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Bloating after Laparoscopy for Cyst Removal

Hello, I hope I am following the rules and doing this correctly.  I've been reading around the forum but did not find answers to this question specifically.  Sorry if I missed it.

I had laparoscopic surgery for removal of a benign cyst from my right ovary 10 days ago.  I am ~25 years old and had been having symptoms for five months (main symptoms: lower abdominal pain, extreme 24/7 bloating and stomach distention - I look(ed) pregnant!).

Recovery is going ok, I've healed from the intubation and incisions (closing up nicely had only 2) but my organs (ovaries & uterus) do still hurt.  I can handle this but I am still so swollen/bloated/pregnant looking.  Is there an accepted time frame for this pregnant swollen look to go away?  I know everyone is different but I'm just wondering if I should plan on buying more "fat" clothes or can look forward to being my old self soon.  Thanks for any comments about your experiences with this.

My followup visit with my doctor is in 6 days.
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Avatar universal
I have a ovary removal surgery where I had a lots of scar tissues removed from previous surgery of the same nature. Now, I have a lots of paid on the top of my stomach and I can hardly eat stuff without feeling bloated. I am still in pain from my surgery after nearly 7 weeks of it. I feel a burning sensation on my stomach and I am bit concerned. Please shed a light on this symptoms.
Thank you.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Hello and welcome.  We're sorry you are having these issues post surgery.  Procedures like you had can take some time for recover.  However, I think after 7 weeks, having these issues would be worth checking into with the doctor that performed the surgery.  The normal recovery time is 2 to 4 weeks.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/oophorectomy/about/pac-20385030  Let us know what your doctor says.  
Avatar universal
So helpful to read all the comments.  I was an add-on for same-day surgery last week and assumed I could be back to work in a day or 2.  A week before surgery I asked the doctor about recovery time and was surprised to have her tell me 2-4 weeks and minimal lifting (<20 pounds).  I only arranged for 3 days.  My cyst was 7.7 cm and they took my right ovary and both fallopian tubes.  Otherwise, pre surgery, I was asymptomatic.  I'm now scrambling for a little more time off and may get away with one day off work in a 2 week post op period.  I'm hopeful that will be enough. I was worried about the bloating but the comments helped explain that.
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1 Comments
I recently had my left ovary removed due to a chocolate cyst.  The first 4 to 5 days, I was extremely sore. And, after a week, my incisions seemed to heal nicely.  However, the bloated feeling taken precedence over the pain. Although I try to wear loose fitting clothing, I still feel uncomfortable.  It has been almost 3 weeks since the surgery and the bloating continues.  I use teas with natural herbs to provide relief as well as ginger. However, the relief is temporary and the bloating remains.  I am hoping that my issues are not connected to my bowel possibly being disturbed during the surgery. I'm wondering, if the bloating does not cease, when should one feel alarmed ?
Avatar universal
So helpful to read all the comments.  I was an add-on for same-day surgery last week and assumed I could be back to work in a day or 2.  A week before surgery I asked the doctor about recovery time and was surprised to have her tell me 2-4 weeks and minimal lifting (<20 pounds).  I only arranged for 3 days.  My cyst was 7.7 cm and they took my right ovary and both fallopian tubes.  Otherwise, pre surgery, I was asymptomatic.  I'm now scrambling for a little more time off and may get away with one day off work in a 2 week post op period.  I'm hopeful that will be enough. I was worried about the bloating but the comments helped explain that.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had laparoscopic surgery 12 days ago to remove my right ovary and two cysts. I'm stunned by the bloating. I read that it was normal a few days after surgery to be bloated. My stomach had gone down so much I thought it the worst was over. Suddenly this afternoon I blew up again. I hate the bloated feeling and seeing how pregnant I look right now.

I saw my doctor a week after surgery and was stunned to learn that I had 3 cysts removed. Two had grown on top of each other and into my right ovary. He also removed a big one from my left ovary, which never showed up on any of the 3 ultrasounds I had. He was able to save my left ovary. Urinating was a struggle that first week. I think I had fear building up in my head that contributed to it still coming out in spurts instead of a steady stream. That is now back to normal. I'm 46, and today was the first day I drove and went out. I was exhausted from going out to get groceries.

