Almost two months out of colon surgery with a colostomy bag and my stomach still looks bloated even though I lost almost 20 lbs. I'm not a big girl, so I'm guessing it just takes time? Resection surgery in about 5 weeks. I can't wait!
Robjac2
Jul 20, 2025 5:42 pm
SusanT
Jul 20, 2025 6:43 pm
It takes months for swelling to abate. Your reversal surgery will restart that clock. Get some long, loose-fitting tops and stretchy pants to tide you over while healing.
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Posted by: Nini4
Well, I hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression. He ticked me off, but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive.
I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best.
But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped, and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring. It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.
Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances, l not only survived but thrived.
I think of all the years I had suffered with such extreme pain, barely functioning, and the many hospital stays and how that is all behind me now. (All fingers, toes, and legs crossed that I never have to go near a hospital for myself ever again. I think I'd rather have a fork stuck in my eye. I loathe every about them.)
So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all. My Angels, each one of you.
And as the Grateful Dead famously said,
"what a long strange trip it's been!"
Im so happy I'm tripping with you all.
infinitycastle52777
Jul 20, 2025 7:06 pm
Agree with SusanT; it will take some time for the swelling to go down. Give it some time. Be kind to yourself.
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Kyle
Jul 21, 2025 1:01 am
For me, the whole shape of my body changed. With the bag and the little bit of colon left, I have a lopsided lump towards the left. My son asked me why the surgeon picked that spot because it's so noticeable—it wasn't optional, so it is what it is. I buy loose-fitting tops. Glad I am 72 years old and don't really care about having a figure anymore.
Carfly
Jul 21, 2025 9:38 am
Kyle, I am the same as you—ileostomy on the left side, a large bump going from the stoma around my left side. It is a large hernia caused by having so many operations. It is unsightly to me, although my husband said I shouldn't worry about it. It does affect what clothes I can wear, but at 73 years, I shouldn't worry, but I do at times. I wear baggy tops or loose dresses; I don't need someone thinking I am pregnant. 🤣🤣 I know how you feel, but as my husband says, I am still here and to focus on that.
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lclark5585
Jul 21, 2025 12:11 pm
Inflammation from surgery alone takes quite a while to recede. Hang in there and be patient. Your body is truly miraculous! It's trying to keep you going. 😁 With multiple surgeries, I've found that a lot of clean water intake, light walking, cool and warm baths, careful food intake, and pristine sleep are the best things to help my body along. 😍
Karliegirl33
Jul 22, 2025 11:41 am
Yes, it takes a while to “deflate” after surgery. I didn't even realize how bloated I was until I started trying to wear clothes that should have been loose on me, but I couldn't even get my jeans zipped after a 25-pound weight loss. Patience and time.
Kyle
Jul 22, 2025 2:44 pm
No. It's the stoma, bag, and the leftover colon filled with poop. My lower abdomen is empty now, so it seems to emphasize the waist bump.
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bethj
Jul 22, 2025 6:27 pm
Hi, I also have a lopsided bump. I had quite a time recovering with issues on the surgical wound, and I put it mostly down to that healing and me putting on plenty of post-hospital weight, so my new fat got a little deposited awkwardly. 😂 My surgical scar is now so hard it creates this kind of barrier between my left and right side and really highlights the stoma area, and I think there is a little extra weight on that side. ☺️