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How do I Avoid Weight Gain After a Hysterectomy?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

You can avoid weight gain after a hysterectomy the same way you avoid it in general, by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding foods that are high in calories, fat and sodium. Since you will likely be inactive for awhile after having surgery, it is important that you avoid fatty and high sugar snacks and resume activity as soon as a medical professional gives you the go-ahead.

There is generally no metabolic reason why women suffer from weight gain after a hysterectomy aside from lack of activity and high caloric intake. This can be avoided by eating a healthy diet during recovery and getting back to a normal exercise program as soon as you are able. Your healthcare provider will give you instructions on what exercises can be done soon after surgery, and then you can work up to more intense programs as you fully recover.

A small amount of weight gain can be expected after a hysterectomy.
A small amount of weight gain can be expected after a hysterectomy.

During the weeks following surgery, when you are unable to exercise at maximum capacity, you should make sure that you are eating a healthy diet and avoid high fat and high calorie foods. Some medical professionals recommend a particular diet immediately following surgery, and you should eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. If you eat lots of snacks and sweets, you will probably gain weight.

Abdominal and oblique muscles can be strengthened by crunches and sit-ups, but usually fat can only be reduced through diet and cardiovascular exercise.
Abdominal and oblique muscles can be strengthened by crunches and sit-ups, but usually fat can only be reduced through diet and cardiovascular exercise.

A small amount of weight gain directly after the surgery should be expected, but this does not indicate that you will have permanent weight gain. As long as you don’t overdo it with the high fat foods, this weight should come off as soon as you resume your normal activities. Start off slowly by taking a stroll around the block a few days a week, and then work your way up to more strenuous exercise.

Women who experience a large amount of discharge following a hysterectomy should consult a doctor immediately.
Women who experience a large amount of discharge following a hysterectomy should consult a doctor immediately.

If you were overweight before your surgery, you may have a harder time avoiding weight gain after surgery because poor eating habits and lack of activity may already be in place. To keep from gaining even more weight or to lose weight, you will need to change your eating habits and incorporate an exercise regimen. Be sure to check with a medical professional before starting a new exercise to ensure that you are healthy enough to handle strenuous activity.

Discussion Comments

ysmina

Going back to a regular physical routine is really the best way to avoid weight after a hysterectomy. I delayed doing this for a few months because I had a lot of swelling and pain during my hysterectomy recovery and exercising was uncomfortable. I think I started eating a lot at that time because of boredom as well. So the pounds just kept piling on.

I finally realized that I can't continue this way and started walking every day and then joined a dance class. It took a while to speed up my metabolism but I was consistent and I lost the extra pounds.

SarahGen

For some reason, doctors refuse to believe that hysterectomy causes weight gain. A part of it is swelling and water retention. But the biggest factor is a slower metabolism due to hormonal changes.

I've been struggling with my weight since my hysterectomy. Exercising more and eating better has helped, but the biggest help has been hormone therapy. I have lost some weight since I started taking hormones, my mood and sleep patterns are better as well.

So hysterectomy and weight gain are closely connected. If any of you are struggling with it, see your doctor. If your doctor doesn't listen to you, see a different one.

bear78

In most cases, women go into menopause after a hysterectomy. I think the exception is a partial hysterectomy where an ovary and part of the uterus is left. For those who do go into menopause, don't these sudden hormonal changes cause weight gain?

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    • A small amount of weight gain can be expected after a hysterectomy.
      By: Kzenon
      A small amount of weight gain can be expected after a hysterectomy.
    • Abdominal and oblique muscles can be strengthened by crunches and sit-ups, but usually fat can only be reduced through diet and cardiovascular exercise.
      By: theartofphoto
      Abdominal and oblique muscles can be strengthened by crunches and sit-ups, but usually fat can only be reduced through diet and cardiovascular exercise.
    • Women who experience a large amount of discharge following a hysterectomy should consult a doctor immediately.
      By: Dragos Iliescu
      Women who experience a large amount of discharge following a hysterectomy should consult a doctor immediately.
    • Weight gain may occur as a side effect of hormone replacement therapy, which can be used to balance hormones after a hysterectomy.
      By: Fernando Madeira
      Weight gain may occur as a side effect of hormone replacement therapy, which can be used to balance hormones after a hysterectomy.
    • A healthy diet and a normal exercise program can prevent weight gain following a hysterectomy.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      A healthy diet and a normal exercise program can prevent weight gain following a hysterectomy.
    • Women should avoid heavy lifting for about two months following a hysterectomy.
      By: jrwasserman
      Women should avoid heavy lifting for about two months following a hysterectomy.
    • Women experiencing menopause may use estrogen cream as a form of hormone replacement therapy.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Women experiencing menopause may use estrogen cream as a form of hormone replacement therapy.