Stomach like a beer belly after colon cancer surgery

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.

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

What is the the physical therapist for???

Hi everyone! I had my 3 month update with my Surgeon. All is well. Yes it will take some time for this belly to go down. She was concerned when I told her I lost 20lb weight loss. She asked was it intentional?
I told her after the surgery I couldn’t eat much and I continued to use small plates. She asked when do I see the Oncologist again I said in 3 months. They found a half pinky nail size polyp on my kidney and it’s being monitored. If it gets any larger they Will remove.

She said the irregular bowel movement is normal until my body gets used to the “new size of my colon”. I had foot of my colon removed. She mentioned to my sister after the surgery that the polyp removed was larger than the 8 cm originally thought.

She said I had a muscle spasm this weekend when I lifted a big bag of ice. I mentioned the pain I felt and she said that’s what is was.

Sorry for such a long post. I wanted to give the most in depth update.

If I was supposed to ask her something else I forgot LOL

Good luck to all of us!!!

Thank you all for giving the me the opportunity to be apart of such an informative group!!!

Had my Sigmoid colon resection surgery done November 17th ( removed a little over a foot of colon) I was home on the 3rd day, I was having frequent bowel movements, soft but formed, not the past few days not so much, they are not easy to pass and are small and pencil thin, I am starting to freak out. My stomach is sore and heavy bloated and sore, messaged my surgeon was advised the pain may be from to much activity drink more water and keep up the fiber intake. I actually feel worse than I did 2 weeks ago. Is this the normal course. How long does it take to start feeling better? I am so sore. I am 67 years old and I know it takes a little longer as one gets older, but boy howdy it all I got to say.

Hi Maureen. I’m sorry your struggling. My husband takes anti gas medicine (gas x etc.) as he has had similar issues. Also, sometimes what you intake as fiber can be switched up as well. We have learned that trying different options allows him to find what is best for “him”. You know your body best but of course touch base with your doc to make sure you are safe. Sending you hope of speedy relief.

I feel like I am trying to hard some days. What really is bothersome is this bloating and heavy feeling. I know I have had several previous abdominal surgeries and have adhesions but this is the worst. Will switch up my fiber list and see if that helps. I have a feeling this is going to be a long journey. Hope your hubby is doing well. This sure isn't as easy a recovery as I was led to believe.

Great to hear you are looking at options for fiber. We have to be our own best advocate and that is why this site is so helpful to patients.
My husband manages this tummy balance daily. He also has
adhesions that make it more challenging than the chemo he completes, so I don't discount your discomfort one bit. I wanted to share more in case it is helpful. Milk of Magnesia has been his over the counter choice for moving things (metimucil caused cramping for him). He does stool softeners daily as I mentioned, however recently worked with the oncologisy and fluctuate use of Constulose (enulose, lactulose liquid) and Linzess to ensure we don't find ourselves in the ER for blockage. I recommend "bending the ear" of your doctor/surgeon/oncologist (whomever's focus you have) and ensure they know the discomfort and partner for a solution. Keep asking the questions. I apologize for being so verbose. 🙁
🙂 Have a great day!

Hi Gustavo,
There are some things that I’ve noticed as I started a journal. One is that if I have difficulty sleeping (which happens to me at least once or twice a week), then the abdominal swelling, bloating and diarrhea is much worse. The second thing is that I increased my prebiotic and probiotics each day. That also helps. Recently I got a membership to a company that delivers organic frozen fruit and veggies and I started making smoothies every day. I have not been able to eat fresh veggies for the last several years and I miss salads terribly. For me, this has helped me with feeling so “broken” if that makes sense. I’ve found that there is no help from my doctors, so I will take charge and not depend on them for help with this issue. I have one more check up next July for my 5 years meeting. My goal for next year is to have a plan that works so I can live and continue to get better.
Colleen, your welcome to me meant the world and it gave me an emotional “push” to take the bull by the horns.