Weight Loss After Hysterectomy?

ErinShannon
ErinShannon Posts: 158 Member
edited October 10 in Health and Weight Loss
I am wondering if anyone has stories of weight loss success after a hysterectomy? I am 35 yrs old, suffer from very bad/debilitating Endometriosis, and after numerous other treatments, I am now looking at having a complete hysterectomy and then going on HRT. I am wondering how this will affect my weight loss efforts. Everyone I've talked to keeps telling me not to do it, I'll never loose weight, etc. But the thing is I can't live in constant pain every day and having a constant menstrual cycle isn't very appealing either. My husband and I have discussed it and we are at peace with the decision.

So can anyone give me some hope about weight loss after hysterectomy?

Thanks,
Erin
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Replies

  • crystaltrejo
    crystaltrejo Posts: 263 Member
    I am having a hysterectomy in May, although i have decided to keep my ovaries. I feel losing after shouldn't be an issue as much for me but will encourage you through yours. My step moms friend has been on HRT for years and she has not gained any weigh. I hope that is the case for you too. Best wishes!
  • MrsSmith2010
    MrsSmith2010 Posts: 225 Member
    My mom got a hysterectomy and after she was completely healed she actually lost weight. She said after the pain was gone it was easier to work out and she thinks that counter acted the negative effects of the hormone issues. Good luck with everything, I'm sure you'll make it work!!
  • catcrazy
    catcrazy Posts: 1,740 Member
    Everyone is different, womens metabolism slows down with the onset of the menopause but if you're keeping an eye on your weight, calories and fitness anyway then this should be no biggie for you.

    You may have to modify calories a little more after the op but then I have a feeling you will be more active as a result of the op so will automatically be burning more. Swings and roundabouts but i'd take a few extra lbs and/or having to work a little harder than live with endometriosis for another 15 years (by which time you'd probably be starting the menopause naturally and have to deal with the potential weight gain then anyway!)


    If you are at peace with your decision don't let others sway you.
  • Sheltie4
    Sheltie4 Posts: 65 Member
    I had a radical hysterectomy 5 years ago, had huge fibroids and endometriosis which had grown on my internal organs. I feel fantastic, I take HRT and have never found it easier to regulate my weight.

    I cannot believe how well I feel, how wonderful life is and how I wish I had had the op when I was 28 instead of 48! I was unable to have children and should have had surgery years ago, kept thinking things would improve and trying various other smaller ops.

    I wish you all the very best and if I can help in any way send my a message.
  • luv2ash
    luv2ash Posts: 1,903 Member
    You have to do what is needed for you to feel better---really, a pill does not make you gain weight---it may make you think it does, which may make us put more food in our body. The only thing that makes you gain weight is the food that enters your body.

