Weight Gain After Surgery

Modern_athena
Modern_athena Posts: 81 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all. I had a gall bladder removal surgery yesterday and even though I didn't eat anything, I gained a bit more than 2 kg in a day and my belly is bigger. I am hoping it's simply water weight and swelling from the surgery but I'm also a bit scared since I have been on fluids only for a few days. Did anyone go through this?

A bit of background: I lost 60 kg in a year but I developed acute pancreatitis due to gallstones and my gall bladder had to be removed. I've been told that fast weight loss and taking birth control increases the chances of gallstones. Anyways, after all my weight loss, I'm a bit worried about the belly especially since I didn't reach my goal weight yet.

Replies

  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    Yesterday? Yes, it's swelling. Give it time. Also, if you mentioned you were dieting to your doctor s/he probably already told you this but don't eat at a deficit while you are healing. Your body needs fuel to heal itself so reducing calories will slow healing.
  • WandaVaughn
    WandaVaughn Posts: 420 Member
    And if you were on an iv for fluids pre and post op, wouldn't you have extra water retention? Just my thoughts. Wishing a speedy recovery for you!
  • Modern_athena
    Modern_athena Posts: 81 Member
    Need2Exerc1se wrote: »
    Yesterday? Yes, it's swelling. Give it time. Also, if you mentioned you were dieting to your doctor s/he probably already told you this but don't eat at a deficit while you are healing. Your body needs fuel to heal itself so reducing calories will slow healing.

    I'm forced to eat at a deficit because I am on a liquid no fat diet (basically all jello and fat free yogurt :/). Dr. said I can't introduce solid foods till after a week. And I have to live on low fat diets to prevent digestion issues apparently. It's difficult for me since I've always been on a balanced diet.
  • mitch16
    mitch16 Posts: 2,113 Member
    If you had laparascopic surgery, they blow gas into your abdomen to give them space between the organs and room to move the surgical instruments around. It takes about a week for the gas to be dissipated and the bloating to go down.

    Also expect some fluid retention from the healing process.
  • singingflutelady
    singingflutelady Posts: 8,736 Member
    1 liter of fluid is a kg. They pump at least that amount if not more through iv
  • Modern_athena
    Modern_athena Posts: 81 Member
    mitch16 wrote: »
    If you had laparascopic surgery, they blow gas into your abdomen to give them space between the organs and room to move the surgical instruments around. It takes about a week for the gas to be dissipated and the bloating to go down.

    Also expect some fluid retention from the healing process.

    That makes sense and is relieving. Thank you! I did have laparoscopic surgery.
  • evileen99
    evileen99 Posts: 1,564 Member
    You will absolutely gain water weight. I had a six pound tumor removed and weighed 3 pounds more post op than I did pre op--it was all fluid. Takes about 2 weeks to go fully away.
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