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Q. Fitz, I have had many abdominal procedures, and early menopause which resulted in a complete hysterectomy. Since having these surgeries, I do well if I consume only 750 calories a day. If I’m not hungry, I don’t eat. Despite my low caloric intake (and yes, I am physically active – I live on a homestead with small animals that need a lot of care) and especially since my hysterectomy, my weight has jumped. I know there’s a link between low intake and weight loss, but even with my activity level, it’s not dropping an ounce. If I eat more, I just get cranky and swell. I’m doing something wrong, but I can’t see it and no one is willing to at least point me in a direction. I would appreciate any comments and thoughts you have on this. Regards, Josie
A. Hello Josie. Thanks for writing. I did some research and apparently many post-hysterectomy women are dealing with a similar issue to yours. Annoying weight gain. Most sources suggest that weight gain is not a side effect of a hysterectomy. The consensus seemed to be that women who have recently undergone a hysterectomy often gain weight due to required rest, and an increased appetite upon recovery. Emotional swings which often follow this type of surgery can cause stress-induced eating as well. But the actual lack of a uterus and ovaries is not considered a factor in weight gain. The following quote was taken from a Patient Education form on hysterectomies.”Weight gain is related to diet and physical activity and is not related directly to a hysterectomy. The time needed for rest and healing during the first few weeks after surgery, and a possible desire to eat more as you feel better, may cause slight weight gain. This is usually temporary and will stop after you go back to your normal activities and lifestyle.”
Josie, I haven’t had a hysterectomy, but I have had babies. Our bodies seem to freak out after these major ordeals. Maybe your body and lifestyle hasn’t completely returned back to normal yet. 750 calories is not a whole heck of a lot for an active woman to consume, which may simply be slowing your metabolism. I value that you stop eating when you’re not hungry though. Gradually increasing the calories you consume to: this exact formula for achieving your ideal weight per day with the right types of foods will give you the needed energy to become even more active.
Being active throughout the day working on your property is a plus, but being active is different from exercising. Exercise is deliberate. You put on your sneakers/swimsuit/helmet etcetera to go huff and puff. An active lifestyle is ideal, but rarely gets a person’s heart rate up for 30-45 minutes in an aerobic training zone. Add some vigorous walking, jogging, cycling dancing, swimming for cardio, and some strength training to your week. Shoot for 15 minutes each day and up the time when it feels good to you. If your doctor has approved exercise, this will help get you back to your ideal weight.
The one article I found that suggested a full hysterectomy may in fact, contribute to weight gain, is this one. It refers to an excess of androgens as the culprit. Either way, I think you should go back and address this issue with your doctor. I’m a fitness expert, not a gynecologist. There may be something else happening you’re not aware of. Talk with some other women who have had similar experiences as well. Maybe you’ll learn something fabulous from someone who’s been through it. Keep your chin up, Josie. I do not believe you are doomed to carry around extra fat for the rest of your life.
Get to work!
Fitz
Hi Fitz,
Thanks for doing the research and providing the information – even if this is not an issue for me or your other members, we know someone who will benefit from the information.
Best, Val
hi, i had a laproscopic hysterectomy 2 months ago. I did not gain any weight in the first month, however now, i have increased appetite, and although i have started brisk walking, ( last 1 week) i seem to be eatingmore , due to my increased appetite. And gaining belly fat. did not remove ovaries, so am not on hormone tablets. How do i reduce my appetite and get into being fit again… I dont suffer from other issues like depression, etc thankfully, but hunger pangs is crazy… and i feel terrible because of that
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I had a total hysterectomy about 15 years ago. Losing weight I find is harder but doable. I lost over 100 lbs and gained it all back I m working on losing it again but I’m finding it much harder this time and maybe it has to do with getting older? It’s been 3 years of not much loss . I find that since the surgery I find myself depressed more but I am a fighter I will not for the most part let it get me down! Exercise helps a great deal with that! To lose weight I have to agree with Fitz you can’t just be active you have to take time to exercercise find something you like and do it, then up it and keep upping it! Weight training of some kind is a must! Exerercise even if you can only put in 15-20 mins a few times a day. It all adds up . But I also think you should eat at lest Fitzs caps plan. And for the hunger pangs I used to get them in the early days but you just need to find a food that helps you with that . Listen to your body it will tell you. For me it’s a small amount of nuts or a small amount of a avocado . You can do this it just not easy. And do your best to keep it off the first time ! The second time is much harder!!! Much love to you all