fibroid tumor getting a hysterectomy
ninabaz
Posts: 75 Member
So i have been struggling to lose weight over the past 5 months i have only lost 27. and now i was told last week i need a hysterectomy because i have a huge fibroid tumor in my uterus. Very scared i am going to put all the weight i have worked so hard to lose right back on. Been online and researched and have read stuff on people loosing weight and people who gained 30 or more so i am confused. right now i loose a few pounds and then put them right back on the next week so it feels like all the work i put in 1-2 hrs a day is not worth it if i am just gonna gain it back from surgery. So my question is has anyone had the surgery because of a fibroid and if so what was your experience? Did you lose weight or did you gain a ton of it after?
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Yes!! Had myomectomy to remove over 25 fibroids. I chose NOT to have hysterectomy, and got a second opinion because first specialist insisted the best option was hysterectomy... i did not agree. I did not want to deal with the ramifications in terms of hormones, early onset menopause, all the symptoms associated with menopause etc. etc. so make sure YOU do your homework regarding all your options! Sometimes all the options are not presented to you and you have to go looking for them.
The key is to be as strong and healthy BEfORE surgery so that recovery is as easy as possible. Also because you will be unable to exercise for a while after surgery you need a good nutrition strategy. This is key. I did not put on any weight and am now back to full on workouts and dropping the rest of this nasty fat.
Are you having the surgery laparoscopically or incision? If its laparoscopically, recovery time will be shorter. If you will be having an incision like I did, recovery time is longer.
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I have the same thing, large fibroid, havent done surgery yet. I was going to have it done last year but then changed my mind. Wanted to lose weight first. So far I dropped 33 lbs by using MFP and prior an additional 30 slowly on my own. Since the weight loss the fibroid hasnt really bothered me that much, so I am not sure what to do at this point. 1 month i'm ok, next month sometimes its painful and excessive.
I guess it also depends where the fibroid is. My doctor told me if he was able to feel it in my abdomen then its time, I am not at that point yet. My coworker had it done in February , she was out of commission atleast 2 months.
27lbs in 5 months is an accomplishment. Be proud of that, if you have the surgery done, just try to watch what you eat. The exercise will just have to wait. When you are back to normal you start over, I have had 3 setbacks in the past few months with health issues with me and family and its frustrating, but you just start over
I have seen 3 doctors in regards to this. 1 doctor did nothing, the other 2 (from a new practice I went to) told me that its my decision, but a hysterectomy is my only option. I am 39, no more kids for me. Good Luck0 -
I have to have it done because my uterus is now the size of a three month pregnancy and my periods are so heavy and only last three days. They are doing a incision sonotsnansix week recovery time. Just a partial sob,y overlies will still be there. Just so frustrated with all of the contradicting information0
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You can still walk after it. I did.
I had the full deal, ovaries included when I was 36. I had fibroids, cysts, chocolate tumours, and level 4 endometriousus (sp) and I thought it was normal not to be able to walk in the middle of the month.
After surgery, get up, stand up straight, as soon as you can, walk around (ok, shuffle) your room.
Just keep doing what you are doing, eating healthy, drinking water, and walk as you are able, you'll be fine0 -
I love having had a hysterectomy! Feel so much better afterwards!
I had it laparoscopically, and it was easy. I didn't have pain during the recovery, but I did feel VERY fatigued for a couple of weeks.
I would take short, easy walks and rest after. Did not gain weight, but I was careful about what I ate. Remember to eat enough protein for healing tissue.
I think that you will be very surprised how much better you feel after having it done.
AND - no more periods, cramping, bloat, PMS!1 -
Really sorry to hear you're having a nightmare.
I had a myometomy 6 years ago to remove a 10cm x 8cm fibroid attached to the outside of my uterus. I have a scar similar to a cesarean scar. I had some implant under my skin to reduce the blood flow to it for a few months first which shrank it a little and made sure I didn't bleed everywhere then they tried to take it out!
Was in hospital for a night and yes, it's uncomfortable for a few weeks becuase they cut through your abdominal muscles but you need to get out and shuffle around as soon as you can.
As for weight gain from reduced hormones - if you are keeping your ovaries this shouldn't even be an issue as they are responsible for producing oestrogen and progesterone right? It's possible that your weight loss may stall a little as you won't be able to be so active but if you watch your calorie intake you'll be golden.
I know that yours in in your uterus rather than on the outside, but is there not a way they can take it out and not have to remove your uterus? Have you asked?
Good luck - let us know how you get on. I was really really scared but I needn't have been. It wasn't nice but it wasn't the worst thing that's ever happened to me!0 -
There is another way to get rid of it but it takes longer to shrink it and I can't stand the pain anymore so that's why I chose to just take it out0
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There is another way to get rid of it but it takes longer to shrink it and I can't stand the pain anymore so that's why I chose to just take it out
Nina,
in this time and age there is absolutely no reason for a young woman to have any hysterectomy, especially when you are so close to some of the top academic institutions in the world. Brigham and Women has been doing all the cutting edge research and leading the discoveries in this field.
http://www.fibroids.net/homepage.html
You can have birth control and other medication to shrink them; have the stones that cut the blood supply to the fibroids; have minimal invasion myomectomy, myomectomy, etc. There are so many treatments. My friend went to her doctor who had told her that she had to do a full hysterectomy. I told her to get her butt and fly to Boston ASAP. She had a minimal invasive surgery 8 years ago and has been so happy ever since.0 -
I had a hysterectomy due to a large fibroid about 4 years ago--best thing ever! No more pain, numb legs, etc.
