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TransplantBuddies.org Forums » Liver - Multivisceral » fat stomach post liver tx « Previous Next »
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CarolK
Member
Username: Nonna

Post Number: 9
Registered: 05-2011
Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2011 - 10:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I am post liver tx (1 1/2 yrs) . Does any one have extra fat or scar tissue under the scar ? Some parts if it seem numb ? Besides walking is there any other exercise to get rid of it ? I know this seems petty but it really bothers me. Thanks , Carol
Diane
Forum Leader
Username: Mary_diane

Post Number: 641
Registered: 02-2009
Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2011 - 12:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi Carol,

Yes, I have the same thing. I will be 3 years in Nov. I am not heavy anywhere else, but now quite thick through the middle. I too know that I am on borrowed time and shouldn't be complaining about little things, but it really bothers me too.

That little roll of fat hangs over my pants, and looks like an odd rubber tire. It splits in the front and I think my scar is very evident even with clothes on, as the roll of fat shifts over my scar.

I am very careful with my diet and have talked frequently to the Transplant dietician. I walk regularly with my dog and I do core exercises to try and help deal with it. Because I still struggle with stamina and fatigue, I can't seem to increase my exercise times, without really paying for it. So far nothing has helped.

I'd love to hear how many others deal with this, and if they have found any solutions.
Diane
Liver Transplant Nov 20, 2008
Vancouver General, BC

“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light.”

Albert Schweitzer

Diane's Blog
Anna Romero
Member
Username: Annalucia

Post Number: 17
Registered: 06-2011
Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - 12:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hello there! I'm post tx 9 months this Wednesday and I am so very happy to be alive as I was literally days away from not being here! I too have noticed the same thing as well. As women, I think we are more sensitive about these things and may find it a bit more difficult to adjust to a different body shape than what we had before...but I am so glad to be alive that if this is what I have now, I will do my best to embrace it. I'm currently trying to change my eating to being a bit healthier (although it's pretty good so far!) and increase my exercising a bit more. I'm just starting to make a change with the exercise so I will let you all know if I make any progess with losing the stomach...what exercises, etc.

I wish you all the best and I thank God that you are here!

Anna
As Always, Anna
bill s
Member
Username: Bill_s

Post Number: 55
Registered: 08-2011
Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - 01:18 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Yes, the same thing happened to me - I'm 7 mos post kidney TX and part of my stomach has lost some feeling. My med team contact says often nerves are severed during the operation but they normally grow back over time (didn't specify how long but I feel/think some of the feeling is returning - could be wishful thinking too). I hope that's all it is for all of us and that the feeling will eventually return.
CarolK
Member
Username: Nonna

Post Number: 10
Registered: 05-2011
Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - 01:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Anna & Diane, do you feel it when you move around? I feel like there is something wrong?? Even sitting I can feel the heaviness there. I think it is internal scar tissue? I read too much on the internet. I just want the liver team to tell me what it is? I even worry its part of rejection. I had an ultrasound 2 weeks ago (my liver levels were alittle high and are coming down each week with one more mg of prograf) The ultrasound came back normal. Oh well maybe I can see a doctor. Thanks, Carol
Diane
Forum Leader
Username: Mary_diane

Post Number: 643
Registered: 02-2009
Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - 08:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I think there are a variety of factors that contribute to the fat belly that many of us deal with. I think that we can find ways to deal with it, with exercise, diet etc. It may just take longer.

But in the bigger picture, I agree.....it really is a small thing, and I too am just grateful to be alive. I am happy to work on diet and increased fitness.We are all so lucky as we are on borrowed time.

I am glad that you are all here too
Diane
Liver Transplant Nov 20, 2008
Vancouver General, BC

“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light.”

Albert Schweitzer

Diane's Blog
Anna Romero
Member
Username: Annalucia

Post Number: 18
Registered: 06-2011
Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 - 02:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Carol,

Yes, I feel the heaviness at times as well, not always though, but from time to time. My fiance says that I spend too much time reading things on the internet...and I think he's right. We are all unique in our own situations...but I have found in just the 9 months that I have been post tx that we all share some commonalities. I would suggest to you that you voice your concerns to your Doctor and let him know what you are feeling and where. Don't worry too much that your liver levels were a little high...that happened to me abou 5 months in and it has balanced out. Aside from that darn numbness in the tummy and feeling a little "deformed" in the belly...things are going well. I had my transplant at USC University Hospital...my doctors were and are wonderful! I am sure your liver team is pretty fantastic as well. Don't be afraid to ask questions because you may fear the answer...go ahead and ask and you will alleviate some of your concern. Please try not to worry so much as the stress is not good for us either! Do you feel good aside from the stomach issue? I'm thinking good thoughts for you Carol.