    I believe with proper change in nutrition and exercise and a committment, you will succeed---you should discuss this with your doctor as well.
  • I got a hysterectomy in 2006. I lost weight right away without trying, but I didn't need hormone therapy. I was able to "cheat" it with my young age (35). I put some on, am now using MFP and have lost 17.6 as of today.
  • splashwags
    splashwags Posts: 262 Member
    I too had a hysterectomy. Issues with fibroids caused severe anemoia. After healing from the surgery, never felt better, and actually started walking as part of the recovery process. I had a partial and left the ovaries behind, That's the only thing I would ask your doc about. Good luck and friend me if you would like support as you progress
  • te102763
    te102763 Posts: 2 Member
    Talk to your Dr. about your goals. He can prescribe a HRT that won't interfere with weight loss. I've had a hysterectomy and both my sisters have...we've all three gained and lost the same as before we had hysterectomies.
  • Don't listen to the "everyone" who is telling you that you will never be able to lose weight after a hysterectomy. I had a hysterectomy when I was 32 years old and once recovered I had never felt better in my life. No more pain, no more periods, no more PMS, and no more birth control!!! When I got home from the hospital I started walking every day. It was only around the block but each day I felt better and walked farther. Eight weeks out from surgery I was walking two miles a day and had lost 10 pounds. Now I am a cautionary tale though. I have battled my weight all my life. Over my lifetime I am guessing that lost and gained 1000 pounds. I didn't stay vigilent with my walking or eating and the weight came back little by little. I had a bad back injury in 2003 and exercising became very hard to do. That's when I really ballooned up. So I went back to the operating room. I had gastric bypass in 2006. I lost 176 pounds and managed to keep most of it off. Now I am not advocating that you have gastric bypass I just wanted to give you a warning about sticking with it. You are already on the right track. You are losing weight in a healthy manner. That should not stop after your hysterectomy as long as you are determined to be healthy and make healthy choices I don't see any reason why the surgery and HRT would stop you from reaching your goal. Stay in touch with all of us and we will cheer you on!
  • No more pain, no more periods, no more PMS, and no more birth control!!!
    When the doctor came in to tell me I had ovarian cancer, he sat down and was like "I have bad news. You'll need a complete hysterectomy. That means no more children and no more periods." I asked him where the "bad" news was!!
  • maeadair
    maeadair Posts: 496 Member
    I too had hysterectomy but kept my ovaries, therefore no HRT. I found when I hit menopause was harder to lose weight than before, but on MFP am losing at healthy 1-2#/wk. This is a lifestyle change and commitment to a healthier you. will be here for support if you need/want, may add me as friend, just drop me a message. :-) Oh I am a fellow Maineiac LOL! :-)
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    One thing will get easier - it is easier to move your body when it is in pain!
  • TamRob73
    TamRob73 Posts: 8 Member
    I am wondering if anyone has stories of weight loss success after a hysterectomy? I am 35 yrs old, suffer from very bad/debilitating Endometriosis, and after numerous other treatments, I am now looking at having a complete hysterectomy and then going on HRT. I am wondering how this will affect my weight loss efforts. Everyone I've talked to keeps telling me not to do it, I'll never loose weight, etc. But the thing is I can't live in constant pain every day and having a constant menstrual cycle isn't very appealing either. My husband and I have discussed it and we are at peace with the decision.

    So can anyone give me some hope about weight loss after hysterectomy?

    Thanks,
    Erin

    Hi Erin,

    I just had surgery 8 weeks ago with an Endo specialist. I had a hysterectomy (for fibroids) and removed one ovary as well as a bowel resection as I had endo on my bowel. It was the BEST decision I made.

    Having a hysterectomy doesn't cure Endo. I would definitely see a specialist that does excision surgery. I never thought I would do a hysterectomy and I tried everything to improve my Endo. Do what you feel is right and don't listen to what others say. They don't understand the amount of pain you go through with Endo. Now having said that, you can still have pain even after Hysterectomy unless you see a excision Endo specialist. Please research this. There is an amazing blogging site and information on endo-resolved.com.

    I don't regret my surgery and wish I would of done this YEARS ago. I feel better now than I have in 3 years!!! If you need any advice or recommendations, let me know and I can help on that. :-)
  • TamRob73
    TamRob73 Posts: 8 Member
    Oh and on the weight loss thing, I lost seven pounds from the bowel surgery I had. I have not gained any weight that is above and beyond what I weighed beforehand.

    I have heard some lose some gain and some stay the same. It really depends on what you eat and how active you are. I lost an ovary so I was sure I would of gained more weight than I have and I haven't. BUT I know that if I dont watch it - I would probably gain.