Anyway, you won't be very hungry after surgery. Portion out healthy foods (fruit, vegetables, etc) before you have surgery so it will be ready for you when you get home.
DO NOT weigh yourself for a couple of weeks after surgery. Why? Because they're going to load you up with fluids in the OR and you're going to weigh more. I had around 6 pounds of stuff removed, but when I got on the scale, I weighed 3 pounds more than I did pre-op. It takes a while for that fluid to leave. Trust me on this--do not weigh yourself! Also, take sandals or loose shoes to wear home because your toes are going to be sausages and regular shoes will be painful.
Oh, and I had laparascopic surgery, even with such a large tumor. My biggest incision was an inch long. I was back on the treadmill (walking at a 3 mile pace) in two weeks.1 -
If thy are just taking the uterus you will be fine. It is the removal of the ovaries -messes up the hormones- that makes weight loss hard (or causes weight gain)
I had a hysterectomy last May. kept my ovaries- had my uterus and 1/2 my cervix removed. (and a honeydew melon sized fibroid tumor). I lost 6 pounds with the surgery and have been losing about an average of 1/2 a pound a week until I went into maintenance in January,
(but not want to lose a little more body fat, so just started back at th 'losing game)0 -
I had a partial (I have my cervix and ovaries) done at Brigham and Women's by Dr Walsh (an expert in the field) due to fibroids. Recovery was a breeze and I did not need any pain medication after I left the hospital. It was day surgery. I took one week off from work. Five days after surgery I was back to walking 4 or 5 miles a day. I have a one inch scar on my belly. The other incisions were in my belly button and another one blends with the stretch marks. I have no regrets doing it.1
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I had my hysterectomy over 8 years ago. It was the best decision I ever made. No more feeling yucky most of the month, reduced migraines down to two a year instead of every month. You MUST allow proper healing time even with lapro. I can tell you honestly that post-op was extremely painful for a couple of days. I had never felt such pain--but it was well worth it considering my monthly torture before the surgery. I was on hormone therapy for 4 years and weaned off that over 3 years ago. The added bonuses well outweigh the cons. No more planning vacations around your monthly curse...you can be ready to go anytime. I lost weight post-op because the meds make you forget to eat or kill your appetite. Making a good plan ahead of time to schedule a healthy diet in recovery will benefit you greatly. Good luck to you. Better days are ahead.
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She is 31 yrs old, not 50, she is 4.5 hrs drive straight highway from BWH that has been the leading institution in fibroid research for the last 40 years and were advocating against hysterectomy even 20 yrs ago.
These are all the treatment options,
http://www.fibroids.net/fibroids.html0 -
She is 31 yrs old, not 50, she is 4.5 hrs drive straight highway from BWH that has been the leading institution in fibroid research for the last 40 years and were advocating against hysterectomy even 20 yrs ago.
These are all the treatment options,
http://www.fibroids.net/fibroids.html
She also has kids and is an adult. You act as if 31 is a child still. I had my hysterectomy two years ago and it was the best thing I ever did, no more periods, no more pain! It was a difficult recovery, but I actually lost weight during that time, I wasn't hungry and I slept a lot. Good luck!0 -
OK here's the deal I asked for advice on how not to put the weight back on not to have everyone argue about my age or decision. I just wanted to know if you found yourself gaining or loosing weight after that is all. But thanks for putting my decision down I appreciate it whole heatedly0
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Just want to say thank you to those who have helpful advice0
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Nina,
I am not try to put you down. I just have seen many female friends and relatives given similar advice and when they have explored their options and had second opinions in different institutions they were happy they did not had a hysterectomy. You were just told about it a week ago. It is scary and upsetting at this stage. You are very young and such an operation brings many hormonal changes. Most of the others who found it great they are 20 yrs older than yourself. Plus, when we take an action, we try not to second guess it because then we would feel guilt/upset that we did not have the opportunity/option to do what the other person can do now with modern technology. Yes, you are not a child, you are an adult. That does not make any difference as females are vibrant people who want to have a full life to their 80+.0 -
whatever decision you make good luck - just try your best to maintain a healthy diet while you cannot exercise. and if you do put on a few pounds, dont beat yourself up. u will get back on track0
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Getting a hysterectomy doesn't mean you will definitely have hormonal changes if the ovaries are healthy. I had two fibroids and tried birth control to stop or slow down bleeding. It had the reverse effect and I hemorrhaged. The OP doesn't want opinions on whether it's the right thing to do or not. I didn't either. I was tired of what I was going through and wanted it to stop. End of story.
