The following question from our forum is from a woman who is depressed after her tummy tuck operation. She reports swelling, sarcomas and distention and cannot fit into her jeans.

Date: 10/06/2010 Submitted by: Maureen

Hi, I’m so depressed I had x sarcomas after my surgery, then when that resolved I have swelling, going on 4 months I no longer fit in previous clothes. mine is not bloating it is distention I feel pregnant, people think I had a breast job, I have gained 12 lbs., not due too overeating that’s for sure my skin is tight and the only way I feel I look ok is if I don’t eat and lay down. I’m uncomfortable in my own skin, above my private area is swelling that takes on a look of a cone, I no longer feel feminine, and am sick of not fitting in my jeans. I went from 140-160- I hate the whole thing I feel all this pain wasn’t vain no pun intended. Maureen

RESPONSE

Date: 10/06/2010 Submitted by: Tanner

Response – Maureen

Sorry that you’re feeling depressed. I know how you feel when after you go through all that hassle of losing weight and having surgery your clothes don’t fit and you feel bloated. It happens now and then.

After four months, I would suspect that the distention that you refer to would not be the result of your surgery but from some other reason.

If your weight gain is not from overeating then it has to be from water retention and there are lots of things you can do to get rid of that. If you suspect your weight gain is not normal, go to the doctor and make sure there is nothing medically wrong with you.

Try more exercise. Get rid of water retention by avoiding salt, eating bananas, cabbage, yogurt, drinking cranberry juice and other natural diuretics. Don’t smoke, drink alcohol, don’t eat rich foods and stay away from junk food. There is a lot of information on the internet on how to stop and get rid of water retention.

I know that all of that sounds easy but it’s hard to do, especially to get motivated to do it when you are so depressed. On the other hand, it should be easier and quicker to lose water than weight (fat).

Good luck.

Tanner