Post-lap bloating advice

[Z_tz]

Hi ladies,

I had my first laparascopy on Wednesday and was diagnosed with endometriosis.

I was pretty lucky and, despite having stocked up on peppermint tea, had minimal shoulder pain from the gas, so I think my surgeon successfully removed most of it at the end of my op.

That said, I am extremely bloated/swollen and look about three months pregnant. I'm guessing this is due to the obtrusive nature of the surgery itself, rather than the gas.

I have three incisions (belly button, left of belly button and bikini line) but the bloating is mostly around my belly button. All of the incisions are healing fine, but the bloating is making me very uncomfortable and seems to worsen when I eat.

Does anyone have any advice on how to help reduce the bloating or how long it might last for?

Thanks!

[Sar_]

Hi,

From my experience it takes a good week or two to go down. It’s also due to the bruising of what they’ve done inside as well as the gas.

Have you tried peppermint tablets (Holland and Barrett do some)?

[Z_tz in reply to Sar_]

Thank you for your advice. Did you take the peppermint capsules with food to try and reduce the bloat after eating?

[Sar_ in reply to Z_tz]

I think you can take a few a day - they are called digestive enzymes. Good in general. Like most people have said, you’re in early stages post op so please don’t worry about the bloat. When they operate it causes trauma inside so you will be bruised and bloated. Rest lots ☺️ xx

[Catness]

Bloating and swelling from the trauma of the surgery usually takes around 2-3 weeks to go down from my experience. Just got to let yourself heal xxx

[Tinkerbell16]

Hi Zozzy

Glad you are kn the mend, in my experiencethe bloating will last at least 6 to 8 weeks and if you overdo things you will swell more as the day goes on. Just wear stretchy leggings and be comfortable, it will calm down in time. X

[Jojo2088]

Hi!

I had my 2nd lap 2 weeks ago and I was exactly the same. I had zero gas pain and was so surprised as I remember the pain the first time. I had to spend a night in hospital but when I was up and walking around I noticed how bloated my stomach was and I looked pregnant for about a week and a half. I couldn't eat very much but I also noticed I felt more bloated after eating, especially my evening meal.

Keep drinking peppermint tea and have little walks when you can, it helps any gas to shift if there's any left but you just have to rest and let your wounds heal as you'll be all bruised inside.

I am finally back to my normal unbloated self now so don't worry, you will be soon too!

[Z_tz in reply to Jojo2088]

Thank you so much for your reassurance. I'd been told/read lots about the bloating and pain from the gas, but nothing about the swelling from the surgery itself! I had stopped the peppermint tea so will definitely pick this back up

[Kate345]

I had my lap on Thursday and have no gas pain! I woke up with a headache today, maybe the hot weather.

I’m still really bloated.

I woke up today managing to move a lot more but still pottering.

Give yourself a good two weeks to heal, I know it’s boring and annoying but I like to think of it as a mini reset

[Z_tz in reply to Kate345]

Wishing you a speedy recovery. It's not much fun sitting still but it has to be done!

[Lllllllllllll]

Hi. I found lying down on my back with two cushions under my knees helped the swelling and gas to calm down (which was always worse by the evening), but it took a good two weeks for me to feel human. Good luck!