Question:
Has anyone GAINED weight right after surgery due to bloating? I've gained 16 pounds.

5 days after surgery I was so huge in the stomach area I got on the scale and had gained 16 since surgery day. How great! Now its 7 days since surgery and I'm still up 5 1/2 lbs. Bummer!!    — Angela Q. (posted on September 15, 2003)

September 15, 2003
It's normal to weigh more right after surgery due to all the fluids they pump into you in the hospital. Don't weigh yourself again until you are weighed in your first post-op visit to your surgeon. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
   — LLinderman

September 15, 2003
I gained 17 pounds in the hospital.....from the IV's. It was all off about 8-9 days after surgery. Don't worry about it
   — barbara A.

September 16, 2003
My friend gained 30 while in the hospital - his kidneys went AWOL - but they got it under control, they had to change his Foley bags one right after the other for a while there! He is going great now, and has lost over 100 pounds in less than 4 months.
   — bethybb

September 16, 2003
Hi--I gained 6 lbs immediately postop--my legs blew up like balloons!! The 6 lbs came off the next week + another 10 lbs. Don't sweat it, sweetie!
   — Joyce C.

September 17, 2003
Hi, I gained 3 lbs from IV's and transfusions. I was so upset as they weighed me before I left the hospital. Now at 2+ months out I'm down 48 lbs. I feel I'm doing great and will just keep plugging away. 7/9/03 325/277
   — Helen C.

September 17, 2003
I went into surgery at 238 and came home with 15 extra pounds! I felt like my skin was two sizes too small. The fluid came off over about 7 - 10 days. I seem to like to hold onto IV fluids. I was in overnight (less than 24 hours!) to have a partial thyroidectomy 3 years ago and came home with 8 more lbs after that one! It will go away - and take more wight with it. Just be sure to drink as much water (or fluid of your choice) as you can.
   — koogy

September 18, 2003
You're totally normal-- virtually everyone who has this surgery is given IV fluids during their hospitalization, which keeps you hydrated. You'll pee this fluid away soon enough. But please stay off the scale!!! I know it's hard but weighing yourself too often will drive you crazy-- you will lose the weight, don't worry.
   — lizinPA