Why Is My Stomach Bigger After Hernia Surgery? A common side effect of inguinal and umbilical hernia surgery is swelling. For most hernia repair patients, swelling is normal and nothing to worry about. In extremely rare cases, swelling can indicate infection, repair failure, or something more serious.
Swelling at surgical sites is normal; this will often feel like a firm ridge. Abdominal bloating is common. Bruising and funny colors are normal and will fade over the first week.
Since normal swelling after hernia surgery is part of the healing process, the body can take three to six months to get rid of the swelling. In patients with very large inguinal hernias that extend down to the scrotum, sometimes the swelling may be there for longer than six months.
It is our belief that the repair of the rectus diastasis is critical to a good outcome. Not only will it decrease the chance of a hernia recurrence, but will improve your core strength, stop post-pregnancy bulging due to abdominal wall laxity, and create a flatter, more functional muscular abdomen.
When the bulge or swelling doesn't go away after few months or if there is a discolouration of skin that doesn't go away, you will need to see your doctor again. Bulge or swelling that shows up after several months after the surgery can indicate a recurrence which needs to be treated again.
The cramping and bloating usually go away in 2 to 3 months, but you may continue to pass more gas for a long time. Because the surgery makes your stomach a little smaller, you may get full more quickly when you eat. In 2 to 3 months, the stomach adjusts. You will be able to eat your usual amounts of food.
Avoid Foods that Are Harsh on the Digestive Tract
As you heal from your hernia surgery, it will be best to say no to foods that are hard to digest (such as red meat), and foods that can cause acid reflux, such as caffeine, chocolate, and spicy foods.
Your surgeon will make a cut over the hernia and free up the 'hernial sac'. If only fat is pushing through, your surgeon will either remove the fat or push it back. If contents of your abdomen are also pushing through, they will place the contents back inside your abdomen.
Take it easy and let the pain be your guide. Avoid heavy lifting to aide in the healing of your incisions. You may also feel easily fatigued and "washed out" for a week or two following the surgery.
Your lymphatic system has been impacted
One of the main reasons swelling occurs in the body is that the lymphatic system has been disrupted during surgery. I always remind my patients that swelling is an important part of the recovery process and is essential for healing!
Will my stomach shrink after hernia repair? The size of your stomach will not necessarily shrink after a hernia repair. However, depending on the cause of your hernia and the type of repair you have, you may experience changes in your abdominal appearance after surgery.
At first you may need to rest in bed with your upper body raised on pillows. This helps you breathe easier and may help lessen post-surgery hernia pain. Cold and Heat: Both cold and heat can help lessen some types of post-op pain.
Mild pain or tenderness around the surgery site is one sign of hernia mesh failure. Some patients may experience hernia recurrence, bulging or infection. Reasons for hernia mesh failure include product design, a patient's preexisting health conditions and surgical techniques.
Some degree of abdominal distension (swelling) is to be expected after surgery. This is due to distension of the intestines and resolves over time.
Most patients will be fully recovered in one week and can resume some normal activities, such as driving, walking and some duties at work; however, due to the use of internal stitches or staples, your surgeon will advise you when it is safe to resume any heavy lifting pushing or pulling.
No. Only fibrous tissue is cut and the muscle is split and retracted out of the way. This way no muscle is cut and patients have little pain and no disability after surgery.
Deep breathing and circulation exercises are good. Try to avoid vigorous coughing if your repair was done with the open method. Coughing may strain your incision. For a couple of weeks, when you need to cough or sneeze, splint your incision.
Leave bread (especially white bread) and chicken until last as these have the greatest tendency to get stuck in your gullet. If you are having difficulty with the soft diet, avoid a normal diet until you have your follow-up appointment in the outpatient clinic. You may need to remain on a soft diet for a little longer.
After hernia surgery, this soft diet is generally recommended for at least six weeks. You can take beverages that are not carbonated or free from alcohol or chocolate, along with the Nissen soft diet.
Avoid the following until swallowing is free and easy (usually four weeks): • fresh bread • rice • cake • hard biscuits • grilled and fried meat, especially steak, chicken, unless pureed, minced or finely chopped • aerated drinks (soft drinks, milkshakes – unless soda water is required to relieve blockage) • highly ...
Why Is My Stomach Bigger After Hernia Surgery? A common side effect of inguinal and umbilical hernia surgery is swelling. For most hernia repair patients, swelling is normal and nothing to worry about. In extremely rare cases, swelling can indicate infection, repair failure, or something more serious.
The most common complications are difficulty swallowing, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, and nausea. Most patients can't belch as well as they could before surgery, although the inability to belch is distinctly uncommon. About 25% of patients can't vomit after surgery.