Swollen belly!

[IFB2019]

Hi everyone

5 days along from my lap and all basically well, but my stomach is puffed up like a beach ball! I thought it might be opioid related constipation at first, but it seems more like gas or even fluid swelling. It's making the stitches feel extra tight and is quite uncomfortable generally.

Anyone in the same boat? Would be very gratfeul for any tips or advice on what's caused it. Is walking around to mobilise gas/fluid build up a good idea or should I be lying still and resting my stomach muscles?

[Adventure101]

Hi bloated stomach is quite normal after lap mine stayed for about 1-2 weeks before starting to go down after both my laps as they pump you full of gas during, walking around is good i also found peppermint capsules helped (peppermint tea is the same kind of thing but i dont like the taste) laying still for to long isn’t good as can increase the risk of clots. Hope it starts getting better for you soon

[IFB2019 in reply to Adventure101]

Thank you! I have some peppermint oil capsules arriving tomorrow along with some activated charcoal so fingers crossed. Feel a bit bad for posting this now as I've seen so many old posts asking the exact same question 😬🙈

[Adventure101 in reply to IFB2019]

No need to feel bad im sure everyone asks questions on here that have been asked before i know i have 😊

[Jojo2088]

Completely normal, take it easy with lots of rest but gentle walking will help ease the bloating. I also found peppermint tea helped. Hope you feel better soon! I feel much better after the 2 week mark xx

[IFB2019 in reply to Jojo2088]

Thank you, that's great to hear. I will do my best to be a peppermint-scented lady of leisure. X

[Jojo2088 in reply to IFB2019]

Hahaha that's a great title to have!! It's not often you get to stop everything and relax, enjoy it as much as possible despite the bloatedness and the pain. Feel free to ask me any more questions, I had the surgery last year so I know what it's like xx

[IFB2019 in reply to Jojo2088]

Thank you. One that springs to mind is when did you feel ready to drive (if you are a driver)? Got my mum here at the moment and dad but I live alone so don't have anyone immediately handy for lifts after they go. X

[Jojo2088 in reply to IFB2019]

I live in London so the tube is so easy to use but I did drive just over a month after surgery. Check your insurance before you do drive as you need to be able to do an emergency stop etc.

I did a lot of online food shopping and I even had one kind Tesco man unpack the food for me after he attempted small talk and found out I'd just had surgery haha! So kind of him xx

[IFB2019 in reply to Jojo2088]

That's lovely! I'm reluctant to ring the insurer as they'll use it as an excuse to hike my premiums. I will probably play it safe and leave it a good long while. It'll make me walk and get fit 🙂

[Amy-Marie]

Hi, im now day 11 post laparoscopy and still have bloating! I had to have laxatives provided to help with the constipation and tight feeling however i am still swollen (although less) and it worsens throughout the day if i eat, which still makes me feel very nauseous. From what I've read, it's unfortunately normal!! Lots of rest xx

[IFB2019 in reply to Amy-Marie]

Sorry to hear that. Maybe eating lightly and just concentrating on fluids is the way to go? I've taken ibuprofen last night thinking it might take down inflammation internally but who knows. Still on my back in.bed.this morning!

[Amy-Marie in reply to IFB2019]

Oh no, it's awful isn't it!! I hope the iburofen helps... ps. I got out of bed at 1pm just to move to the sofa!!! Need to give the body time xx

[IFB2019]

Quick update - less puffed up today (my mum.commented in fact). I have taken peppermint oil x1, activated charcoal x1 and ibuprofen 400mg on waking and at lunchtime so fingers crossed that will see me through the worst. All my inner 'plumbing' is operating normally btw.