Are you looking for an answer to “Will My Stomach Shrink After Hysterectomy”?
Going through any major surgery will always cause some changes in your body.
One of the major changes that many women who undergo hysterectomy have to deal with is weight.
You could either be battling with weight gain or weight loss.
If you are in this boat and wonder, will my stomach shrink after hysterectomy, this is what you can do about it.
Related: Can you suck in your stomach when pregnant?
What Is a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a woman’s uterus.
It is ideal if you have cancer of the ovaries, uterus and cervical cancer, or endometriosis.
Another reason for this procedure could be childbirth complications that cause abnormal vaginal bleeding.
A hysterectomy is usually performed as a last result when all other types of medication and interventions do not work.
While it is a relatively standard procedure, there are different types of hysterectomy depending on why your doctor recommended it in the first place.
You can get a partial hysterectomy, also a supracervical hysterectomy.
The procedure removes only part of your uterus, and your cervix is untouched.
On the other hand, there is a total hysterectomy, which entails removing both the uterus and cervix.
In extreme cases, a radical hysterectomy happens where there is the removal of the uterus and tissues surrounding the cervix and the top of the vagina.
Getting a hysterectomy may be necessary, but it comes with its risks and complications.
One major risk is that you can no longer bear children.
It can also trigger your menopause early, especially if it involves the removal of both your ovaries.
The surgery itself is also risky, which could lead to damage to your pelvic floor muscles, urinary tract, bladder, and rectum.
You are also likely to experience weight fluctuations as your body heals after getting a hysterectomy.
Will My Stomach Shrink After Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy on its own cannot cause your stomach to shrink.
There are usually other factors to attribute to any weight loss that you experience after a hysterectomy.
These may include side effects from other medications and procedures, like chemotherapy.
One should always discuss any weight loss after a hysterectomy with their doctor to detect any underlying conditions.
However, studies show that women are more likely to gain weight after getting a hysterectomy.
This is affected by certain factors, including how much weight you had before your surgery.
If you were overweight, you would likely gain more after a hysterectomy.
It might result from the hormonal changes from entering menopause.
Recovery time after a hysterectomy can also make you gain weight.
Your medical team will most likely advise you to take it easy for at least 4 to 6 weeks so that you give your body time to heal fully.
Even when you start losing weight actively, it may not happen immediately.
Try to be patient with yourself and your progress as you are also recovering from major surgery.
Some of the things you can do when you gain weight after a hysterectomy include:
- Make sure that you do a lot of abdominal exercises. These are usually done by lying on the floor and bending your knees. You may find them more comfortable to do with a partner. Please ensure that you get your doctor’s go-ahead before starting any exercises, and do not overdo it. Also, stay away from strenuous activities and do not lift anything heavy until you heal completely. Some light exercises you can try out are yoga, swimming, and water aerobics.
- Try to take a walk daily as this will help you lose weight as you strengthen your muscles. Increase the distance you walk a little every day as you get stronger, and it becomes easier.
- Your excess weight may be due to all the water retention after your hysterectomy surgery. You can get rid of it by drinking more water, which will help you lose all the extra fluids that your body does not need.
- A balanced diet is essential to help you heal faster and tone your stomach muscles. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. You can keep a food journal if necessary so that you can keep track of all the calories you consume. You may also need to take a fiber supplement for a while as your bowel movements may be irregular after your surgery. Your stomach may be upset after a hysterectomy, so try to eat plain and bland foods at first.
A hysterectomy is a big deal, and knowing how to take care of yourself afterward can make the healing process much more manageable.
There are also complications that you should keep an eye out for, including when you are asking yourself, will my stomach shrink after hysterectomy.
It is good to have the right information and know what to do after your hysterectomy.
Related Post: How Long Do Steri Strips Stay On After C Section?
Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.
