2 Months after total colectomy. How do I combat weight gain?

kimberleydg

New Member

Joined : Oct 2008

Posts : 2

Posted 10/5/2008 11:43 PM (GMT 0)

Hi, I am new here! I had a total colectomy just over 2 months ago. I lost 10 lbs at first, since then I have been gaining like crazy. I dont eat a lot, and what I do eat is healthy. I have been exercising. But nothing seems to combat it! I am an small/average size person and I have never really had to deal with this. I know the surgery was a big deal, but I dont understand why things have changed so drastically. Any advice?
thanks

flchurchlady

Veteran Member

Joined : Jul 2007

Posts : 2765

Posted 10/5/2008 11:58 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Kimberley,

Welcome to Healing Well. Did you have surgery due to Crohn's or UC? I had a proctocolectomy two years ago after battling Crohn's for 7 years. When I was sick, I was very skinny, and now that I'm not sick anymore, I've gained weight. That's probably what's happened with you, too.

The best way to lose weight is to do some sort of exercise 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes, and of course, cut down on calories. Once you get into a routine of exercising, the pounds will come off.

Cecilia

peggy113

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2007

Posts : 1998

Posted 10/6/2008 1:11 AM (GMT 0)

Hello Kimberley,

I also wanted to welcome you to HW.com! I agree with flchurchlady about being consistent with exercise, even if only a couple of days a week and start off with just walking. You are only a couple of months out of surgery. Your body is just adjusting to now being able to absorb calories... it should settle down. You too will have to adjust your eating as well since you no longer have the disease wiping out all of your calories. Just start slow with the exercise tho and be attentive to overexcercise and overuse of those tender stomach muscles. Best of luck to you.

I'm sure others will stop by to say hey and offer their advice as well.

Equestrian Mom

Veteran Member

Joined : Mar 2008

Posts : 3115

Posted 10/6/2008 9:57 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Kimberleydg--glad you found the site! it is a great place to ask questions!!

Unfortunately, there is no magic pill...when we feel better and can eat, we do!! I have gained some weight after my proctocolectomy and the only way to keep things under control is with diet (eating healthy) and excercise. I consider that the "old fashioned way" but it is really the only way:(

I started with walking about 12 weeks after surgery and added in weights about a month later. I don't do a lot of abdominal excercises, I might do 50 crunches a week, just because I am cautious after all my surgeries.

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