Was anyone else told not to do any lifting for 6 weeks?  Originally I was told nothing heavier than a gallon of milk for that time frame. At my post-op check up he said I can resume normal activity at the two week mark, which is two days away. I didn't know this surgery was going to be so rough.
Helpful - 0
10243222 tn?1408756053
I had laparoscopic surgery 3 weeks 2 days ago for left ovarian cyst 4cm and stage 3 endometriosis and a D and C.It scared me the first time I went to the bathroom all I did was urinate a lot of blood. The first day for me was horrible I had gas pain so bad in my right shoulder and I was so sick to my stomach. The second day I wasn't sick but I had such horrible gas pain.I felt like I had aged I couldn't stand up right. I also looked like I was six months pregnant and had bruised really bad. I also got really bad shooting pain on my left side. I also had a hard time letting go my urine and it took a long time before I could make a bowel movement. I got the all clear from my doctor in the first week, which I was really surprised. It is now three weeks, I am still bruised mild tenderness and still quite a bit of swelling. should I be worried?
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Avatar universal
Thank you so much for your input. I had my ovary removed 6days ago and was told recovery would be 3-7 days. I was prepared to bounce right back! Let's just say this "simple" surgery was the worst! I have suffered with the gas pain and have a deep pain on my right side. Not to mention they were practically forcing me out of the hospital 30 min after they woke me up! I am due back at work tomorrow and a nervous wreck! I feel better after reading your post though! At least I'm not alone!
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Avatar universal
Just had surgery to remove a dermoid cyst on my right ovary 6 days ago. They were able to save the ovary but I had no idea how horrible I wworld feel after. I'm 24 and my stomach feels very bloated I hate eating cause of how gassy and bloated I feel and I hardly get the feeling that I need to use release my blater but I make my self go anyways. Is this normal to feel this way?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, it was nice to read your post.  I am going to have a surgery to remove the ovarian cyst and left ovary next Wednesday.  I am a Chinese too and wonder what kind of Chinese herb or soups that will helps the healing.  Do you mind sharing what works for you?  Thank you and wish you a good recovery.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just had a 6cm choc cyst or endometriomas removed from my left ovary. Recovery for me was fairly quick. The most harrowing period is the day of surgery and day after. I had to stay in the hospital for two nights, contrary to what I'd learnt during my research, which states that patients are able to return home on the same day of surgery. Honestly, I don't know how that is possible. I wouldn't advise it. If you can stay a night in the hospital, do so because you'll need it. By day three, you should be able to get up and walk about albeit slowly and cautiously on your own. I'm Chinese and thanks to my mom, who is familiar with natural, traditional Chinese therapies, she knew immediately what I'd be going through and what to do. The best cure for bloatedness (due to the co2 pumped into your body during surgery) is ginger. Just that. Pound a good amount of ginger and boil with water. Drink the ginger water when it's still warm, not hot and definitely not cold. Keep this up for a few days and I can almost guarantee you'll feel better. There are also diet restrictions that I'm following, according to trad Chinese med, and it all contributes to speedy recovery. I hope this helps.
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Avatar universal
I had someone take care of me in the first 3 days after my surgery.  The first days were the worst for me.  I felt like my stomach was filled with lead or something.  I also still look a bit bloated so maybe it takes a while to be completely normal again.  
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Avatar universal
I had my surgery 20 days ago. I only had three small incisions. The bad thing is sitting up from a laying down position. Get help. You will need it daily for 7 days. We have stairs in our house, about 8 or so, but nothing like 30. Limit your stair us if you can. Get help going up and down stairs. I felt much better when I was walking and I stayed overnight 1 night since I didn't get a room until 6pm. By 4am, I just got tired of waiting for a nurse to help me potty so I tried to get up myself to get to the bathroom. I shouldn't have done that on my own! But walking felt great.  But I walked very slowly. I didn't try to do a marathon. You will begin to feel a LOT better in 5 days, but don't kid yourself. You will want to do a lot more, but you can over-do it very easy. I was told from someone I know - she said give it two weeks.  My surgery said 1 week recovery, but this lady was right. 14 days.  You will still feel pain on the inside and near your belly button after 3 weeks. But the pain will be nothing after 3 weeks. The hardest part is the first 5 days after surgery, getting into bed and sitting up. That is why they are called sit-ups and man do they hurt.
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Avatar universal
Hi worried1957
I had a cyst and right ovary removed in March.  It's tough to walk around especially the first couple of days.  There is no elevator?  I think that first day will need help going up those stairs and will have to take it slow, do you have some one that can help you with doing the shopping or checking mail because it won't be good for your recovery to keep going up and down the stairs.  
Helpful - 0
1770628 tn?1313989774
I am awaiting laprascopic removal of right ovary and cyst and possibly left ovary if the doctor can do it without causing any danger.  It is atrophied (shrunken up) but the doctor said it can still produce cysts.  My main question is can I go up and down steps.   I have 32 steps into my apartment.  How will that affect my recovery.  Please help me to know what the situation is with this.  Thanks.
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Avatar universal
hi i hope som1 is still her 2 help me with a answer lol i had my overy left and a dermoid cyst the size of a grapefruit removed on the 17th sep 6 days ago i am looking 2 see if the bloating is normal as like u guys had i look like i am 6 mths preg at mo lol how long did i take for ur bloating 2 go down thanks
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Has anyone had good results reducing the bloating, and pressure and pain from gas, through things like Gas-X or changing the diet and nutrition?

