Question:
How long does it take to lose weight from fluid gain?

10 days postop from lap RNY and I still weigh 12 lb. more than preop. Does it take longer for laparoscopic patients to lose the weight gained from all the fluids in the hospital? I gained a total of 20 lb. in the hospital. Came home 5 days ago, still weighing 12 lb more than preop and haven't lost a lb. since. I need some encouragement! Thanks.    — Leah B. (posted on January 7, 2001)

January 7, 2001
I too gained around 15lbs in the hospital. My legs and ankles looked deformed they were so swollen. My surgeon said that when your body goes through trauma, it wants to hold onto every last bit of fluid as a protective device. He said it would take a week to 10 days to lose it. He was right. After I was home a week (12 days post op) the scale registered a 25 lb weight loss, so I lost all the fluid and 10 lbs more. Don't worry that will happen to you also, and you will be soo excited when it does
   — claire C.

January 7, 2001
I gained 27 pounds during the week I was in the hospital. I don't really know how long it took me to lose it since I didn't weigh at home and stood backwards in the surgeons office the first time I was weighed there postop. I do know that the more I was able to walk and drink fluid, the smaller my feet, ankles and legs became. I was so swollen that it hurt, even though I was taking lasix and potassium every day. I think when I was three weeks postop I had the courage to face forward and I had lost a total of 25 pounds from my preop weight. I left her office smiling so wide! I think the more you are able to walk and the more water you're able to get in, the faster you'll lose that water weight you gained in the hospital. I know you will be smiling wide soon too! Good luck to you.
   — Martha O.

January 7, 2001
I gained 11 pounds and my legs felt like they were sunburned from all the pressure. At my two week checkup, I lost it all, plus 14. When you feel like you're running to the bathroom every five minutes, your losing the water. Drink your water and don't worry. It will be the quickest weight you'll lose. Good luck for a speedy recovery!
   — Allie B.

August 22, 2001
I am having the exact same problem and wondered if it was just me. Gained 15 pounds in the 3 day hospital stay and have only lost 2 at one week. Very discouraging but by what you all say this do shall pass.
   — kateeeeeee