Do you put on weight after a hysterectomy?

Answer 1

If a woman's ovaries are removed during a hysterectomy (a complete hysterectomy), her body is instantly pushed into menopause. The ovaries produce estrogen, progesterone, and androstenedione. When they are removed the levels of these hormones drop dramatically and the effects on a woman's body can be varied. One of the frequent complaints of women who have had a hysterectomy, is weight gain, particularly around the waist. This a complaint they share with many women who experience a similar type of weight gain as they grow older and go through menopause.

Abdominal weight gain is believed to be tied to an excess of androgens, and a relative decrease in estrogen. Men tend to gain weight in their waists rather than in their hips or thighs, where women more commonly gain weight. Decreased levels of estrogen can lead to a similar effect in women. Androgens are the "male hormones" that are normally present in a woman's body. Menopause or a hysterectomy can skew the balance of these androgens against estrogen. Other elements that may be at work are a slowed metabolism, and water retention. It is yet unclear whether estrogen treatment itself has these effects on women.

The best way to manage a weight gain that finds its source in hormonal imbalance is to better address that source. Any woman who is menopausal or has had a hysterectomy and is experiencing discomfort, should ask her doctor about customizing her hormonal treatment. The answer is often found through trial and error. She should try changing doses, and changing hormone combinations

Answer 2

Many women report a weight gain after a hysterectomy however this is mainly due to the enforced rest period of 4 - 6 weeks with little exercise and keeping to the same diet or comfort eating. The closer you watch your calorie intake whilst immobile or at a reduced level of activity then the less you will put on. Try to walk as much as possible and gradually build up to your normal routine.

Answer 3

There's no medical reason for doing it, apart for whatever you might put on while waiting for the incision to heal, which shouldn't be much. Anything else you'd better blame something else for.

Answer 4

After a laproscopic hysterectomy there will be some bloating for a few days as the abdomen is inflated with CO2 gas for the surgery which takes up to a week to deflate however after this time the stomach should reduce to normal. With an abdominal hysterectomy the surgeon will have cut through the abdominal Wall and it will obviously take longer for this heal and the abdominal muscles will need to be strengthened.

But this is not the case in LAVH and TLH techniques .

Answer 5

One of the things that happens is a change in your hormones and with a hysterectomy you have suddenly lost your hormones in one day. This can cause weight gain and some bloating. Check with your doctor on adjusting your hormones and if you aren't on them get them. I had a hysterectomy last June and it has taken my body a year to fully heal, so if you just had it done know that it takes time to adjust.

Answer 6

Change in hormones and slowing of the metabolism. You can lose weight. You have to eat less and exercise more.

Answer 7

Not the actual hysterectomy but the lack of exercise forced on you and what you eat may cause weight gain.

Answer 8

Of course!