I suspect we can change our diets to help relieve this.

I had both ovaries and fallopian tubes removed nearly three weeks ago, for a benign ovarian cyst.  (I am 51, and was done with my ovaries!)  I now realize I was not at ALL prepared by my doctor's office for what I would be going through.  I live in the U.S.; this was a day surgery, and I was discharged being told I could return to work and walk my dog THE NEXT DAY.  I can barely do that now.  The bloating was really bad for a week, then slowly began to dissipate.  I can now wear regular clothes, but I still feel pressure and dull pain, that may in part be due to gas, who really knows?

If you are reading this pre-surgery, please take it upon yourself to research the procedure, and prepare yourself for a slow recovery over a month, with plenty of help and support.

Here's what I wish someone had told me - prepare yourself and rearrange your life for being in bed, on total bed rest with just a little puttering around the house, for at least two weeks. I thought I'd be back at work on my laptop the next day!  (That's what the only handout I received indicated.)  I am a solo mother to two school-age children, and I had no backup help arranged for them and for simple chores like grocery shopping - big mistake.  Thank god my mother stepped in and filled the gaps! But it would have been far better to go into it expecting this, instead of feeling faint and bursting into tears and having to call her again each day.

You should arrange to take a two weeks off work, and then go back part-time for two weeks, but stay off your feet.  Rally your family and friends NOW to create a support network, and help you financially through this period, if you need it.  I am now 3 weeks out from laproscopic removal of both ovaries. My doc did not mention a word about recovery,  I downplayed it in my mind as "minor" surgery, and then had to keep cancelling commitments, day by day, and getting frustrated.  I would try to just do e-mail at the computer for an hour or two, and my body would start shaking from exhaustion. I felt like a wimp, until I read this forum.  Why don't doctors prepare us?  (And I have an all-women gyn practice!)

I went back for my two-week check-up certain there was something terribly wrong with me, because I was still in pain.  They checked me out and found nothing.  THey put me on an antibiotic, just in case it was a UTI, but nothing turned up there.  I think the pain and discomfort just lasts longer than they admit!  Also, gas causes a lot of the pain; I wish I had taken Gas-X daily.  (Unclear why this is, but they inflate you with co2 during the surgery, which is part of the problem - you will feel very bloated, like you're  months pregnant, for a good while.)  I also wish someone had told me to take a gentle laxative every day post surgery.  It took me five days to have a bowel movement, and that was not fun when it finally happened.  

It would have been better, psychologically, to just clear the slate for a month from the start. You can always add things back!  Don't expect to accomplish anything at all for at least two weeks. Get a lot of great books, magazines, movies and TV miniseries around you, give an assignment to every friend who asks "Is there anything I can do?" and just relax and enjoy the time off ...
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Avatar universal
I had the same procedure as you and feel the same with the bloating and pressure. My surgery was 2 wks ago and  I got a UTI last week and went on antibiotics but even after that I still have it. SO, I went to Dr today and they sent my urine out for a cutture and he said he may need a sonogram just to make sure everything looks ok.

Have you gotten and anwsers ot releif?  
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Avatar universal
It will take 2-4 weeks for stomach to back old place. For surgery they fill gas inside abdomen. They move organs. You will feel, some part of internal organs are misplaced, when you will laugh, you will separate outer later and internal organ. It will take time for whole system to go back to same old place.
Wear lose clothes and take rest, don't do active work for while.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for your input MarieMichele.  I'm getting concerned, and perhaps I shouldn't be.  I'm 12 days out from surgery now and I'm just as swollen and bloated as I was before surgery.  I feel the same as pre-surgery, all the pressure like I have a balloon under my skin.  The uterine and ovary pain is gone so it is just as it was before.  

My doctor told me 2-3 weeks and if it was only the cyst causing my bloating/swelling I would be back to normal, otherwise it was something else causing it.  I really want it to just have been the cyst.  I see him in 4 days and am so afraid he will say 'Something else is wrong with you if you still feel the same.'  I will make sure to ask him if it's possible I just need more time to recover.........I am hoping this is the case.  
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Avatar universal
It takes approximately a month for post-op swelling to decrease. Of course it varies by person, too.  Much depends upon how much work they did internally and it is always more than what is visible externally.  The fast healing of the incisions is no indication of how much more internal healing is still needed.
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