To the OP, if you are or you become anemic it may take you a bit longer to recover and get back to exercise but you can still do a lot to make sure that you eat well. I lost a few pounds and considering I was at the mercy of my husband's cooking that's kind of a miracle. You might consider making several meals to put in the freezer and writing up a list of groceries for someone to pick up for you when you need to restock the kitchen with healthy food. You may not have much of an appetite for a week or longer.
My second bit of advice is to read all you can on hystersisters.com. It's an amazing site full of women who are either preparing for or recovering from hysterectomy. Feel free to add me as a friend and message me if you'd like to discuss this further. I had my LAVH in November so it's all still very fresh in my mind. I wish you a fast and uncomplicated recovery. Just try to do your best to focus on healing and nourishing your body and everything will fall into place as far as your weight.0 -
I don't know if this is an option for you, but I had a fibroid as big as a softball and I was able to have a robotic assisted laparoscopic myomectomy where only the fibroid was removed. That was about a year ago and I no longer have heavy periods. Before the surgery I was passing clots as big as the palm of your hand and was very anemic. Good luck, I hope that all goes well with you.0
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I totally agree with evileen from the earlier post. Same experience and result. I had a fibroyd the size of a softball blocking the opening of my uterus. My periods were so heavy I was anemic. I jumped at the chance to have the hysterectomy and it has changed my life. I had it laparoscopically so minimallly invasive. Was back at work in 10 days and walking in 2 weeks. I gained little to no weight. I totally agree about not weighing yourself for a time. Feel better and do what is right for you and your body.
The freedom I have gained is priceless:)0 -
I had a myomectomy for one that was about the size of softball, my periods were horrible. I had it about 4 weeks ago. I am hoping ot get started on working out next week. I can't stand that i can't fit into any of my clothes any longer. Did you already have yours done?0
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you are not going to put the weight on if you stick to your food choices that helped you lose in the first place. I had HUGE ( even the doctor was impressed) fibroid .. had to have a complete hysterectomy... hang in there recovery takes a few weeks but you will be walking about ( is required after surgery) in no time. I was out camping four weeks after surgery. If they take the ovaries you will have hormonal changes but they can be managed fairly easily. You will be fine and in the long term will feel MUCH better with this gone. I was amazed at the difference I felt a few weeks after surgery...no bleeding, no pressure, no pain.. hang in there sweety you will do great0
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I had a partial hysterectomy six years ago, and I lost weight during the recovery, because I had no desire to eat and it was easier to stick to a healthy diet.0
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I had a cantalope sized fibriod and had a hysterectomy almost 10 years ago. I had no sudden weight gain afterwards. I think hormones play a part in that though. I still have my ovaries. Best wishes for you!0
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I had the hystorec for the fibroid. In my case I had no choice because my insurance would not cover me going to other treatments, and I couldn't cover it out of my pocket. Yes I gained weight. But I didn't do what my doctor said do. he told me to start walking even if it was for one minute. I will admit that was one of the best things to happen to me. My life was 50% better, making me a 100 percent woman mentally and physically. Good luck to you, and get that physical level working asap, don't lie around.0
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When I was 36 I had a hysterectomy. In 6 month's I grew a large grapefruit size tumor. They didn't give me an option. As fast as it grew they were afraid it was going to cause damage. They did mine laprascopic. I agree you can get up and move and eat smart and be back to yourself in no time. That was 16 years ago and I have never regreted the decision. I am now in the tail end of menopause. Get a second opion if you want to. I didn't and everything went wonderful. Best of luck.0
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My second bit of advice is to read all you can on hystersisters.com. It's an amazing site full of women who are either preparing for or recovering from hysterectomy. Feel free to add me as a friend and message me if you'd like to discuss this further. I had my LAVH in November so it's all still very fresh in my mind. I wish you a fast and uncomplicated recovery. Just try to do your best to focus on healing and nourishing your body and everything will fall into place as far as your weight.
This is a great site and gave me all the info I needed when I had mine. I also have found that attitude plays a big part in recovery.0 -
I had one in March of 2009. They took my uterus and my cervix, I still have both ovaries so there are no hormonal issues (If your ovaries are healthy, there is no reason to remove them) It was the absolute best thing that I ever did for myself. Life is so much easier now. I feel like a new person.
As far as weight loss, I don't think the surgery itself affects it one way or the other, its what you do after your recovery period (6-8 weeks) is over that counts. There is no reason you can't slowly work yourself into an exercise routine afterwards. I currently do Strong Lifts 5x5 three times a week followed by additional weighted lunges and/or step-ups and a two mile walk (sometimes intervals). There is no way I'd be able to this workout if I had not had that surgery, because the pain was so debilitating and interfering with my job and my life. I can do so much more now than I ever could before.0 -
I had a full hysterectomy, ovaries and all at the age of 47. It was absolutely the best thing I have ever done. I realise you are younger, but if you are happy with your family size and are keeping your ovaries then go for it. It is such a liberation! My bleeding was unbelievable and I was at the end of my tether. It has absolutely nothing to do with weight gain, that is entirely up to you, and sex is just as good afterwards! I had the incision and I took a while to recover, but nothing like the scare stories you can read on the net. I wish I had had it done years earlier. Why suffer? And how great not to have periods!0
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