Best Tips To Lose Weight After Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus to treat conditions like endometriosis and cancer. After a hysterectomy, a woman loses her fertility and menstruation.As there are hormonal changes, weight gain is common after hysterectomy. Here are a few tips that help women to lose weight after a hysterectomy.
Why A Hysterectomy Is Done?
Hysterectomy is done to
To treat cervical, uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancers
To reduce chronic pain and heavy bleeding caused by fibroids, endometriosis, and other conditions
During a uterine prolapse
If a hysterectomy is done to treat cancer, and in conjunction with that chemotherapy is done, it can lead to weight loss. So weight loss is not a side effect of hysterectomy. Some of the side effects of hysterectomy include numbness near the area of the incision, mood swings, hot flashes, and insomnia.
Can A Hysterectomy Cause Weight Gain?
An obese woman, Credits: pexels
A hysterectomy can cause weight gain. The reasons are listed below.
Following a hysterectomy, production of estrogen and progesterone is stopped, and there is an increase in the level of male hormones. A male pattern of weight gain is seen, where an accumulation of fat is seen around the waist.
Low levels of physical activity, slow metabolism, and a sedentary lifestyle can also be causatives for weight gain after a hysterectomy.
Weight gain after hysterectomy is considered harmful as it leads to pelvic floor weakness and vaginal prolapse.
Tips To Reduce Weight after Hysterectomy
Following a hysterectomy, any forms of strenuous activity should be avoided for four to six weeks. Good nutrition, exercises, and relaxations techniques are important after a hysterectomy. By following the right lifestyle modifications you can reduce the risk of heart diseases, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes. We are discussing the following three factors to reduce weight post-hysterectomy.
Nutrition
Exercises
Stress relaxation
Nutrition
Fruits and vegetables, Credits: pexels
Having a well-balanced diet with limited calories helps you to maintain weight. Limit junk food. It is ideal to have fresh fruits and vegetables, as they are packed with antioxidants and fiber.
Whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, and cereals are ideal choices.
Avoid Trans and saturated fats. Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Have calcium and vitamin D rich foods to maintain bone mass. Have low-fat milk to your diet.
Stay hydrated.
Exercises
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You have to choose exercises which you feel you can stick to it consistently. Aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, and dance exercises are good choices. Exercises help reduce weight and aim for at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercises on most days. Exercises help improve your mood and help you sleep better.
For weight loss, you can do strength training exercises like lifting hand weights. These exercises help improve your posture and strength. Start with a weight that you are comfortable handling for at least eight repetitions. Gradually you can make it to 12.
You can try doing kegel exercises as these exercises help to tighten pelvic floor muscles and prevent vaginal prolapse.
To avoid falls, fracture, and improve flexibility and build body strength, yoga and Pilates can be helpful.
Stress Relaxation
A woman meditating, Credits: pexels
As with any surgery, mood swings and stress are likely to follow. Practice stress relaxation techniques that help you stay mentally better.
Learn your ways to relax. It can be soothing music, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation techniques.
Meditate and pray.
Keep yourself socially active.
Aim to sleep better as sleep helps you to recover from stress.
Take-Home Message
Weight loss after a hysterectomy is possible through the right exercises and diet.