If your surgery was laparoscopic, you will have bloating because they fill you with gas (usually carbon dioxide) to get a better visual field. That can leave you bloated and in pain (even up to the shoulders). But even other methods of pelvic surgery can cause some post-op bloating. I don't know how long it typically takes to go away.
Thank you for your reply :) They first did it as a laparoscopic (key hole)but that wasn't successful so they then did it as a laparotomy (incision on lower stomach/bikini line)..hope I said that right. Since then I've just had a lot of pain in the incision area, lightheadedness, and my stomach has just been so bloated, I can't fit into any of my normal jeans at all unless it's a stretchy fabric. I just feel like my stomach looks so huge
Yes it is very normal! I had a laparotomy as well and I (sorry to say) did not fit back into my jeans for about 4 weeks. I think it all depends on the size of cyst and how extensive the surgery was (mine was 14 cm with a 6 inch incision). Hopefully yours won't last quite so long. Luckily, it was summer and I was able to wear dresses Once your incision heals somewhat, you may try a belly band or spanx to help you fit into your pants, especially if you need to for work. I liked wearing spanx/supportive undergarments that fit up above my belly button. The extra support actually helped with the pain and also made my belly look smaller in my clothes.