Gotta have a hysterectomy, wonder what effect it will have?

I am still a little tender and can't exercise as hard as I would like. For me, I was so ill before my hyst that I could only do what I had to do and it didn't involve exercise. I felt so bad I was eating, trying to find enough energy to move (I was anemic along with other problems). For the last year or two I have been dragging around. It culminated in being nearly bedridden the last 2 months before surgery.

I am a very slow healer. I had a lap hyst in December and for the last month or so have resumed gently exercising. The first few weeks can be tough just to get around depending on your body and surgery type. But, as you start to feel better you can start walking. Follow drs. instruction to weight limits. Make sure you heal properly so don't over do it. You don't want to end up having a set back.

Now that I'm feeling better I am very motivated to work out and eat properly. Some of how your weight loss goes is going to depend on whether you keep your ovaries or not. If you go into surgical menopause you will have some of the problems that many women have with menopause and the reduction of estrogen.

A great place for hyst support is hystersisters.com.

I have lost about 30 pounds since having my hysto on July 8. I put off the surgery for years because I was afraid of side effects, etc. etc. but I have never been happier. I am pain free for the first time in years. I don't even know if there is ibuprofen in the house and before I wouldn't have been able to exist without taking it constantly all day every day (including waking up in the middle of the night in pain and having to take it or something stronger). I think like anything it is what you make it. If you think it's going to be a barrrier to weight loss it will be. I have not seen any difference between my weight loss attempts in the past and my journey now which so far has been very successful.

the two things I did post op that helped TREMENDOUSLY is drink plenty of water while healing and walk as much as possible. I walked up and down my driveway a few times a day (mind you I was hunched over like a "c" and holding my belly. that walking not only helped speed my healing but also greatly helps get other things "moving" and trust me you WANT to help that along!

I also had a total hysto and I am 41. I am on an estrogen patch however which has helped keep me from having hot flashes (yay) and I really think I'm more in balance hormone wise than I ever was before. I had to have a full cut because of the extensive damage from endometriosis (part of my colon and bladder were litterally stuck to my uterus - good stuff). the incision pain was the worst part but walking also helped that.

I agree with sharonks that hystersisters is a great site - you'll find loads of support there.

be kind to yourself and give yourself time to heal but do get moving right away at least by walking around the house when you can because it will really help!

I had a lap hysterectomy 4 years ago. I lost over 80 lbs after that. The relief of not having so many TOM problems was the best. Here in Canada, my doctor told me to take 6 weeks off work, but I was up and walking quickly.

Ask your doctor what exercise you can do and when you will be able to start it and follow what they say.

As to the fears that you will gain, that is entirely up to you..