Did anyone have a weight loss from surgery?

[RobThatsMe]

Hi,

I weighed 174 lbs at the time of my emergency surgery, and in only 3 days I dropped to 149 lbs. My body used every bit of energy it could find, I believe, to survive. I only had 7.6 % body fat at the time of the surgery, so most of what I lost was muscle. The doctors said that if I was not in such good shape at the time, I most likely would not have survived this surgery, and even told my wife to say her goodbyes to me, as I only had a 3 to 6 % chance of surviving. She didn't though.. She just said "don't worry everything will be OK!"

Today, 9 years and 2 days later, I weigh 173 lbs, perhaps with a bit more body fat, but that is due to the limits the doctors put on my lifting and exertion activities.

It could never be due to all the great German bier and schnetzel! hehehe.

Rob

 

[MikeHeim]

I lost about 15lbs after surgery (198 to 183 - or so). I had put on 5-10 in the months leading up due to exercise restrictions, but lost all of that and then some. Eventually put it back on and now sit somewhere in the low 190's.

 

[Freddie]

I too lost about 10lbs, gained it all back...crap!

 

[lilteach3234]

That's why I'm looking forward to cardiac rehab and having a team of specialists to work with me. I love knowing that the nutritionist is part of the team. I am so determined to get to a nice, healthy weight.

 

[catwoman]

Sometimes the weight we lose is due to previously undetected congestive heart failure. Sometimes it's due to inactivity because of deteriorating condition.

When I was admitted after my heart cath the day before my surgery, they immediately started me on Lasix because of CHF. Not feeling well for some time, I had become a couch potato and had put on pounds.

And then sometimes we lose weight because not a da$@#ed thing tastes good, thanks to all that lovely crap they give us. l

 

[olefin]

I lost 22 pounds during the 20 days in the hospital for AVR. Continued to lose for another week after I got home before I got the diarrhea under control.

Last week on a cruise ship I gained 6 pounds.

 

[Eva]

I could not eat for a while...only small bites and felt full. So, I lost seven lbs and was so happy...now they are back + Bonus lbs

 

[Maryka]

I lost about 10 pounds (but could do to lose a whole lot more!). I have not had a scale in ages (I used to be obsessed with dieting until I learned I had an aneurysm and was told to stop aerobics.) I must have kept that weight off because my work clothes are starting to "fall off" (Well, the slacks/trousers are falling off.) I am hoping I can keep the weight off! Some of the weight was because of heart failure, I think, but some is from the feeling that I cannot eat very much at a meal. I am looking forward to spring in Maryland when I can get out and walk more.

I hope that you reach your weight goals! I am not "counting my chickens" because I have so very much weight to lose before I am finally thin!

Maryka
========
aortic root replacement, Dec. 23, 2008, Johns Hopkins, Dr. Duke Cameron

 

[axeldog]

I went from 205 to 187 just because I was not hungry. You can only drink so many bottles of Ensure.

 

[CA Pigg]

I had been losing weight before surgery, I wasnt trying and dont' know why I was. But I gained weight after the surgery in fact I came home from hospital with 7 extra pounds. I'm hoping the Lasix is going to take it off it is all in the tummy, a little pouch just grew there one night in the hospital.....

 

[Gail in Ca]

I lost weight during my 6 wk IV use when I had endocarditis. About 10 lbs, and that's alot for me at5'8", I was down to 122lb. I tried hard to gain it back, but when I got the news that I would need my 3rd OHS, I weighed 125lb. Back to the hospital where I lost back to 122. Five wks later I am still at 122, but I am trying to eat lots of sweets and snacking many times a day.
I need to gain it back, but it's very slow going.
I think all this illness and surgery kind of affects the taste buds. Many food items and drinks that I really liked before, I just don't seem to feel for, and when I do eat them , they don't taste the same. That problem is going away slowly. Strangely, I really crave lemonade! Can't get enough!
Gail

 

[Wade]

I checked in at 204 and came home at 187.

I've held about 187-189 since I've been home. Hoping to maintain that weight.
I eat everything I used to but in smaller quantities now. And I drink less.

 

[deogloria]

I lost around 5 in the hospital. Haven't weighed myself since being released Monday. Guess I should do that. I SHOULD be losing more, considering how I've lost my appetite, and everything seems so strongly flavored now. Everything is so SALTY! And I love salt...I add it to everything. So for me to say something is too salty is just plain weird. It seems very fair to me that in return for having heart surgery, I should lose 50 pounds. Don't you?

 

[lilteach3234]

So does the appetite eventually pick back up? I have lots of wt to lose so I am not complaining.

I will be 4 wks post op next Tuesday, but I still do not want to eat.

The things that I have wanted have been Fudgesicles and water. I can't keep my Fudgesicles because hubby eats them all.

Did any of you have problems wanting or liking meat after your surgery?

 

[palmaceae]

So does the appetite eventually pick back up? I have lots of wt to lose so I am not complaining.

I will be 4 wks post op next Tuesday, but I still do not want to eat.

The things that I have wanted have been Fudgesicles and water. I can't keep my Fudgesicles because hubby eats them all.

Did any of you have problems wanting or liking meat after your surgery?

My surgery was on the same day as yours, and my appetite is coming back. I was 203 the day of surgery and went down to 191, but back to 194 now. I am eating better now but nothing really taste good yet.

 

[lilteach3234]

It is definitely strange. All these little side effects. Come on one year post op!

 

[TXGal]

I lost 15 lbs when I had surgery years ago..

 

[JeffM]

Went in at 182. came home 3 days later at 189 (IV fluids). Went down to 172 a week later and was back to 180 within a month. I lost a lot of muscle. I had very little appetite loss. The morning after my surgery, my first question was, "What's the earliest they'll let me order breakfast?" I definitely wanted to eat; although, food did taste funny for a couple weeks. I made by brother take me to Five Guys twice my 3rd week home to try and redevelop my normal taste buds. Anybody had their burgers? Mmmmmm!!

 

[Harmony]

I lost 7 lbs from time I went in surgery till I went to the doctor 2 weeks later. I was really surprised. I dont look like I lost weight but 7 lbs is not that much. I really think it s due to loss of appetite. It is 6 weeks and I still have a problem eating a whole meal.

 

[TakeStock]

I was kinda disappointed that I entered the hospital at 209 and left at... 209. I kept my appetite for most of the days there, even though the food they served was dreadful. I always ate the fruits -- loved the strawberries -- which had actual taste, but they limited my fruits to control blood sugar levels. I've never had diabetes and my glucose level stayed between 100 and 130 the whole time, same as pre-surgery, so they released me to eat as much fruit as a I want now. Strawberries...yum... now I'm starting to get hungry. I just need to watch my weight gain from fluid retention which could be a big problem since I always drink a lot of liquids during the day. Been that way for years and helps regulate me which right now is a big concern too.