    I gained 36 pounds after my first Endo surgery three years ago which was just to remove an ovarian cyst. I think taking care of the Endo by seeing a specialist will enable to be pain free and I will be able to be more active and lose weight now as opposed to spending half the month in bed in pain. :) I have not had one day in pain for 8 weeks now, ever since my surgery. I am really really happy with my results!
  • jala9656
    jala9656 Posts: 31 Member
    I had a hysterectomy at 38. Best decision I made. Also am on HRT. Did not gain weight from taking med., just from my lazy habits.
  • torregro
    torregro Posts: 307
    Keep in mind that women are all different. Not every woman who goes through menopause needs HRT, (they're just very vocal about their symptoms) LOL and not every woman who has a hysterectomy will either. I'm 54 years old, had a TAH with BSO 3 years ago and have never taken (nor needed) HRT.
    During that time, I've had a one or two random weeks of hot flashes, but it's my personal belief that exercise has helped keep me feeling well. While you may find yourself in need of HRT, you may also find that you don't. I'm a big believer in not borrowing trouble. Good luck with your health issues.
  • I have been trying to eat a healthy diet with excercise...but nothing helps...what did you find that worked
  • Bless you HysterSisters! I am scheduled for a TLH due to massive issues from endometriosis next month. (TMI alert) Earlier this month I had a laparoscopy which diagnosed the endometriosis and informed me that the years of living with this left my bladder and one ovary fused to my abdominal wall. They removed the endometiosis they could get to and cut down my bladder and ovary. Why they didn't just take it all then is beyond me (I understand the liability) but I would have preferred it all being done at once. I am 35 with 3 children (18yr old, 16yr old, and 14yr old). My baby days are long behind me and my husband had a vasectomy years ago. So the decision to have a hysterectomy wasn't one that we had to discuss for long. I asked my Dr. what the draw backs were and she said "no more children and no more periods". Those are my kind of draw backs! My period cycle has been every 20 days with 9 days of spotting before, 7 days of massive flow, and 5 days of spotting after so I very rarely get a day free of wearing a pad of some variety. When I started reading up on THL so many people said their average weight again (even years after surgery) was 25lb. I have fought long to loose weight my whole life. I am currently within ten pounds of my goal (I've lost 75lb so far). After reading so many stories of people gaining and keeping weight after surgery my husband found me sitting on the kitchen floor with a pint of Ben and Jerrys in tears. I figured if the weight was inevitable I was going to do it right. After reading your stories I just wanted to thank you for not feeding the negativity and sharing your honest stories. I will embrace this new part of my life with a smile and my workout shoes and leave behind years of pain and pads.
  • UndercoverAngel74
    UndercoverAngel74 Posts: 185 Member
    I had a nightmare hysterectomy 2 years ago. I had every complication in the book (my case was rare, so don't be alarmed). I ended up having to be cut from hip bone to hip bone due to an enlarged and prolapsed uterus. I am now in the best shape of my life and feeling amazing! I don't really have a weight issue--I just need to tone up.
    It is taking me a little longer to reach my goals than it did when I was in my 20's, but I think that has more to do with age than my surgery.
    Pray, talk to your doctors, and make a serious effort--you will be fine!!!!
  • Nidia2323
    Nidia2323 Posts: 1 Member
    I just had a partial one leaving ovaries behind a week ago. I have the same concerns about weight gain even though I'm not menopausing yet at 45. I'm planning to start walking this upcoming week and I'm trying to make a whole lifestyle change. I'm hoping thst since I will be feeling healthier now without the bloating n pains, that I can fully commit myself to a healthier lifestyle now. Good luck to you.
  • I had a hysterectomy at the age of 28 (I am now 44) due to large ovarian tumors. I did gain weight after my surgery and for years I said "I just can't lose weight because of my hysterectomy". Seven years ago I took diet pills and lost 60 lbs. The only thing the diet pill did was radically decrease my appetite so I lost weight. Of course I didn't learn how to eat when I actually had an appetite again after I stopped the pills so I gained it all back, but it taught me that I COULD lose weight, I just wasn't decreasing my calories enough or sticking with it long enough to see results. I have been at this for 5 months now and I am consistently losing 5 lbs a month, so it's slow but that's because I am not going gang busters to try to lose the weight---I am finding a happy medium that I can actually stick with long term. I know now I CAN lose weight and the hysterectomy was an excuse for me. Good luck---I don't miss having a period AT ALL....lol

