HysterSisters.com is a massive online community with over 475,000 members and over 5 million posts.
Our community is filled with women who have been through the
Hysterectomy experience providing both advice and support from our active members and moderators.
HysterSisters.com is located at 111 Peter St, Toronto, Canada, M5V2H1 and is part of the VerticalScope network of websites.
With free registration, you can ask and answer questions in our HYSTERECTOMY forum community, get our FREE BOOKLET, access Hysterectomy Checkpoints and more.
You are not alone. The HysterSisters are here for you. Join us today!
|
|
Obesity
|
01-25-2010, 12:29 PM
|
HysterSister
|
|
Posts: 58
Hysterectomy: February 8th, 2010
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
|
|
Obesity
Hi. My biopsy showed complex atypical hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma, and I'm scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks. At 5'4" and 265 pounds, I carry a serious "apron" belly. I have a number of concerns about the impact of obesity on the operation and on recovery.
I wish I could lose 100 pounds before surgery - but I've only got a short time to prepare.
Any suggestions for pre or post op will be appreciated.
|
Sponsored Links
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
01-25-2010, 12:37 PM
|
HysterSister
|
|
Posts: 39
Hysterectomy: February 4th, 2010
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
|
|
Re: Obesity
I'm sitting at 220 on my 5'2" frame, so I know where you are coming from. When I've had surgeries down there in the past, the biggest issue was keeping the area dry. Use a blow dryer on low after you shower. Have your DH or significant other check the incision every day to make sure it looks ok.
I too wish I could have lost weight before hand, but I'm on a med right now that increases hunger. I'm lucky I've stayed at my weight!
Good luck! Looks like I get out of the castle about the time you go in.
|
|
01-25-2010, 01:48 PM
|
Guest
|
|
Posts: 8
Hysterectomy: January 28th, 2010
Surgery Type: TLH
Ovaries: Removed both
|
|
Re: Obesity
I'm having surgery on 1-28-10 LSH-BSO for excessive bleeding. I am 5'6 275 I asked the Doctor if I could wait and lose some weight first but he said its not a problem he could do the surgery the weight I am just as well so don't worry! You should be fine!!!
|
Sponsored Links
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
01-25-2010, 04:06 PM
|
HysterSister
|
|
Posts: 102
Hysterectomy: January 18th, 2010
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
|
|
Re: Obesity
Hey there, I am 260 pounds i think (126 kilos) and am one week post op.
I was a bit worried about my weight and the effect of that on surgery. Turns out I needn't have worried. Not only did I manage to have a LVAH instead of TAH despite my size but the surgeon who was wonderful, took the extra time to try doing the op lapriscopically!!!
Yes it took longer but I think ATTITUDE is what's important. Read the hints on here and get up out of that hospital bed ASAP. Walk around and keep drinking water.
I recovered amazing in hospital and was a model patient (according to my nurse who hugged me when I left). Being big does not mean a huge risk like it used to.
Be brave and think of it this way... swelly belly doesn't show up as much with us lmao.
Laugh lots and often. Good luck
|
|
01-25-2010, 05:57 PM
|
HysterSister
|
|
Posts: 14
Hysterectomy: February 4th, 2010
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
|
|
Re: Obesity
Wow, a question I have had also. I am 38yrs old 5'3 230lbs. My DH, love him to peices was very concerend with infection and my weight. Dr. said of course the risk is there but there is a risk with everone who undergoes surgery, big or small. So just think happy thoughts...I am right there with ya!!!!! Hugs, Deb
|
|
01-26-2010, 12:12 AM
|
HysterSister
|
|
Posts: 58
Hysterectomy: February 8th, 2010
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
|
|
Re: Obesity
Thank you all for your responses - they have been very reassuring. I'm so happy to have found this site.
I am building up quite a list of questions since I don't have my pre-op appointment with the gyn/onc until Thursday. I'm sure I'm going to drive her crazy with all of my questions - but I'm trying to convince myself that I have the right to ask them and have them answered!
I guess I could consider myself lucky to have such a quick response. I had an ultrasound on Jan 7, a biopsy on Jan 19, and the unfortunate diagnosis on Jan 23. Surgery with a gyn/oncologist was scheduled right then for Fab 4. So I guess it is serious enough to warrant the speed. But it hasn't left me much time to get used to the idea.
Now I'm "blurting..." so I'll thank you all again - and say good night!
|
|
01-26-2010, 04:54 AM
|
HysterSister
|
|
Posts: 29
Hysterectomy: February 2nd, 2010
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Undecided
|
|
Re: Obesity
Thank you for posting your questions about being overweight. I have had the same concerns. I am glad to know there are a lot of others who have faced the same thing and are doing OK. As far as your questions for your doctor, I think writing them all down as you think of them and ask when you go is a great idea. It is your right to have all of your questions answered. I also bet you won't be the first to be armed with a lot of questions! Good Luck! Next week, this will be behind us!
|
|
01-27-2010, 10:12 AM
|
HysterSister
|
|
Posts: 1,737
Hysterectomy: August 14th, 2009
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
|
|
Re: Obesity
Hi there. I went into surgery at 372 lbs, 5'4". I am also diabetic, have sleep apnea, high blood pressure and I smoke. I had the surgery for Complex Hyperplasia with Atypia also.
