Swelling of belly after exercise-post nissen

I'm 5 months post nissen. I've noticed other threads about weightlifting after the nissen, and have whined about exercise-induced ab pain in previous threads, so here I am again with yet another issue that has come up.

I've been pushing very hard with a trainer in a group, but finding that my abs are so sore after core work and just lifting in general that I have to ice after each session, and slather tiger balm on my abs before a workout. My biggest concern now is that my belly swells, primarily in the incision area just above the belly button. I realize that any surgery causes swelling. I'm just not sure how long it'll take for the swelling to go down completely (if ever), or if I'm just making matters worse by pushing so hard.

My surgeon cut me loose almost 8 weeks ago, so I went for it. I was ready to get back into it after being down for so long. Took it slow at first, then worked harder and harder as I got stronger. Now I'm not so sure it was the right thing to do. I've spoken with my surgeon's PA several times who said I should be ok but to watch it over the next week and go back to my primary care doc if the pain doesn't go away. My PC doc told me that those holes they poke in our bellies for the laparoscopy can be prone to hernias, which makes me wonder if they should have put restrictions on the type of exercise.

Has anyone who has weightlifted or done other training like mixed cardio, core, TRX, etc. after a nissen, have belly swelling after workouts, have pain above the navel or wrap site? If so, did you find out the cause? I also read in another thread that these wraps aren't meant to last forever, and will need to be redone at some time later on...is this true? If so, how long are these things supposed to last?

Sorry for the long post. I'm just getting concerned and wondering if I'll ever be the same. They don't tell you about all of those annoying side effects of this surgery like gas bloat, dumping, swelling, etc. If they did, many ppl would probably chicken out.

Thank you for listening

Post Edited (1 day at a time) : 4/29/2013 1:33:56 PM (GMT-6)

We have to remember our bodies take 6 months to be mostly healed and a year to be 100% after surgeries like this. Even though the incisions are small the muscles were still cut through and can herniate just as if you had an open surgery.
I have partially herniated my lower mid line incision from wrenching on a truck suspension and that was 1.5 years after my last surgery. My self, I would say you went way too hard too soon. Doing tough core exercises on abs that aren't completely healed.

Take care,
Bill

1 day at a time

That is the location. I have the start of a hernia where the muscles have started to pull apart at the incision on the outside. I just have to watch what I lift and keep an eye on the area. If it starts to open more he will have to go in and fix it by re-suturing it. Probably with something that doesn't dissolve this time.
I can lift fairly heavy things I just have to be sure and do it correctly all the time.

Take care,
Bill