So I found out I have a uterine fibroid the size of an avocado and one the size of a jumbo egg (12cm and 6.5cm), and my uterus is apparently huge (the size of a 14 week pregnancy, I'm told). Well today was my follow up appt and I was told that my fibroids are so big, the only option I have is an abdominal hysterectomy (they are causing issues with really heavy bleeding all through the month, not at specific times for my period). We're looking at about 5 weeks out for the surgery. Apparently this is going to be a MAJOR surgery, and my doctor said I will have to do nothing, just at home, for 2 weeks at minimum but prefers me to take 6 weeks. WHAT??? 6 weeks??? She said since it'll be abdominal and not laparoscopic, it'll be 2 days in the hospital, a lot of pain, inability to sit up or do much walking during the first 2 weeks, then very slow going for the next few weeks after that. I mean...what???

ALSO... there's a part of my stomach, just above my belly button, that has always kind of stuck out. No matter what I do, it doesn't go down or get smaller. There's not really any pain, but I always thought it was because I was fat. But I've lost a lot of weight and it's still there. The gyn said it might be a hernia, but my bariatric surgeon never mentioned it during the surgery. If I have a hernia that was never found, I'd like to get it fixed. If it's not a hernia, I'd like to figure out what it is. It makes me look pregnant, and it really bugs me. The part below my belly button is my (apparently) huge uterus and fibroids. The part above my belly button is....who knows.....

I'm just mentally worn out. I really thought I was done. I thought everything was going well. I don't have pain, I work out all the time, I'm thrilled with everything. And then.....boom. More crap. UGH..... This isn't a bariatric complication, so I'm very thankful for that. But I mean, SERIOUSLY??? More crap??? Sigh.... By the time I finish all this, I'm practically gonna have a brand new body. So at least there's that....

Hugs…

Here's what I was talking about with the part of my stomach above my belly button sticking out. Not sure why or what it is. If you push it, it's a little uncomfortable but that's really about it.

59 minutes ago, SleeveToBypass2023 said:

Here's what I was talking about with the part of my stomach above my belly button sticking out. Not sure why or what it is. If you push it, it's a little uncomfortable but that's really about it.

Lipoma? When I read your story and now that I see the picture I was thinking possibly a lipoma. I remember an episode of Dr. Pimple Popper where a lady had lost a lot of weight, and she had this bump on her back, I think it was her upper back. She had gone to a GP who was no help, eventually, she made her way to the show, and Dr. Lee removed it. Her previous excess weight made the lipoma blend in , but as she lost more and more weight, it just stuck out more. Definitely get it checked out for peace of mind though.

Been following along with your ups and downs and really feel for you with this latest development... it's been a lot!

I too have a "B" shaped belly, so I was curious what you meant by it sticking out. When I saw the pic the first thing I thought of was diastasis recti. I saw a picture of a pretty thin lady that had it, and her stomach made that same pronounced shape. Good luck finding answers and with your next surgery!

1 minute ago, SemperVeritas said:

Been following along with your ups and downs and really feel for you with this latest development... it's been a lot!

I too have a "B" shaped belly, so I was curious what you meant by it sticking out. When I saw the pic the first thing I thought of was diastasis recti. I saw a picture of a pretty thin lady that had it, and her stomach made that same pronounced shape. Good luck finding answers and with your next surgery!

I've had it for YEARS. I thought it was because of my weight, like "well, I'm over 400 pounds. Of course I have a big belly" but as I've lost weight, it's not going away and looks more pronounced. Whether it's because it's getting worse or just because I don't have a big belly anymore, I don't know. But I'm hoping I can get some answers and get it fixed.

I am just so genuinely sorry you have more surgery to go through. Be strong.

Snap. I just found out I have two fibroids too & a small cyst on one ovary which they found by accident doing an abdominal CT. But because I’m menopausal & have no symptoms, we’re going to leave them alone unless something changes. One benefit of being old - wry smile! I’m sorry it means another surgery for you & long recovery. Though an end to the heavy bleeding & maybe a reduction of your bulgy bit will be a blessing.

All the best. Keep us updated.

Ugh, I'm so sorry that you have to have another surgery! I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago (cancer) and the doctor is right, it IS major surgery and man do you have to for real do nothing...and more nothing...and get really good at rolling out of bed and not clenching your abdominal muscles for things! The recliner was my best friend, along with a small pillow to brace against my tummy and an abdominal binder helped a lot! Oh and post partum underwear because you don't want anything tight on your tummy...

Feel free to message me if you want some tips for surgery and recovery...or just to vent. I had reproductive issues for years before the cancer. I don't do nothing very well so I had to take up diamond painting and adult coloring books to keep my brain occupied. But, like with bariatric surgery, you only get one chance to heal well so best to go along with it. You have had so many other procedures I can't imagine this will keep you down for long. I was upset I had to have one, but now I am honestly soooo glad. It is fun to pack for travel without period gear! LOL I was one of those women who would bleed for months on end and no longer dealing with that is a huge relief...

Edited September 19, 20232 yr by ChunkCat

36 minutes ago, ChunkCat said:

Ugh, I'm so sorry that you have to have another surgery! I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago (cancer) and the doctor is right, it IS major surgery and man do you have to for real do nothing...and more nothing...and get really good at rolling out of bed and not clenching your abdominal muscles for things! The recliner was my best friend, along with a small pillow to brace against my tummy and an abdominal binder helped a lot! Oh and post partum underwear because you don't want anything tight on your tummy...

Feel free to message me if you want some tips for surgery and recovery...or just to vent. I had reproductive issues for years before the cancer. I don't do nothing very well so I had to take up diamond painting and adult coloring books to keep my brain occupied. But, like with bariatric surgery, you only get one chance to heal well so best to go along with it. You have had so many other procedures I can't imagine this will keep you down for long. I was upset I had to have one, but now I am honestly soooo glad. It is fun to pack for travel without period gear! LOL I was one of those women who would bleed for months on end and no longer dealing with that is a huge relief...

Thank you so much!!! I have to put it off until I finish my medical assisting program, but we're looking at January or so for the surgery. So just a few more months and then no more period!!! I do have an appt with my bariatric surgeon in Oct to see if that bulge just above my belly button is a hernia or not. If not, then we have to figure out what it is. But I can still work out without pain, I'm still incredibly healthy, and all in all I'm happy. I just want the rest of this nonsense to be finished. I never want to have another surgery, yet as I say that, I know I'll eventually have my skin surgeries lol But I actually WANT those, so maybe that'll be different.

have you mentioned the sticking out part to your OB/doctor?

59 minutes ago, heatherdbby said:

have you mentioned the sticking out part to your OB/doctor?

Yes. They said it looked like a possible hernia, so I have an appt with my bariatric surgeon (he also repairs hernias) and he's going to take a look at it.