I had 2 surgeries at the same time. I had a grapefruit-sized umbilical hernial which had to be repaired in order to do the hyst or there would have been complications.
My hernia surgeon harped so much on my size and his concerns about surgery that I almost cancelled. He gave me no comfort at all in believing that the surgery would go well. My OB/GYN was not concerned at all.
Before surgery, I spent every day for 3 months doing water aerobics and swimming. It was summer so that was pretty easy to do. I was bound and determined to be in the best shape I could be for the surgery knowing that my weight was going to make it harder for me to get moving afterwards.
Well, everything went absolutely perfectly! The surgeries took a total of 6 1/2 hours which was pretty risky to be under for so long and they kept me in ICU for a day afterward. However, both surgeons were amazed at my progress and how quickly I was recovering. The hernia surgeon at the subsequent post-op visits really treated me differently and I think he may have learned to have a little more faith in those of us who are heavy.
In addition to the exercise being one of the reasons I did so well, the other was strictly attitude. I did a lot of visualization of myself healing perfectly. I imagined getting out of bed right away and feeling great. I was determined not to let myself wallow in pain or fear and just believed that all would be well.
Now, I'm not suggesting that attitude heals all and I do understand that physical challenges create medical challenges. I'm just telling you what worked for me and why I think it did. I found a lot of strength borne out of the immense fear I had. It was really the only way I could do this, by just firmly believing I would be OK. Oh, and of course a heck of a lot of praying!!
I wish you all the best and encourage you to envision yourself having a perfect surgery and recovery.
|
|
01-31-2010, 07:05 PM
|
HysterSister
|
|
Posts: 58
Hysterectomy: February 8th, 2010
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
|
|
Re: Obesity
Thanks for your input~ it is very nice to have support so close at hand, by people who have been through the it!
Unfortunately I haven't been exercising much - in fact in the last year have really fallen back on the amount of exercise I used to get. With only a couple of weeks to prepare - I've not have much chance to "get in shape!"
I finally had my pre-op appointment - and my surgeon assured me that they are very experienced in performing this surgery (TAH-BSO) on on overweight women, since a large number of people needing this surgery are overweight. It did reassure me a lot.
She answered most all of my questions before I had the chance to ask them, and even sent me home with a CD with guided visualization and relaxations.
Husband came with me to the pre-op and we both liked the surgeon, and feel confident she will do a good job.
Now if only I can keep repeating some of those affirmations ad keep from spinning myself into a fright, I should do well. :-)
|
|
01-31-2010, 07:54 PM
|
HysterSister
|
|
Posts: 28
Hysterectomy: February 17th, 2010
Ovaries: Undecided
|
|
Re: Obesity
I too thank you Jazzcat for the question!! I am overweight too, and have been afraid of recovery. Thank you to all who answered Jazzcat, it helped me too!
I have 2 weeks until surgery "visit to the castle" and I'm trying to think of what I can do in this short amount of time that will help. I've been walking, so I pray that is a start to a good surgery and recovery!
|
|
|
Similar Threads
|
From This Forum |
From Other Forums |
7 Replies, Last Reply 02-09-2010, Started By Pemberly 20 Replies, Last Reply 07-08-2009, Started By hysteraskopy 10 Replies, Last Reply 01-16-2008, Started By CUCruising 7 Replies, Last Reply 11-04-2005, Started By Starlight7 28 Replies, Last Reply 04-27-2005, Started By chimp 3 Replies, Last Reply 09-23-2004, Started By elizard 10 Replies, Last Reply 12-07-2003, Started By melann 7 Replies, Last Reply 07-22-2003, Started By tess_northwest 12 Replies, Last Reply 07-18-2003, Started By tess_northwest 20 Replies, Last Reply 06-12-2003, Started By KaiRobin 3 Replies, Last Reply 05-22-2003, Started By tess_northwest 0 Reply, Started By Bobsie 31 Replies, Last Reply 09-04-2001, Started By amysuetoo 8 Replies, Last Reply 07-20-2001, Started By jooles 9 Replies, Last Reply 12-24-2000, Started By LisaLynnP |
1 Reply, Hysterectomy Recovery (post hysterectomy) 0 Reply, Abdominal Hysterectomy Stories 14 Replies, Hysterectomy Options and Alternatives 3 Replies, No Uterus - No Ovaries - No Hormones - Managing Menopause 17 Replies, Cancer Concerns - GYN |
|
Advertisement
Hysterectomy News
TODAY'S EVENTS
Calendar -
Hysterectomies -
Birthdays
Request Information
I am a HysterSister
Your Hysterectomy Date
$vbulletin->featuredvideos is not an array!
Advertisement
Advertisement
|