brave tulpe going through that are you very pleased with the results?

TK Maxx is your best bet for support knickers. On average a fiver a pair for decent makes instead of the usual £20 mark.

Sorry to hear you are scheduled for more work. Not nice at all. Just take it really easy and rest up as much as possible.

I am really pleased with the results now. It took me a long time to summon up the courage to go through it (mama-guilt....what if something goes wrong etc) but I needed a hernia repair anyway so I figured if they are cutting me open let's get it sorted nice and neat :o

Apple - it sounds like you have major surgery ahead of you. maybe you need to get a bit more information about it before you go ahead

Hi Kristina yes is major surgery that i have got a head of me will no more in depth when i go back in 3 weeks. Just hate this feeling that i have got of what i look like and it seems so shallow i never used to be like this being ill before this op made me feel unattractive and i still do.

Yes Avril thats what she mentioned after she came to see me after my op. Give me counselling to help deal with what is to come.