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Stomach like a beer belly after colon cancer surgery
Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Jun 10, 2023 | Replies (91)Comment receiving replies
Hi! I had 3 surgeries this year, one to remove a tumor from my ileon and colon, one to have an ileostomy and one to reverse it. My belly suffered a great deal of scaring and healing. This holiday season I gained weight, but the form of my belly is strange, I look like I'm pregnant with a lower belly. If I touch it, it feels stiff in some areas and soft on others. Is this normal? If I lose weight and exercise will it have a more normal shape? should I worry about the stiff areas? thanks for your input!
Replies to "Hi! I had 3 surgeries this year, one to remove a tumor from my ileon and..."
@calite Welcome to connect.. I had 2 surgeries 3 yrs apart and i also have a lower belly. I never had. i used to be like a toothpick. I think some of mine now has been over protecting area and not using the muscles like I used too. Plus I gained weight too. I do not do a few hundred sit ups a week like I did prior either. So that has something to do with it too.
Now, Have you asked your Dr about stiff and soft areas? It could be some scar tissue you are feeling too.
I wish you the Best
Jackie
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Hi @calite, You'll notice that I moved your message about surgery scarring and belly shape post colorectal cancer surgery to this existing discussion:
- Stomach like a beer belly after colon cancer surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/colon-cancer-22c04d/
I did this so you can meet @nannytart @travelgirl @starrlight @maroney @alamicday and others talking about post surgical effects.
Calite, how long ago were your surgeries? Have you talked with your surgical team about what to expect and recommended exercises or physical activities?