You can avoid weight gain after a hysterectomy the same way you avoid it in general, by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding foods that are high in calories, fat and sodium. Since you will likely be inactive for awhile after having surgery, it is important that you avoid fatty and high sugar snacks and resume activity as soon as a medical professional gives you the go-ahead.
There is generally no metabolic reason why women suffer from weight gain after a hysterectomy aside from lack of activity and high caloric intake. This can be avoided by eating a healthy diet during recovery and getting back to a normal exercise program as soon as you are able. Your healthcare provider will give you instructions on what exercises can be done soon after surgery, and then you can work up to more intense programs as you fully recover.
During the weeks following surgery, when you are unable to exercise at maximum capacity, you should make sure that you are eating a healthy diet and avoid high fat and high calorie foods. Some medical professionals recommend a particular diet immediately following surgery, and you should eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. If you eat lots of snacks and sweets, you will probably gain weight.
A small amount of weight gain directly after the surgery should be expected, but this does not indicate that you will have permanent weight gain. As long as you don’t overdo it with the high fat foods, this weight should come off as soon as you resume your normal activities. Start off slowly by taking a stroll around the block a few days a week, and then work your way up to more strenuous exercise.
If you were overweight before your surgery, you may have a harder time avoiding weight gain after surgery because poor eating habits and lack of activity may already be in place. To keep from gaining even more weight or to lose weight, you will need to change your eating habits and incorporate an exercise regimen. Be sure to check with a medical professional before starting a new exercise to ensure that you are healthy enough to handle strenuous activity.