Why Does My Stomach Seem to Be Bigger Than Before Post Hernia Surgery?

It is not a big deal if the stomach looks big after a hernia surgery, not something to worry about as it usually happens and can be healed. This situation can be improved with necessary guidance and follow-up. In no time you will experience immense strength and get back to your usual shape. Since many patients have this question, here’s what you need to know!

What Is the Reason For Change in Appearance?

After an open, laparoscopic, or robotic surgery, around the surgical area the abdomen looks bulgy. Here are some of the reasons.

1. Swelling & Inflammation After Surgery

Inflammation is triggered when your body is healing from surgery. Due to accumulation of fluids, it leaves a swelling in the tissue and you experience heaviness in the abdominal part.

1. Gas Formation After Laparoscopic Surgery 

When less-invasive hernia repair happens, the abdomen is filled enabling the operation. Initially, that gas remains trapped and it increases bloating resulting in a large-looking tummy. 

1. Water Retention 

While placing the mesh, it is common for fluid to get collected under the skin or inside the layers of the abdominal wall making it look bulgy.

1. Weakness In The Muscles

The abdominal wall needs to gain back strength after the procedure. At a slow pace, the muscles, connective tissue, and fascia recover and this inturn takes time for the stomach to go back to its normal shape.

1. Mesh Implant

When the mesh used for repair bulges or expands, it feels like a plate under the skin. Further this makes the abdomen look big. 

1. Pre-existing Issues

Often those who get a hernia operation done already have abdominal fat, poor posture, and weight issues. The repair is an add on. Once the procedure is done, it tends to make the abdomen look fatter. Another reason this happens is due to weakness in the abdominal wall. 

How Long Does The Abdomen Look Fat?

There are three factors that clearly influence the time it takes for the abdomen to get back to its normal shape after a hernia surgery – it is the procedure chosen to get the surgery done, size and kind of hernia inside, and quality of the patient’s physical health. Here are some timelines for a clear understanding:

• Initial 1-2 weeks – Gas, fullness, bloating, and swelling is present
• For 4-6 weeks – In this time frame the abdominal wall gets toned. Swelling and bloating slowly decreases.
• For 3-6 months – Slowly the stomach gets back to its normal shape and the abdomen starts to gain back strength.
• After 6 months – The bulging issue goes away on its own by now. However, if the bulge still stays beyond 6 months and it is large, it needs to be evaluated. 

Also Read- : Umbilical Hernia: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment Options

What Are The Warning Signs?

The abdomen can remain slightly to moderately enlarged, however, if it is abnormally heavy then you have to see your surgeon. Here are some alarming signs to pay attention to:

• Bulge increasing even after 8 weeks
• Visibility of the bulge near the repair part
• Fever not reducing, extreme heat, and redness
• Extreme vomiting and pain
• Difficulty in passing gas
• Signs of hernia relapsing 

Regain Your Health With Experts Guidance – Here’s How We Do It!

There are many patients who have done hernia repair at our centre and they are worried about their abdominal shape post surgery. These are some steps we follow to support all our patients’ needs.

• Counselling before the operation – We keep patients prepared about seeing an enlarged abdomen as a part of the recovery phase. Doing this is essential for patients to know what they are getting into.
• Extensive experience in any type of surgery – Before starting either a laparoscopic or robotic hernia repair, our specialist aims at evenly distributing the tissue, reducing trauma, and retaining gas so that there is a normal contour ahead. 
• Assessing the condition after surgery – For the abdominal shape to remain in place and to avoid mesh complications, the condition has to thoroughly be monitored. What needs to be done is assessment of the muscle swelling and the extent of muscle recovery.
• Well-designed comprehensive recovery plan – We aim at offering the right guidance related to bowel health, movement allowed, abdominal exercises, healthy diet, and necessary hydration levels.
• Holistic weight management – We help patients improve the appearance of their abdominal wall by working on their weight, providing tips on improving posture, and strengthening the abdominal wall. This helps a lot with hernia patients who are naturally obese.
• Evaluation of the mesh – Our team checks if the abdomen shape is getting back to normal after a certain period of time, if not we investigate as to why there is a mesh bulge, muscle weakness, possibility of relapse. Further if needed we opt to go in for a surgery. 

Best Tips to Help Bring Back Your Abdomen to Normal Shape

• Light walking and movement – Movement helps with reducing fluids and boosting circulation.
• Don’t lift heavy weights – It is essential to keep away from weights for over 6 weeks and keep your activity levels moderate until you have fully recovered.
• Use a support garment to alter the contour
• Try and maintain healthy bowel movements
• Avoid overeating and contributing to the existent bloating

• Keep a check on your weight

Evaluation Of Abdominal Enlargement After Hernia Repair

• Incision, muscle tone, and bulge is physically examined
• If we think you have a mesh bulge, we do an ultrasound or CT scan
• We check if the mesh has expanded or the position changed
• Factors like abdominal strength, comorbidities, weight, posture, and lifestyle is checked
• A well-designed plan is made to assess if further surgery is required

Treat Hernia With Us

We at Obesity Surgeon India work towards hernia repair, improving strength in the abdominal wall, and the shape. We holistically support this procedure by providing  techniques to promote healing, effective weight management, and assessment of the abdomen even after a few months. We do not take any risk with relapse of the condition. Unfortunately, if that happens, we take necessary measures to treat it. 

To understand more about our hernia repair services, follow-up care, and tips to weight management, consult us today. 

How to Lose Belly Fat After Hernia Surgery

Once your surgeon clears you for physical activity, usually 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, you can safely work on reducing belly fat. It is important not to rush this process. The abdominal wall needs enough time to heal before any strenuous exercise.

Safe steps to reduce belly fat after hernia surgery recovery:

• Start with short walks, 10 to 15 minutes, from Week 2. Gradually increase the duration.
• Follow a low-sodium, high-protein diet to reduce fluid retention and support tissue repair.
• Avoid heavy lifting or core exercises for at least 6 weeks after surgery.
• After your surgeon gives the go-ahead, usually 6 to 8 weeks later, you can begin light yoga, swimming, or stationary cycling.
• Core strengthening exercises, such as gentle planks and pelvic tilts, can start after 3 months with your surgeon’s clearance.