18 lb gain

From the morning of surgery and the time I left the hospital 4 1/2 days later, I gained 18 lbs. Everyone says that it's from all the IV's. Any advice now how to get rid of it? I have to go to surgeon appointment on Thursday and I won't have anything to wear..It's crazy! How long before I start losing?

Just walk and sip and as hard as this may sound - stay off the scales for a few days. It'll almost disappear overnight. It's completely normal.

Glad to have you back home and online with us.
- Iris

I had 20 lbs on me and thanks to that I had an asthma attack 3 days out from surgery and was wheezing so they told me to take fluid pills along with postassium pills but don't do it unless the doctor tells you can.

Thanks Iris and Cindy.. i sure wasn't expecting this.

So, as the weeks go by do I count this 18 lb gain in with my weight loss? Or do I have to lose it first and start with my weight on the morning of surgery?

By the time you get to Dr. Bauman's office next week, you will have lost significant weight.  He is not going to expect to see major loss this first week, however, because of the IV fluids putting weight on you.  It happens to all of us -- but it is just fluid and will come off quickly. 

I counted my weight loss from the preop weight I had from his office. 

Cindy
That is totally normal from all the fluids Dont worry about getting rid of it.. your about to have it GONE!!! Give your body time to adjust, you just had major surgery. Best of luck to you!

(((Cindy))),

I was lucky and didn't experience the post op gain that most people do, but I know that it is very common passes quickly. My total weight loss includes my high weight of 264, but when I finally went to see Duke I was down to 248 and by the time I got to surgery I had lost down to 233. I count every single pound because I worked hard to lose each one of those buggers... Now, if someone asks me how much I've lost, I'll them that I've lost 125 to 130 lbs, because it fluctuates some. So.... When you are counting those lost lbs, you decided where you want to start.

Congratulations and welcome the loser's bench!

Cindy - so glad you feel up to posting..

I was fortunate not to have such a large gain from fluids, but it happens to everyone.  Just do your walking and sipping.  As crazy as it seems - put more water in and it pushes it out thru your kidneys and gets rid of the excess....

Don't worry about what to wear - you had surgery and then pneumonia !  Just get better.

I am with Barb about your starting weight.  My highest this summer before starting with liquid diet, etc was 263 - that is my start.  And I feel that each pound needs to be claimed... LOL 

Take care,
Shelia