weight gain after hysterectomy?

Hi Systers! I'm new to this exclusive group of women. I am 40 years old and am schedule to have TAH 8/19/02. Am I freaked? Not yet. I'm actually excited about having the surgery, but have heard women gain weight afterwards. I have fibroids - and am tired of not being able to predict when my period will end. For the past year, I've been taking medroxyprogestin - the Depo Prevera pill - and Prozac which combined has added 15 lbs. I am looking forward to getting off both these drugs post hysterectomy to lose the weight - but now am worried I'll only blow up even more after the surgery. A friend told me that only if you have your ovaries removed is that likely to happen (I guess due to the hormones). Does anybody know? Another question I have is, I've been told that the biggest side effect of having the surgery is fatigue - can any of you experienced Systers respond to that? Thanks you for your insights. I'm glad to know there is a sisterhood to support each other through this life altering process.

Hi Shirl

Everyone's experience will be very different - and I can only tell you about mine - but it's good news as far as I'm concerned. I am almost 6 weeks post op from TVH-RSO (Left Ovary removed earlier) I'm taking Estradiol daily - and I've LOST weight since surgery - nearly 10 lbs. My uterus was 12-14 weeks and so I'm sure that was a little of the weight - I know it was 2 inches off my belly!! The rest of the weight was most likely no appetite for weeks and now I'm back into my exercise routine - so all is good.

Fatigue is definately a factor in recovery. Even though I'm feeling well now, I still find that I need a total of 9-10 hours of sleep per day - so I'm catching a couple of naps when I can and trying to get to bed early. Pre-surgery, I routinely slept only 5-6 hours per day.

All in all, I'm a very happy princess and I'm just a few months younger than you.

Good luck and s

Elaine

Hi and welcome to the best place around for info, support and hugs!

And welcome to a fellow fibroid queen! I had my TAH/BSO a year ago this past March. My largest broid was 27cm long!!

As a result of that critter and its friends being removed, I woke up 8 lbs lighter, so that was a good jumpstart. Of course, as you go through the initial stages of your recovery, you will be less active than you'll be later, so you may find that you put on a couple of pounds. BUT...as the fibroid-fatigue leaves you, you will find that you will probably have renewed energy and feel better than you have in years. The insidious thing about fibroids is that they sneak up on us....we don't realize how downright awful we feel until they're gone and we start to feel......GOOD!

I'm on .625mgs of Premarin daily, and I have NEVER felt better in my life. I'm down to my weight of 15 years ago, I'm working out and walking every day, and I'm thoroughly enjoying life after hyster. So the basic theme is, yes, you MAY gain a little at first, but depending on how you handle your post-recovery life and health, you'll probably be able to keep the weight off or lose it. Just remember to take things slow and easy at first, and always follow your doctor's instruction before beginning to resume any normal physical activities.

Keep reading and posting, and we'll all be here to help you get through this! Don't miss the Pull Down menus on our home page for helpful ideas and hints on getting ready.

Glad you found us!

Karen