Weight Gain After Hysterectomy: Causes And Remedies!

Weight gain is troubling. No matter what the cause is, it is not good for your health or mind. But what happens when the reason for weight loss cannot be controlled? What if it is triggered by something that is entirely beyond our control? It is a popular belief that Hysterectomy often leads to weight gain. Opting out of it is however dangerous. So we are going to examine the questions and posit solutions if any are available.

What is Hysterectomy?

Well, if you brush off your high school science, you would know that it is the process through which OB-GYN surgeons remove parts of a female uterus or in some cases, all of it. It is also used as an umbrella term to indicate the removal of other parts of the reproductive system. Any female who undergoes this procedure cannot reproduce or menstruate.

When Do You Need To Get A Hysterectomy?

There are several reasons why a woman gets a hysterectomy. Those include-

Fibroids-They can be defined as a kind of growth that surrounds the uterus. A hysterectomy is only prescribed when other medicines don’t work.
Cancer– It is self-explanatory and can be suggested if you have ovary, uterine, cervix, and endometrium cancer.
Endometrium– Hysterectomy is only suggested as a last resort.
Adenomyosis-This is a situation when your uterus is too thick that rubs off pain and discomfort.
Pelvic Inflammatory disease– Known to affect the pelvis, this one is extremely painful.
Hyperplasia– Another condition where the uterus is thick stopping menstruation.
Prolapse-This usually happens when you get older and the uterus comes out of your vagina causing severe infection.
Placenta Accreta– This is a rare condition and happens when the placenta merges into the uterus.

Weight Gain After Hysterectomy: Does It Happen?

According to studies and research reports, hysterectomy causes weight gain. So basically there are three types of hysterectomies-partial, total, and salpingo-oophorectomy. While the former includes the removal of the uterus, fallopian tube, or both, the latter includes the surgery of ovaries as well. The kind of surgery one has also determines the amount of weight one can gain.

If you were obese before there is a chance that you will be putting in some more pounds. When one’s ovaries are removed, they automatically go into menopause which we all know adds to our body weight. Additionally, women are also noticed to gain a lot of weight after partial hysterectomy.

Another criterion that decides if a woman puts on weight or not also depends on the time they take to recover. Depending on your body, the doctor might suggest we take bed rest for a long period. Limited physical activity is a major cause of obesity.

Though rare, losing your reproductive organs can stir up a lot of emotions in a female. Several women depend on carbs or sweets to feel better which again meddles with their weight. It is better to talk to a doctor and get a comprehensive schedule planned out for you.

What Are The Other Side Effects Of Hysterectomy?

Though rare, some patients have reported having-

Long hours of sleeplessness.
Erratic behavior due to severe mood swings
Hot flashes or incessant sweating
Low libido due to the pain as well as the stoppage of hormones
Lack of hydration in the vaginal area.
Difficulty to pass motions.
Threat of developing blood clots.
Lack of enough oxygen to breath
Depression

While the above are long-term ones, there are also certain short-term effects of Hysterectomy like-

Pain in the operation site.
Swollen skin around the area
Redness and itching
Difficulty bending over

If any of these symptoms linger longer or you see blood coming out of the site, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.

How Can You Lose Weight After Hysterectomy?

Follow a balanced diet– It is not just good for your recovery but also keeps your weight in check. Plan your meal after sitting with your dietitian.
Workout -We don’t mean that you lift pounds but go with lightweight ones first.
Trust the process– Let your body heal and give it ample time to do that
Concentrate on your mental health– Talk to a therapist, focus on your plans, and make a chart of what you like and what you don’t.

Hysterectomy is no easy surgery and it can have multiple side effects. Weight gain is a side effect of the surgery. But please don’t compromise your health. Weight can be lost later on when things are in your control. Medications or diets shouldn’t be started without contacting your health care provider or it might prove fatal. Your primary concern should always be your overall well-being and not just weight loss or gain.