It is possible for your stomach to remain “big” or bloated even after a hysterectomy. This is because hysterectomy is a major abdominal surgery that can affect many of the organs in the abdominal cavity.
This can lead to discomfort, pain, or swelling in the area that can take time to go away. Additionally, the surgery can cause a build-up of excess air or fluids in the abdomen that can make you feel bloated or full.
Furthermore, the body’s natural healing process will cause some degree of swelling and inflammation in the surgical site, which can lead to a bloated tummy. You may also be constipated or have a slower gut transit time due to the pain relievers or antibiotics you’ve been prescribed after the surgery.
Eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of fluids can help with constipation. Additionally, waiting for the bladder to fully heal and the muscles to completely relax can help relieve the feeling of a full stomach.
If these changes don’t help, you should talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.
How long after a hysterectomy does your stomach go down?
The time it takes for your stomach to go down after a hysterectomy will vary depending on a few different factors, including the type of hysterectomy procedure that you underwent, the physical condition of your body, and other medical factors.
Generally speaking however, most people will see some changes in their stomach size within the first several weeks following their hysterectomy. If the hysterectomy was a laparoscopic procedure, then the patient may even experience more immediate results in terms of reduced abdominal size.
For those patients who underwent an open abdominal hysterectomy however, it may take longer for their stomach to go down and their abdominal muscles to regain tone. It is important to remember that it will take time for the body to heal properly, so it is important to follow your doctor’s orders and engage in post-surgical physical activities such as walking and stretching.
With proper care and attention your body should recover over time, and you should see your stomach go down within a few months of your hysterectomy.
Why can’t I lose weight after total hysterectomy?
After a total hysterectomy, it is normal to experience some difficulty losing weight. This is because the procedure can cause shifts in your hormones and metabolism, which can affect your ability to lose or gain weight.
Additionally, many people experience changes in their eating patterns, either as a result of the surgery itself, or as a side effect of medications prescribed afterward. These patterns may lead to increased calorie consumption, ultimately resulting in weight gain.
Factors such as age, activity level, nutrition, and stress levels can also affect your ability to successfully lose weight after the procedure.
It is important to seek the advice and guidance of your doctor before engaging in any weight management programs. They can help you determine the right approach, which may include creating a balanced diet plan, adopting a regular exercise routine, and taking medications or supplements to manage any hormonal imbalances.
Your doctor can also help you identify any potential underlying issues, such as metabolic disorders, that may be preventing you from successfully losing weight, and provide customized solutions to help you reach your goals.
Does the shape of your stomach change after hysterectomy?
The answer is: it depends. The shape of your stomach can change after a hysterectomy, depending on the type of procedure that is performed. A total hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus) may lead to a slight decrease in abdominal size, as the uterus is removed along with the surrounding fatty tissue.
If the procedure only involves the removal of the uterus alone and not other abdominal organs, the stomach may not appear significantly altered in terms of size or shape. However, if the hysterectomy involves the removal of other abdominal organs, such as the ovaries, structures will typically be rearranged during the surgery which may slightly alter the shape of the stomach.
In addition, some patients may find that their abdominal muscles have weakened and resulted in a slight change to the shape of their stomach. This is more likely in cases of large or complex abdominal surgeries such as those involving the removal of multiple organs.
How do I get rid of my belly bulge after a hysterectomy?
Getting rid of a belly bulge after a hysterectomy can be a challenge, particularly for those who have had a significant amount of belly fat or tissue removed during the procedure. The best approach to getting rid of the excess fat is to combine a balanced diet with regular exercise.
Eating a healthy, whole-foods diet and limiting intake of processed and sugary foods will help you to lose the extra pounds over time and reduce the appearance of your belly fat.
Regular strength and cardiovascular exercises are also essential for shrinking your midsection. Core and abdominal exercises such as planks, bridges, and crunches will help to tone and strengthen your abdominal muscles while also increasing your metabolic rate, which in turn helps with weight loss.
Similarly, aerobic exercises such as walking and running will help to burn calories and fat, reducing your belly bulge.
In addition to following a healthy diet and exercise program, some other tips to help with reducing your belly fat after a hysterectomy include sleeping 7-8 hours each night, drinking plenty of water, and reducing your stress levels.
Combining these lifestyle tweaks with healthy eating and regular exercise will help you to reduce your belly fat and get your body looking and feeling its best.