    .
  • luadams2
    luadams2 Posts: 122
    I don't mean to jack this thread but I just want to say THANK YOU TRACY so much for giving me hope. I am a year and a half post total hysterectomy (fibroids) and while I feel so much better, I gained 20 lbs! I hate my body! I have been exercising like a fiend and I haven't lost any weight. I think the key is calories. Exercise isn't enough. I thought I had cut back, but truth is I haven't cut back that much or I cut back for a week then binge. I need to get serious and quit using my hysterectomy as an excuse for not losing weight. I did not do the HRT hormones, I could not tolerate them, they made me sick and dizzy.
  • Skinny625
    Skinny625 Posts: 79 Member
    I know the feeling. I had been working out like crazy this last week and calculating my calories 1200 which I was staying below. I stepped on the scales and NOTHING happened. Over a week and a half ago, I had bought a Polar Heart Monitor so I could keep track plus push me a little. I am so angry and frustrated right now. I am on a HRT patch. I am total stumped :ohwell:
  • sw32606
    sw32606 Posts: 3
    I'm totally stumped as well I;m eating high protein low carb and exercise vardo and weights at least 4times a week and I'm gaining about 1/2 lb week almost 10 since surgery 87 days ago. Started weight watchers nothing actually gain 3lbs...I think my body is having an all out war. Stumped and Frustrated!!!!
  • jweil72
    jweil72 Posts: 1
    I had a complete hysterectomy in March of 2013 due to severe endometriosis. I could no longer stand the pain I suffered each month and had no choice. My OBGYN used the DaVinci Robot, and the surgery and recovery were not bad at all. I had lost 16 pounds before my surgery, so I expected to continue losing afterwards. However, I started taking the Dr. recommended HRT, and I gained all 16 pounds back in 8 weeks. I quit taking the HRT and the weight gain stopped. A couple of months ago, I contacted a compounding pharmacy in Sioux Falls that a co-worker recommended. They send out a saliva/blood test kit to test my hormone levels, etc. I have since been using a hormone replacement cream that is safe for me to use, plus some vitamins and a DHEA that my body needed to bring my levels back up to normal. All of this was approved through my Dr. I have been tracking my calories (I try to keep it at the 1200/day) and working out everyday for the last 3 weeks. I have lost 1 pound, but have not measured myself. It is a constant struggle to lose the weight now, but I am no longer gaining. I am going to continue to watch my calories and exercise each day, so I hope to continue to lose. Good luck on your decision...I know how weight loss can affect your decision, but quality of life has to get better, too!
  • Texymama
    Texymama Posts: 1
    Hello! I'm new here. I've been searching for some answers and came across this site.
    On April 17 of 2013 I went under for a hysterectomy and one ovary removed due to endometriosis.
    I'm sorry in advance if this upsets anyone, but I'm a little scared right now.
    I turned 35 this past Halloween. Not sure if that matters. But over the last year I have
    unintentionally lost 60 lbs. No diet change other than I stopped drinking Mtn Dew. I'm 5'4"
    and now weigh 110 lbs and still losing more. I was 114 lbs when I got married in 1999 and our
    daughter will be 13 this month. After I had her I lost most of the 50-60 lbs I had gained while
    carrying her (breast feeding helped). Was injured on the job in 2010 and cannot lift more than 10 lbs at a time
    or stand/sit for more than 3 hrs at a time.
    Now I'm a stay at home mom. No exercise (except cleaning) or a diet of any kind. I eat like I always have.
    Including quite a bit of fast food okay maybe alot. I'm happy about the weight loss but scared
    and confused as to why and will it stop? I can't lose anymore. Please help.
    ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED Ty
  • zaellany
    zaellany Posts: 57 Member
    My mom got a hysterectomy and after she was completely healed she actually lost weight. She said after the pain was gone it was easier to work out and she thinks that counter acted the negative effects of the hormone issues.

