Tram flap complications, yrs after op...

[Tripearl]

I had a tram flap done in 2002, and my recovery went consistently well, I plateaued for a few yrs, and now, for about 2 yrs, I feel a decline in the quality of my life. It feels as if I have a 200 pound weight around my stomach. It used to come and go, now it is mostly all the time....I have yet to find anyone to help, including my plastic surgeon. I am desperate to find out if this is a commom problem, which I doubt, or any explanation at all......thnaks





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[Archibald S Miller III, MD,FACS]

The tram takes one or both of your stomach muscles away. This weakens your "core" body strength. If you gain weight or your remaining muscles weaken, you will get a gradual bulging of your abdominal girth. This cannot be reversed with exercise, particularly if both muscles were taken. This will give some people a heavy feeling in their abdominal area. This is  sadly a very common result of TRAM surgery and a major shortcoming of the procedure.

                         arch s miller ms md facs

[sammedb]

I, too, have the same feeling and condition.  My TRAM was done July, 2003.  I have been to several doctors and they basically said I 'had gained weight', or I 'have an intestinal problem'.  All this time I have battled a mental war on what is wrong....including having stomach cancer!!  Now, I know.  And yes, I too am hearbroken from knowing this won't be 'fixed', but at least now I know.  Thanks go to Dr. Miller!!!

[Tripearl]

I am hearbroken to think that my condition is forever more, but blessed to even have a life at all, after having breast cancer three times. I only wish the Dr, had explained to me the full extent of this operations possible side effects. Had I known, what could be, I surely would have opted out. I could not in good conscience, knowing what you have told me, advise anyone I know, who may be in the position I was 7 years ago, to go ahead with this procedure...Btw,   what you have told me, in a matter of a few days, was the answer I have been searching for, and never got, and I appreciate your honesty.
                          Linda P