Tram flap reconstruction question

kmm70

Hi,

I had tram flap reconstruction done in 2012, after IBC and I was wondering if anyone else, who has had this procedure, suffers from abdominal bloating and the abdomen bulging out like a basketball? At first my abdomen was really tight, but through the years (as I gained weight), it felt like the tightness disappeared, but I was left with what felt like a balloon, which was about ready to pop. I would say that my reconstruction was pretty much a failure, as I am left with my left breast much lower than my right breast. Nipple reconstruction was also a failure. I did have radiation, on the right side only, and this may have tightened the skin on that side therefor supporting the breast more, or the doctors just did not do something right. Who knows? I also had alot of trouble with cellulitis in the chest area after my surgeries and therefore my doctor advised that I did not pursue any further adjustments to better the appearance of my breasts. I am pretty disappointed with the results, but very thankful to be alive and well at this time. (except for the bloating). Are there any exercises that target the bloated balloon belly? The muscles are pretty much destroyed though, as I can't even do sit ups now and I can't really sit straight up, even from lying in bed, without rolling onto my side first and then pushing myself up. I just wondered if anyone else had the abdomen distention and somehow got rid of it at some point, and if so, how they did it? I have been exercising more lately and trying to get in better shape, but that bulge is just not diminishing very much, even after I lost about 20 lbs. recently. Kathie

Lula73

I had DIEP flap and a couple of us DIEP girls were talking the other day about this bloated phenomena. My personal feeling is that the lower abdominal area is so tight and the upper is not as tight so when we eat/drink the upper part bloats the most. I also find that if I take gas-x it's better. So I'm guessing there may be some gas entrapment issues in the stomach as well. I feel VERY full for quite some time after I eat too. I do know that if the food/drink moves slower than normal from your stomach it can cause bloat, excess gas, lots of burps and prolonged feeling of fullness.