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Stomach like a beer belly after colon cancer surgery

Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Jul 13 11:14am | Replies (93)

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@robinmacdonald

I also have to eat less and have problems with fibrous foods, like beef or stringy chicken. Ground beef is Ok. I was down to 112 lbs. after surgery and am now up to about 123, which is a good weight for my 5’4” frame. I have been told that my extended stomach could be due to gas trapped while my colon is still recovering to normal since my 2/4/21 colon resection surgery for diverticulitis. It is slowly getting better, as is the frequency, shape and consistency of my stool. Also, the physical therapist to which my Cedars surgeon referred me has said it is most likely scar tissue (adhesions) making my stomach look swollen, which will soften with time. She has me massaging my colon with a gel twice a day for 5 minutes. And increasing my Kegel exercises to help my rectum evacuate properly. The colon runs in an upside down U, up from near the right hip, across under the ribs and the down near the left hip. I also massage the middle of my tummy where the robot pulled out the diseased section. I had laparoscopic robotic surgery.
Yes, let us know what your surgeon says. My physical therapist told me every colorectal surgeon she speaks to says it takes at least a year following surgery for the colon to function normally.

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Replies to "I also have to eat less and have problems with fibrous foods, like beef or stringy..."

I had robotic surgery and have the same scar near the middle of my stomach also.

What is the the physical therapist for???

Been two for me and still working on it. Never heard the Kegel suggestion but definitely do the belly rub out of intuition it helps. All my best to you. Walking does help me now that my diarrhea is somewhat under control.