after math of tram flapp surgery

I had tram flapp surgery about 6 months ago because where I had reditation the implants would not heal. However now after 6 month,my stomach is very swellen and i really look huge. I am also on a chemo pill so I am thinking I may just be gaing weight. But my stomach is very tight (no way to hold it in) I did not have a band pu on me right after surgery, because I am only 4'11" tall. I thought I was going to get the best of both worlds a new breast and a tummy tuck. The only flat part of my stomach is right at the bottom, therefor I can not keep any pants to stay pulled up on me because once they reach the huge area they roll right down. I can not ware any of my clothes that zip or button. I really need help!!
I will be seeing my doctor again in December. Maybe he will have an answer for me.

[bluebutterfly2222]

I am sorry to here about the problems you are having following your TRAN flap reconstruction. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to have abdominal issues following that procedure. Here is a quote from SueYoung55 in a previous thread:


"The TRAM Flap comes from your stomach. The donor site will begin just at or below your belly button. With bilateral mastectomies they will take BOTH of your 6 pack stomach MUSCLES and crisscross them tunneling the left muscle up to the right breast and the right muscle up to the left breast. And though those muscles are great slings for the stomach tissue, skin and blood supply, once tunnelled you no longer have stomach muscles. The PS will insert MESH to hold things in where the stomach muscle had done before. Please read on this and you will see that there can be a lot of complications with MESH. Those stomach muscles are crucial right where they are and in my honest opinion should not be moved. They support your lower back. Tram flap patients have a high risk of hernias."

If you suspect a complication has developed, you might want to request earlier followup with  your plastic surgeon.

Best wishes...