Anna
As Always, Anna
CarolK
Member
Username: Nonna

Post Number: 11
Registered: 05-2011
Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 - 11:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks Anna & Diane, My coordinator just told me the same thing. Keep doing what I am doing and all this is normal. If it gets worse to let them know. I am a drama queen! But I got to communicate with both of you. That made my day..Back to walking......Good thoughts to both of you...Carol
health journey
Member
Username: Health_journey

Post Number: 18
Registered: 04-2011
Posted on Friday, September 30, 2011 - 12:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi CarolK...... I am almost 2 yrs post tx and I, too , have the large stomach issues. and the numbness.. I am doing the same as the others, watching my diet and exercising. I am hoping that it will get better.

I find that despite dieting it is difficult to shed unwanted pounds. It seems my body is out of balance with hormones, insulin, and probably many other things. I read a book by Dr. Barry Sears who spells out how the body goes out of balance and how to get it back in balance through proper diet. Once it corrects itself, the weight will come off. It works for many and will at least keep you healthy. I find I have a lot more energy and feel overall better on this diet. The book is ... "The Inflammation Zone", Dr. Barray Sears .

Just having the extra energy is worth it alone.

It's a pretty simple program making sure you eat the proper amts of protein, carbs, and fat. with each meal. This man is a gifted scientist and his knowledge of how the human body works is just amazing. It's known as the ZoneDiet and is a best seller. My doctor recommended this diet and book to me saying " I can't guarantee you will lose weight but you will become much healthier ". There is a web page with info about the books and supplements he recommends.. I'm sure the library would have the book.
DonR
Member
Username: Don62

Post Number: 4
Registered: 09-2011
Posted on Friday, September 30, 2011 - 02:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I'm 3 months post op as a liver donor. I'm several pounds lighter now than I was pre op; however, when I went back to work I noticed my uniforms were tighter than before. I'm tweaking my diet and doing extra time on the treadmill. I also noticed every thing on my abdomen between the scar and my navel is still numb. The transplant surgeon said most of the feeling will come back but some may not. As for the fat roll, I just chalked it up to sitting around and not doing core exercise or any lifting for 3 months. I still couldn't do a sit-up if you paid me. Does anyone know if the long term "spare tire" is common in donors too?
Don R.
Liver Donor to Brother 07/05/2011
Penn State Hershey Medical Center
Hershey PA
Liver Giver
Forum Leader
Username: Beteboop

Post Number: 860
Registered: 10-2007
Posted on Friday, September 30, 2011 - 10:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi everyone. I was glad to see this conversation. I donated my liver lobe in 2007 and the numbness between the incision and my belly button is still present. My surgeon told me when we were at the 6 months post point that it would always be that way. I have gained a few pounds over the years since then but have always noticed the bit of distortion in my abs when I do elbow to knee cross over crunches. Scar tissue and it seems like lots of it. I have often wondered it the "spare tire" so to speak is a result of our sensitivity in the torso area and just a lack of working it out before the resection. Also just turning 45 I've heard a lot lately that your weight gain shifts in problem areas. I go back and forth with accepting this new ab area and struggling to get rid of it but the bottom line is we have all been through a lot and it sounds as if everyone here is doing pretty well now.
Dawn
Forum Leader Living Organ Donation
Liver Donor 11/19/07 to brother Anthony

Good and bad things happen in life, but what matters, what defines us, is how we handle them
CarolK
Member
Username: Nonna

Post Number: 12
Registered: 05-2011
Posted on Saturday, October 01, 2011 - 10:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thanks Everyone !! It was good for me to hear from all of you. I am going to exercise each day and keep wearing tops that dont cling and not worry about it ......Also I am going to look into that book "The inflammation zone"
to try to eat healthier..... and enjoy life....
Diane
Forum Leader
Username: Mary_diane

Post Number: 645
Registered: 02-2009
Posted on Sunday, October 02, 2011 - 02:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Carol,
This was a great topic for a thread.

I have read a little about anti inflammatory diets. Thanks for the suggestion of Dr. Barry Sear's book Healthy Journey.

They are all good suggestions. I look forward to hearing how all of you manage with these different suggestions. We can support each other through the work on integrating new behaviours and skills, as well as a new diet into our lives.

And we shall wear lose tops and kick up our heals and just live life to the fullest and we will be more healthy.....spare tire or not.
Diane
Liver Transplant Nov 20, 2008
Vancouver General, BC

“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light.”

Albert Schweitzer

Diane's Blog
Terri
Member
Username: Terri

Post Number: 231
Registered: 09-2007
Posted on Saturday, October 15, 2011 - 03:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I'm little everywhere else but do have what I call a little buddha belly and after 20 years, I am still somewhat numb. I used to think the numbness felt weird but I'm used to it now and don't think anything of it.
20 Year Liver Transplant Survivor
Terri's Blog: http://terri7291.blogspot.com/
AC
Member
Username: Asunlesssea

Post Number: 6
Registered: 02-2012
Posted on Monday, February 27, 2012 - 10:33 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I have the same thing. About 13 months after my transplant, I noticed a huge bulge growing right above my scar and it looked like an alien trying to come out of my stomach. SO gross. It ended up being a visceral hernia, so I had surgery on that. They cut along the same scar of my liver transplant, so it doesnt look too bad.

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