My doctor did not use a drain, which I'm grateful for, BUT my belly is swollen and I wonder if that's why. My surgery was 3/19 and I'm down 15lbs but my stomach is swollen so much that my pants won't button. I'm sure this will resolve itself, my doctor isn't at all concerned, but WHEN?! I'm getting frustrated, I want to wear pants again!

are you straining your self in any way? My stomach used to swell if I overdid any activity..or travelled..or sat for long hours.

its natural. as its healing the swelling will go down. Do take rest and care.

all the best.

I had my surgery 2/18 and it was a month or so before my abdomen did not feel bloated. And I had a drain for one week.

drain has nothing to do with the swelling i feel. The sleeve takes time to heal.it has been stapled and so naturally there s swelling .

do not worry.You will be fine. we all have some issues..for 1 month.

2 words!

Heating pad!

I slept with mine on the belly soon as I got home and that took all the swelling down. Read it in the tips that are in the sticky topics they've got pinned.

I had a drain for 3 days, but my belly was so swollen and bloated I looked like I was pregnant. It was about 2 weeks before I could wear anything besides stretch waist pants. Even after that my jeans felt uncomfortable depending on where they sat on my belly.

Mine was the same as kindle's. Drain for 3 days but I was SO bloated! Wore stretch pants and dresses for 3 weeks.

It's finally gone down. I can wear pants again without being uncomfortable. I'm also starting to notice my bra fitting differently, which is a double edged sword. Even if the scale isn't moving, my body is!