Question:
abdominal buldge

I am 12 weeks post bypass and have a huge ball in my abdomen..my surgeon says this is normal because the walls of my abdomen have stretched and my "girth" has allowed my "inners" to protrude...I look like I am pregnant or have a dodge ball under my breasts...I've lost 60 lbs with more to go..I started at 350 lb...and this has just put me into a deep deep...depression...it also hurts and affects my breathing...but he claims I must wait until I've lost my goal weight or at leat 12 months...I am embarrassed to go out of the house as I look 8 months due...plus I feel like "shi............t" anyone else with same problem...and do they have all the regrets that I have??????    — irene B. (posted on April 23, 2002)


April 23, 2002
I am sorry you are feeling unwell. I would push for more answers, I havent heard of this before and if you are in pain then that surely cant be normal. If I were you I would go back and complain some more or get a second opinion. Please go and see someone about the depression, the longer you leave it the deeper the hole you get into and the harder it is to climb out of. Depression could affect your weight loss, every cell in your body slows down when you are depressed, so please go and get that sorted. Take care.
   — Lesley B.

April 23, 2002
I'm 10 months post-op. I have had a bulge since about 2 weeks post-op. I asked my surgeon about it (I was CONVINCED I had a hernia) and he said I had weakend stomach muscles, and I may get a hernia there. He told me to start doing sit-ups every day, it should help. I'm still waiting for the bulge to go down, but I don't think it will go completely away without surgery. DON'T let it get to you. I started out at 298, now I'm 194. Still have about 45 lbs to lose. I am also "apple-shaped" which I think contributes to that bulge. Just don't go walking around naked! That's really the only time I notice it. And other than that jerk of a pharmacist who last week asked me if I was pregnant, no one else has noticed it either! Good luck!
   — Becky H.

April 23, 2002
It is much easier to respond to questions when people have more complete profiles. I think to ease your mind, you need a second opinion. You also need that depression treated. By the way, I grew up in Atlantic City. Hugs to you Fay
   — faybay

November 14, 2003
I haven't had my surgery yet, but it seems to me that after 12 weeks post-op, the pain and problems in breathing should be a problem that the surgeon needs to address. It simply doesn't seem right to me. Make him pay attention to you and if he won't, then get a second opinion.
   — redfearne

December 8, 2004
Hi I had my surgery in January 2003. I started out @ 750lbs went down to 465lbs but is back up @ 513lbs and I have a bulge too. *Laughing if ya put your hand on it you'd actually think I was pregnant..... it doesn't bother me that much when I'm not out in public anyway. My surgeon said it was a hernia developing and when I got closer to my goal weight he would be able to repair it for me. Hope that helps you some. *Hugs* to you.
   — maz

August 24, 2005
Friend, I have not had the surgery yet but do suffer from depression. It is something that will sabatoge your recovery so take heart in knowing that this too will pass. It has to... You've done the hard part. The worst is over! Unfulfilled expectations set me up for feeling angry and ushers me into the depths of depression. I have a fused ankle and a gimpy leg with much daily pain because of a car wreck 3 years ago. Exercising will be tough but I have decided that I just can't be done yet. I have to try. Don't lose hope! Congrats on the 60 lbs. Marcia
   — Marcia R.

August 24, 2005
Friend, I have not had the surgery yet but do suffer from depression. It is something that will sabatoge your recovery so take heart in knowing that this too will pass. It has to... You've done the hard part. The worst is over! Unfulfilled expectations set me up for feeling angry and ushers me into the depths of depression. I have a fused ankle and a gimpy leg with much daily pain because of a car wreck 3 years ago. Exercising will be tough but I have decided that I just can't be done yet. I have to try. Don't lose hope! Congrats on the 60 lbs. Marcia
   — Marcia R.

August 24, 2005
Irene, I'm sorry you are having such a problem. Before I had wls I had a hysterectomy ( stay with me here) a few months after it I started getting a bulge in the area, it turned out to be a hernia, it was painful, and caused a few other problems, digestive problems, it looked like a softball sticking out. Has your Dr mentioned this at all? Have you thought about getting a second opinion? I personally would be concerned about the lack of concern the Dr has with this, has he done any tests? sonogram? MRI? to check to make sure his opinion is right? I have never heard of a Dr telling a wls patient that thier inners protrude after surgery, but I guess it might happen. Please don't regret your decision yet. Get this checked by someone else and have it taken care of, then I'm sure you will be feeling much better. feel free to email me if you have any other Qs and please let me know how you make out. Congrats on the 60lbs gone, that is GREAT!! Good Luck to you ((((HUGS))))
   — KellyJeanB

August 24, 2005
OOPS!!! LOL didn't realize it was an old post. But, they advise can help anyone. LOL
   — KellyJeanB




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