What Causes Weight Gain After Surgery?
Weight gain after surgery is a frequent albeit unwelcome and often surprising occurrence. It’s a side effect of surgery many people don’t expect. There are, however, many reasons why you might gain weight after surgery. One is fluid retention which can lead to what people often call water weight. The body will retain fluid to help with the healing process, and this is a common cause of immediate postoperative weight gain.
You are also likely to receive fluids intravenously during and after your surgery. This can contribute to fluid retention, as can your lymphatic system. Some surgeries, especially those involving lymph node removal (such as cancer surgeries), can disrupt the normal flow of the lymphatic system, leading to lymphedema, a condition characterized by swelling due to fluid retention.
Certain medications frequently prescribed after surgery, including steroids and pain relievers, can cause weight gain as a side effect. These medications can increase your appetite, cause fluid retention, and change how your body stores and uses fat and sugar. Your diet itself may also change.
In some cases, dietary restrictions can make it difficult to get proper nutrition. Emotional eating can also be a problem. Recovery from surgery can be stressful and emotionally taxing, leading some people to eat more or choose comfort foods that are high in calories.
Contributing to the problem is that some or all of these things are happening at a time when you’re recovering from surgery and probably not as active as usual. This reduced mobility can lead to a decrease in muscle mass and a slower metabolism, contributing to weight gain over time.
Is It Normal to Gain Weight After Surgery?
Weight gain after surgery is quite common and usually temporary. Most people find that the weight comes back off as their body stops retaining fluid and they start to slowly resume their normal activity level. In the meantime, the best way to manage post-op weight gain is to focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Which Surgeries Carry Weight Gain as a Risk?
Any surgery can cause temporary weight gain, but some procedures are more likely than others to cause the issue. Orthopedic surgeries like hip or knee replacements, for example, often lead to weight gain because they require extended periods of reduced activity during recovery. This lack of physical activity can lead to muscle atrophy and weight gain, especially if dietary intake is not adjusted accordingly.
Surgeries involving the abdomen, such as hernia repair or gallbladder removal, can lead to temporary changes in digestion and appetite. The discomfort and healing process might also limit physical activity, contributing to weight gain. Ironically, patients who undergo bariatric surgery for weight loss like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy might see initial weight gain in the form of fluid retention immediately following the procedure.
Cardiac procedures like bypass surgery or valve replacement can also cause weight gain as patients are at risk for fluid retention and experience a period of restricted activity during recovery. Surgeries affecting the reproductive organs, including procedures for endometriosis or ovarian cysts, can also influence hormone levels and thus impact weight. A hysterectomy can do the same, especially if the ovaries are removed along with the uterus.
Cancer-related surgeries can also lead to weight gain. Depending on the type of surgery, recovery period, and sometimes the treatments following surgery (like chemotherapy) can contribute to weight gain. Organ transplant recipients may also notice a weight increase as they are often placed on medications that can increase appetite while decreasing metabolism.
Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, cosmetic surgeries can also lead to weight gain. Procedures like liposuction can result in temporary fluid retention.
Benefits of Postoperative Telehealth Weight Gain Evaluations
A telehealth evaluation to address weight gain after surgery can be quite helpful. A telehealth visit allows you to discuss your weight gain in detail with a healthcare professional, helping you to determine if the amount of weight you gained is normal and expected.
This conversation may also help to reassure you that your weight gain is temporary or caused by a medication that can perhaps be changed. Your visit can also confirm that any weight gain is the result of a medication or dietary restriction and not a complication from surgery or cause for concern. If you still have concerns, your telehealth representative can help you reach out to your surgeon and address them.