Why do you gain weight immediately following surgery?

I am two days post op. I stepped on the scale and noticed that I am 6 pounds heavier than when I went in to surgery? 

What is the reason? Curious. 

Pumped full of IV fluids and retaining possibly, in my case and many others...lack of bowel movement.  Good question..... not sure...

Swelling, water retention, and they pump you full of fluids in the IV. I recently had a Lower Body Lift and Hernia Repair and the Surgeon warned me that the IV fluids they were pumping in to me in the 24 hours I was in the Hospital weighed 11 pounds alone. So if I stepped on the scale, don't be shocked.

Definitely the IV fluids ! Make sure you aren't drinking too much broth or anything else high in sodium so you don't keep it all in. Plain Water is going to help you release it 

Same thing happened to me. Up 6lbs. But thankfully had a heads up so I didn't get too bummed about it. But yeah... It was like whaaaat?!

Hide your scale for 2 weeks- give yourself some time...

Yep yep yep! It is the IV fluids. 

this was taken from another website

ex. 1 water bottle (16 fl oz, or about 500ml) weighs one pound. An IV bag holds 1200ml. With a IV rate of 150/hr (which is pretty normal)

, over the coarse of 12 hours, you'd go through a bag and a half, which is almost 4 pounds of extra fluid.

Now obviously i know we aren't putting on 4 pounds each bag cause our body needs it but imagine what is being stored anyhow. 

I had surgery on a Monday Morning and I BEGGED my surgeon to let them stop the IV fluids. He came into my room Tuesday night and made me promise him that i will get 48oz at least of fluids. I gave him my best promise. He then ordered it discontinued and just have the IV lock. I was so sad to see the weight go up. But all of the nurses explained it was from the IV and it WILL go away fast. Trust me it does. I am going on 7 weeks out now and i am down 48 pounds down. I would be more but just the surgery Monday i and the 2 iv bags the few days before i feel like im at a stall. 

Just keep Sip sip sipping. Dont forget and think you can do it at the end of the day. it aint gonna happen and you WILL get dehydrated. 

You are on your way to a healthier you. All of us are! yay!!!

No reason to weigh until you see your dr -- you are recovering from major surg as posters state.  weigh frequently if you want to drive yourself crazy.  focus should be on following instructions not the scale.  I did not have a scale in my house until 3 months post-op.  i was always elated when i weighed in a drs office.  there is a discipline that is learned that is helpful as you get further out.  Weigh more freq as you approach goal wt.   

Iv fluids, gas, you will be fine! Dont be anxious! Lol