Looking back

blueberrymuff98

So I looked back to 2019 and discovered I have gained 20lbs the months after my hysterectomy. I’m going to try and get rid of this weight!! Just wanting to be accountable and have encouragement with like minded people! Blessings! Julie

leiann2003

I hear you about post hysterectomy weight! Good Luck to you!

ddsb1111

Gaining 20 lbs over six years breaks down to just about 3.3 lbs a year, roughly an extra 35–50 calories a day, which is such a small, sneaky amount. It’s so common, especially around big life changes like a hysterectomy or no big changes at all- just 1 extra bite of food.

That said, while it’s common to connect weight gain with major procedures, it can sometimes make it feel like the outcome is out of our hands, which can be scary or discouraging to others going through something similar. The truth is, our bodies are incredibly adaptive, and the good news is we can make slow, sustainable changes that correct the weight gain. A hysterectomy in of itself won’t stop that from happening.

Even just aiming for 1 lb a week (a 3500 calorie deficit per week, or about 500/day) or less, through accurate calorie tracking, gentle movement, and consistent habits adds up fast. In five months, that’s 20 lbs gone, without crash diets or extremes. The key is treating it as a lifestyle shift, not punishment or a quick fix. You’re not a victim to the procedure, you’re the one in charge now, and that mindset is everything.

age_is_just_a_number

A hysterectomy is instant menopause. You might find some helpful ideas in this other post regarding post menopause weight loss.

We are here for you, if you have questions or need other support.

AnnPT77

For other readers: A hysterectomy is instant menopause if ovaries are removed at the same time (oophorectomy), which is not always done. If just the uterus is removed, menstruation will of course cease, but the ovaries will keep producing hormones so menopause occurs at some later time. Usually menopause in those cases will occur more or less when that woman would normally have reached menopause.

Menopause can present many challenges, and their nature and severity will vary from one woman to the next. I entered menopause quickly in my mid-40s because of chemotherapy, then took anti-estrogen drugs for 7.5 years, drugs that in some ways create a hyper-menopausal effect. I lost weight - around 50 pounds - using MFP at age 59-60. That makes me believe that menopause isn't universal weight loss doom, whatever other challenges it may bring.

Hang in there, @blueberrymuff98, incremental positive progress will take you to your goals!