    This is what happened with my mom too. She had a total uterine prolapse, and had gotten to the point where she just was not wanting to move around as much because she had pain and discomfort. She had always been great about walking - 2-4 miles a day - and then couldn't do it any more. She had a total hysterectomy, and went out two weeks later and walked three miles, which she hadn't been able to do in some time. She had a really fast, easy recovery from her hysterectomy - I have heard it is not that easy for a lot of people.

    I have scar-tissue adhesions on one ovary from a ruptured cyst, so I have some chronic pelvic pain, although nothing like what endometriosis causes - I know it's hard. An ex-boss of mine had laparascopic surgery for endo but is planning on a hysterectomy soon, because her endo has grown back and it's too extensive to do laparascopic surgery again. It's all about living a better life, right? If you're in constant, terrible pain, you're never going to be able to live the life you want. I'd get the surgery and plan, while you're recovering, the lifestyle changes you want to make once you're healed. Good luck. :)
  • adnil72
    adnil72 Posts: 1
    I had a hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries Jan 2014 but was put into menopause by injection Oct 2013. I was around 10st 2lbs on going into hospital but was 9st 10lbs prior to injection and 9 days ago was 10st 8lbs despite not having a big appetite and eating healthily so I decided to do my fitness pal. 9 days on I have stuck to 1200 calories a day without excercise and when I have done exercise I have stayed within the calorie allowance. Out of the 9 days I have exercised on 7 of them with either 30 minutes moderate walking, 30 minute jogging/walking or 4 miles on a roadbike and my weight 9 days on remains the same, not an ounce lost. This is difficult as it does affect motivation, but on speaking with a few friends who have either had the same procedure or have gone through the menopause naturally said they put weight on and it didn't move for around a year and then it started to come off. My friends look great now and are approx 3 to 4 years post starting menopause. They did try to eat healthily and keep active throughout that first year as they all felt better for it. So now I am focused on that and not worrying when it doesn't come off as quickly as it normally would. I am glad I had my hysterectomy as other than the weight gain my quality of life is considerably improved. You can't get fit if you feel rubbish all the time. :)
  • YasminR
    YasminR Posts: 54 Member
    Your post made me smile. I had a TAH in June 2012 after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Thankfully all is well at the moment but i have gained so much weight. This is due to almost no exercise and eating a lot. I'm really watching my calorie intake and am on Day 5 of 30 Day Shred. No weight loss yet but am determined to stick at it.

    Knowing there are others who have been through the same experience really helps. My daughter is getting married at the end of May so hoping to have loss something by then.

    best of luck to everyone on their journey xx
  • I had a complete hysterectomy on March 7, 2013 due to severe endometriosis that had also spread to my kidneys. I had battled the disease for a few years. I had actually been training for a marathon up until July 2011. I had to stop running/exercising altogether due to the severe pain. Any physical exercise made my endometriosis worse. Finally, I knew I had to do something. I had a TAH. I gained weight BEFORE the hysterectomy due to not being able to run or exercise. However, I'm happy to report that on May 10, 2014, I finally felt "healed" both physically and emotionally. I have started my running back. Watching what I eat. I do take HRT daily. As of today, I have lost 25 pounds. My goal is 25 pounds more until I reach my goal. A hysterectomy has helped me a great deal. It did not cause me to gain weight. The HRT didn't either. The weight I'm losing is weight I had gained prior to the hysterectomy. I actually didn't gain any weight after the surgery. I have never felt better in my life. I can finally run pain free. I can actually live my life pain free. Like I said, I have never felt better in my life. But, I did allow myself an entire year to heal. I'm so glad I didn't rush it. I hope my story may help someone out there. I too, was afraid of gaining weight due to the surgery. But that simply wasn't the case. God bless all of you women who have the surgery. I know it's life changing. But, it can be the start of a wonderful new life. :) And let's not forget that with our wonderful God, all things are possible. :)
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