Worried about weight-gain post-op

I'm having surgery 03/28/06 and from what I have read from all of you is that gaining weight is a problem. I thought I would lose weight. I'm very nervous about surgery post-op. Now I am more concerned about weight gain. Any suggestions other than calorie intake? Please advise. Thanks

Yvonna: not everyone gains weight after a hyst. Some women have actually lost weight after their surgery

In those initial weeks post-op, it will be most important for you to concentrate on your recovery. While it's always a good to eat the right foods, you will need energy to recover. This energy is fuelled by food. And that's also why you need to post-surgery: your body needs to concentrate all its energies on recovery.

One more thing to keep in mind: you really have to be careful about taking any over-the-counter meds in the days and weeks before and following your surgery, as they can interfere with surgery, recovery and meds given during surgery. This includes natural products and herbs. Check this article for information on this issue Herbs Not to take Pre-OP

Best of luck with your upcoming surgery.

I have some encouragement - I lost some weight after my hyst. I was not trying too but did. I didn't have much of an appetite and couldn't eat much at a time either. Now at almost 4 years ( wow, time flies) , I have not gained any weight at all. I've found that staying active ( after recovery, of course ) and eating healthy meals is what keeps me in shape.

Best wishes.

S

I am 4 1/2 weeks post op. I lost 8 lbs after the surgery. I think between the bowel prep and liquid diet a couple of days after surgery, plus removing my reproductive organs I was bound to lose weight. Even after laying around and eating I have only gained two back (after eating way too much cake after my daughter's birthday).

My advice would be to have quick healthy food around. I know after my husband went back to work I just wanted to walk in the kitchen and grab something. Even fixing a sandwich can be tiring.

Good luck and try not to worry about the weight gain.

Just yesterday I was talking to my mom about the surgery and she told me that I would lose weight after I have it. She lost alot of weight after hers. I hope she is right Anyway, I was worried about weight gain too but now I am not. You shouldn't either
*hugs*

Wow, just this morning I was telling my partner I was worried about weight gain too! I lost 20 lbs last year that I needed to lose after having been thin all my life, and after all that work I don't want to go back! I felt kind of petty, like here I am worried about how I look when I should be worried about lots of other things more serious, so I am really glad to have found that there are more women like me out there! Thanks!

I have lost about 15 pounds since surgery in December. I am on a plateau now and trying to break it. Hopefully the weather will be nice for several days and I can go outside to walk.

I have lost 8 lbs in the last two weeks and found I just can't eat the same amount of food at a time. I still have an appetite but seem to get full quicker. I am drinking plenty and am pleased with the weight loss I hope to lose some more yet! Good luck with your surgery. x

Thank you all who responded to my concerns. I normally eat healthy occasionally I want something fried or high in carbs. I just know since I turned "40" I started to gain some weight and now with surgery I was concerned laying around would diffinity put some pounds on. I live in Sunny Florida and the exercise was really never the problem. I will take all of your advise and I will try not to worry. I am really really nervous about having surgery. I have a low tolerance to pain so with that and everything else I will be so limited is driving me crazy. I don't mean to sound like I'm already complaining but just to have this web-site is a blessing to relieve my concerns and questions. Thanks everyone.

I was also very worried about weight gain because I had just lost those last 10 pounds that I'd been fighting for like 10 years. I'm happy to say that at 7 weeks post op I've only gained one pound. I ate lots of fruit and vegtables and almost no refined sugar, white flour or processed foods. I feel great about my surgery (LSH) and am thankful that I didn't gain weight!!!!