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How long will my stomach be swollen after laparoscopy?

Author

James Craig

Published Jan 07, 2026

These side effects generally settle within a few days , but bloating can take several weeks to resolve in some people. As with any surgery, there is usually some pain following laparoscopic surgery.

How long does it take for abdominal swelling to go down after laparoscopy?

Post-surgical bloating and swelling is mostly eased with time. Although most swelling and bloating will clear by 12 weeks, you may find that swelling ebbs and flows for up to 12 months after surgery.

Why is my belly so big after laparoscopy?

Some degree of abdominal distension (swelling) is to be expected after surgery. This is due to distension of the intestines and resolves over time. Intraperitoneal gas pains are caused by gas trapped outside of the intestines, but inside the abdominal cavity.

How long does bloating last post laparoscopic surgery?

Post-operative bloating and swelling usually peaks 2-3 days after surgery and most subsides by about 3 months. Bloating and swelling occur after plastic surgery for a number of reasons: You aren't as active as you usually are.

How can I reduce my tummy after laparoscopic surgery?

  1. Eat more fiber. People who increase the amount of soluble fiber they eat every day build up less visceral fat over time than people who eat less fiber. ...
  2. Get plenty of protein. ...
  3. Get more aerobic exercise. ...
  4. Reduce stress. ...
  5. Eat more healthy fats. ...
  6. Get enough sleep.
36 related questions found

How long does it take to heal internally after laparoscopy?

After laparoscopic surgery, you are likely to have pain for the next several days. You may have a low fever and feel tired and sick to your stomach. This is common. You should feel better after 1 to 2 weeks.

Is it normal to gain weight after laparoscopy?

An increase in body weight is a common finding after major abdominal surgery. The gain might last for several days and has been attributed to liberal fluid administration.

Why is my stomach so bloated after surgery?

During your operation, you will receive IV fluids to replace your body's fluids and balance your sodium levels. The IV fluid can cause some bloating while your body regulates its fluid levels post-operatively.

What are the side effects of laparoscopic surgery?

Risks of laparoscopy

  • damage to an abdominal blood vessel, the bladder, the bowel, the uterus, and other pelvic structures.
  • nerve damage.
  • allergic reactions.
  • adhesions.
  • blood clots.
  • problems with urinating.

Why is my stomach so big after hysterectomy?

Internal lower abdominal and pelvic swelling can take a number of months to subside after a hysterectomy. Abdominal hysterectomy and abdominal incisions can cause the deep abdominal muscles to stop working. When these muscles stop working, this can make your belly look floppy and larger in size.

How do you reduce swelling after laparoscopic surgery?

Some degree of abdominal distension (swelling) is to be expected after surgery. This is due to distension of the intestines and resolves over time. Walking encourages the movement of the bowels. A heat pack may also provide relief.

Is laparoscopy a major surgery?

Although patients tend to think of laparoscopic surgery as minor surgery, it is major surgery with the potential for major complications – visceral injury and bleeding, injury to the bowel, or injury to the bladder.

Do and don'ts after laparoscopy?

These tips include:

  • Don't drink alcohol or drive for at least 24 hours after surgery.
  • You can bathe any time after surgery.
  • You can remove the bandage the morning after the surgery. ...
  • You can typically return to work three days after surgery. ...
  • Do not be concerned if your urine is green.

What gets rid of a bloated stomach?

Here are additional suggestions to decrease bloating:

  1. Eat slowly, and consume smaller, more frequent meals.
  2. Chew your foods well.
  3. Drink beverages at room temperature.
  4. Have your dentures checked for a good fit.
  5. Increase physical activity during the day.
  6. Sit up straight after eating.
  7. Take a stroll after eating.

Does your whole body swell after surgery?

Swelling is normal after surgery. As the body begins healing itself, thousands of cells are sent to the affected body part. This is part of the first stage of healing called the inflammatory phase. The influx of all of these cells to the area causes more swelling.

How long does it take for swelling to go down after surgery?

Swelling after surgery tends to last about two weeks, with gradual improvements experienced each day. Minor swelling will persist for about two weeks after that, with residual swelling lasting another few weeks after that.

How long do you retain fluid after surgery?

The first few weeks after a surgery, even a woman who normally lives a healthy lifestyle will experience swelling as a normal part of the healing process. This will gradually subside during the first six weeks of the healing process. In addition, fluids may accumulate in the treatment area.

How long does laparoscopic incisions take to heal?

2–6 weeks. Be sure to keep your stitches covered for the first 48 hours after your surgery. You may shower after that. Gently pat the stitches dry with a soft towel, and cover them with a small adhesive bandage.

How long after a laparoscopy can I go back to work?

Returning to work

Most women feel able to return to work one to three weeks after a laparoscopy. If you have had a diagnostic laparoscopy or a simple procedure such as a sterilisation, you can expect to feel able to go back to work within one week.

Does laparoscopy cut through muscle?

Conventional laparoscopy for GYN procedures requires three to four 5 mm ports. While the number of ports may not appear to be high, the placement of 1-2 of the ports are directly through the muscle, which increases the recovery time, and pain.

How long does it take for a midline incision to heal?

Long-term outlook

Recuperation time following laparotomy is usually six weeks, but may vary depending on whether other procedures are performed at the same time. As with any post-operative recovery, it is important to always consult your doctor. Make sure you have a final check-up.

What is the most painful day after surgery?

Pain and swelling: Incision pain and swelling are often worst on day 2 and 3 after surgery. The pain should slowly get better during the next 1 to 2 weeks. Mild itching is common as the incision heals.

How long does it take to feel normal after surgery?

Fatigue is your body's way of telling you that you need to rest. Fatigue is normal following surgery and it should improve day after day as your body begins to heal itself. In general, it takes one week per day in the hospital to feel back to normal.

Can laparoscopy be done twice?

2. MYTH: Patients with multiple previous abdominal surgeries cannot have a laparoscopic procedure. FACT: Laparoscopy can be safely performed in patients with multiple prior surgeries regardless of the size or location of the prior skin incisions.

Which is better open surgery or laparoscopy?

Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery has demonstrably better quality-of-life outcomes than open surgery for cholecystectomy, splenectomy, and esophageal surgery. However, open hernioplasty has at least as good, if not better, health status outcomes than laparoscopic repair.