Hernias often require surgical repair to prevent complications and relieve discomfort. However, surgery comes with its own set of side effects. One of the most common things people notice afterward is a swollen or bloated stomach. While it might feel strange or look concerning, it’s usually temporary and part of the recovery process.
In this blog, we will discuss why your stomach might appear bigger after hernia surgery and how you can manage these changes during recovery!
Reasons Why Your Stomach Is Bigger After Hernia Surgery
Here are some reasons why your stomach is bigger after hernia surgery:
1. Post-Surgical Swelling and Inflammation
One of the main reasons your stomach might look bigger after hernia surgery is swelling. Surgery causes your body to send healing signals to the area, which leads to inflammation. This is part of the healing process, but it can make your stomach appear temporarily larger than before the surgery.
2. Fluid Retention and Edema
After surgery, your body can retain extra fluid, especially if the hernia was large or the surgery involved moving tissues around. This fluid, called edema, can make your abdomen look swollen. Over time, the body will reabsorb this fluid, and the swelling should go down within a few weeks.
3. Trapped Air and Bloating
In laparoscopic hernia surgeries, doctors use air to create space in the abdomen. Although most of this air is removed, some may stay behind, causing bloating and a feeling of fullness. Anesthesia can also slow digestion, leading to more gas and bloating.
4. Changes in Muscle Tone and Scar Tissue
After surgery, your abdominal muscles may feel weak or swollen, which can cause your stomach to look bulging. As your muscles heal and regain strength, the shape of your abdomen should improve.
5. Bruising and Discoloration
Bruising around the incision sites is common after surgery and can make the area look swollen or discolored. This happens because of increased blood flow to the area, which should fade as you continue to heal.
How Long Should Bloating Last After Hernia Surgery?
Several factors can affect how long swelling lasts after hernia surgery. These include the type and size of the hernia, the complexity of surgery, daily habits, and diet.
Typically, most bloating will subside within a few days as the body releases trapped gas and adjusts after surgery. However, some residual swelling or bloating may linger for several weeks.
Tips for Managing Stomach Swelling After Hernia Surgery
If your stomach seems bigger after hernia surgery, here are some tips to promote fast recovery:
- Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, like medication and wound care
- Take short walks to reduce swelling and improve blood flow
- Eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation and bloating
- Don’t lift heavy objects or strain until your doctor says it’s okay
- Use abdominal support gear to decrease bloating
- Keep an eye on your symptoms and let your doctor know if anything changes
When To Seek Medical Help?
While bloating comes as a common side-effect after hernia surgery, here are some abnormal symptoms to look out for:
- Persistent or worsening swelling
- Growing pain and inflammation around the incision
- Fever
- A firm and quickly growing lump or bulge
Overall Insight
It’s completely normal for your stomach to appear bigger after hernia surgery. Swelling, fluid buildup, and trapped gas are all part of the healing process and usually improve with time. However, if you notice persistent swelling, pain, fever, or a quickly growing bulge, it is important to seek medical help.
For more questions, consult Dr. Rick Ngo at Texas Hernia Specialists. Book an appointment at (888) 365-1544.