What Causes Bloating And Hardness In Abdomen?

Hi, I had a myomectomy about 5 months ago but my belly feels projected and hard. I started going back to the gym about a month ago because it bothered me to do any type of abdominal workout. Is this internal swelling and if so how long should it take for the swelling to go down? I went to see my surgeon 6 weeks after the surgery and he told me that I should lose weight and did not comment on the hardness in the abdomen. Thanks. Debbie