Weight Loss Following Hysterectomy

If you are scheduled for a hysterectomy, chances are that you have read a lot of stories about weight gain and inability to lose weight after the surgery. The relationship between hysterectomy and weight loss depends on your speed of recovery and whether your ovaries were removed. The good news is that no matter what kind of hysterectomy you have, there are things you can do to minimize weight gain and even lose excess pounds.

Post-Surgery Weight Gain Risks

• Weight gain is a common side effect of surgery, and hysterectomies are no different. As you rest during recovery, you will be burning far fewer calories than you would during your normal daily routine. Over time, this leads to weight gain. As you heal and are able to tolerate more physical activity, you may find that your weight returns to normal.

Weight Gain and Ovarian Removal

• Women who have had their ovaries removed during a hysterectomy have an increased risk of weight gain since the loss of ovaries causes menopause to begin. Menopause is associated with decreased metabolism, which coupled with reduced post-surgery physical activity, can cause weight to spike.

  Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) prescribed to minimize menopause symptoms may also lead to weight gain. According to Dr. Frederick R. Jelovsek, an obstetrician in Johnson City, Tenn., HRT weight gain should only be in the neighborhood of three pounds. But if progestin is part of your HRT plan, you may experience increased appetite. The increased appetite could cause you to consume more calories and gain additional weight.

Dietary Changes during Recovery

• You can keep weight gain at bay during recovery by sticking to a healthy eating plan and consuming fewer calories. Stick with lean proteins, grains and low-fat dairy products and avoid processed foods. Food choices that are high in zinc, like lean meat, beans and whole grain cereals, as well as foods high in Vitamin C, like citrus fruits and tomatoes, are not only healthy choices but also encourage a speedy recovery.

Physical Activity

• To lose weight, or at least reduce weight gain, you want to get back to exercising as soon as possible. However, it is important not to risk your recovery and take on more physical activity than you should. Although recovery from a hysterectomy often takes up to six months, you may be able to add gentle activities to your routine earlier. Work with your doctor to monitor your progress and come up with an exercise plan that will help you burn calories without risking your healing.

Long-Term Weight Loss

• As life returns to normal after your hysterectomy, you will be able to return to your post-surgery routine in terms of diet and exercise. If you experience persistent inability to lose weight even after you have resumed your pre-surgery routine, check with your doctor to see if there is another underlying cause, such as thyroid disease. She will also be able to help you come up with a healthy eating plan.