Question:
How long does the swollen last, and those pin feeling on my stomach last?

I am one week post op. My clothes are tighter now then before the surgery. Why is that? And the stomach area, I feel like it has pins on them, especially when any clothing touches it. Why is that?    — Twin R. (posted on May 2, 2003)

May 2, 2003
Most of us come home swollen from the surgery and all the fluids they give us in the hospital. It will go away in a little while, don't worry about it. I am 6 weeks out and still wear a binder but I fold up a pillow case and put it over the stomach area so the binder does rub on it. Hope this helps, good luck. Diana
   — Diana B.

May 2, 2003
The swelling lasts about 1 month. It's like when you break a bone and it swells. The swelling is fluid around a distrubed area that needs protecting. You should have a binder on (snug) and that will help your tummy feel better. As for the tingling (pins), could be the nerve endings were cut and are rejoining. Check with the doctor. I didn't have tingling but had tons of swelling. I am 4 1/2 months post-op and down 64 pounds. I've been stuck for 5 weeks now and am working out daily to get every pound off. Good luck to you.
   — Meg T.