Post gallbladder surgery swelling/bloating and discharge

I had my gallbladder removed exactly 2 weeks ago. I had my stitches removed 4 days ago and the doctor was a bit surprised how bruised up and swollen I still was but said it was normal. The nurse had a bit of a hard time removing the stitches in the belly button area because of scarring/scabbing. Afterwards I felt some stinging but relief. There was a big red blotch that seemed very sensitive to touch/clothing under the bellybutton. That showed up after I decided to wear my pants over my belly. I am not really overweight but look like I am about 6 months pregnant still. I have a small hard lump under the belly button and a larger one above. I also have a hard mass under the lowest incision on my right side with some residual visual bruising. 2 days ago I took a shower and was ready to out when I looked down and noticed reddish brown blood/discharge coming from my belly button incision. I tried cleaning it up and it would stop for a minute an then start again. I called the doctor on call and he said it was a hematoma and that this oily discharge might leak for a while but it was normal. Since then it has seemed to stop. There is now just a black "blob" by the incision site. It stings a bit when I shower but is otherwise fine. My question - how "normal" is this? Is there anything I can do to help reduce the swelling? And, has anyone else had this problem?

The reddish mark under the belly button seemed to subside but the small bumps and the "pregnant" belly is still there. I want to go back to work but nothing fits now!!!!

[michell221]

I just had this surgery and my surgeon said that in some people there will be a small area of hardness around the scar for possibly a few months.  He said it will eventually go away.  He also said draining is normal.  I have not had these problems so far but I would not be too concerned if you do not feel bad and do not have a fever .  If the incision were infected you would generally notice a bad odor and possibly feel sick.  I would have the surgeon take a look if it does not seem to be getting better in a few days and if it keeps leaking.  The swelling may take a few more weeks to go down as well. I was warned of this from my doctor.  I seem to have a bit of swelling in my right side where the 2 incisons were made.