hysterectomy

[cleardaze]

I had 2 surgeries 2 years ago, and the last was a horizontal cut hysterectomy. My muscles in my stomach are still not mended, and my colon was scarred during one surgery. So, I cannot enjoy my usual presurgery workouts. I was in the military for 11 years, so having this new pouch in my stomach is new for me. I'm already a vegetarian, don't eat sugar often, but I cannot get the weight off. As a matter of fact, it goes up and down all of the time. Has anyone else been in this situation? If so, what worked for you? Thanks!

[cleardaze]

Most people actually do have complications with an abdominal cut hysterectomy, and laporoscopy.

[Barb135]

I realize that meat isn't necessary and am not trying to talk anyone into switching to my diet; I simply choose not to be a vegetarian and you asked what worked for others.  I also don't eat soy, as I have hypothyroidism. I've had a hysterectomy, as well... what I meant was that most people do not have the complications you had.  I also have Pernicious Anemia.

[cleardaze]

I supplement my B12, and I get plenty of plant based protein. Soy provides a complete protein. Meat isn't necessary to get proper nutrients. I use to heavy lift, ran, and had no problems. I'm sure other women have had a hysterectomy. Your diet wouldn't suit me, because I'm only 35 and will not switch to being an omnivore. Thanks.

[Barb135]

I don't think we have any members with the same circumstances you have...

I explained that adding more fat to my diet, in the form of butter, coconut and olive oils, and avocados worked well for me, but I also eat meat, eggs and dairy, which is where the bulk of my protein, vitamin B-12 and calcium comes from.  Yoga walking are my "go to" exercises.

[cleardaze]

I have taken nutrition classes, and I'm in nursing school. I do not eat egg, and I'm lactose intolerant. The surgery did have complications, including nerve damage. My colon was also scarred, which causes irregularity. I have to take laxatives often, doctor's orders. I did yoga 6 months after surgery, and it helped with the healing. I'm just curious about the results other people had.

[Barb135]

Your second surgery was 2 yrs ago and your muscles are still not mended?  It shouldn't take that long to heal from a surgery, if everything was done properly.  

It sounds like you'll have to work into exercise very slowly, in order to get full use of your muscles again, but of course, you can't do that without consent from your doctor.  You might think about trying some yoga; it's not high impact and it centers on strengthening the core muscles... you work into it, as you can; it's quite gratifying, once you learn how to do it

If your weight is fluctuating, I'd have to wonder if you are retaining fluid on a regular basis.  I can gain/lose up to 5 lbs/day just by eating too much salt or not eating salt. This is a problem, particularly, if I eat out too much or when we travel, because I don't get to move around enough.

Food wise, since you're a vegetarian, my first question would be if you get enough protein.  Do you eat any dairy or eggs?  You're saying vegetarian, not vegan, so I might think you do, but I don't want to assume. Dairy and eggs are chock full of protein, which helps build muscle and it also helps keep you feeling fuller.  

Another thing is that you said you don't eat sugar, but do you drink sodas, sweetened tea or anything like that?  What about things like white bread,  rice and other processed foods?  Those have simple carbs that break down into sugar very quickly, which spikes insulin levels and if not used for immediate energy, insulin stores that sugar as fat. In other words, if you eat a slice of white bread that has 100 calories, you need to do enough exercise to use up that 100 calories. Veggies and whole grains have more fiber, so they don't break down as quickly and not as much gets stored as fat. Fruit also has a lot of sugar, even though it's "natural" it still gets stored as fat, if it's not used for energy/exercise.  Fibrous fruits, such as apples, pears, etc are, typically, better than others... whole fruit is always better than juices, because when you drink juice, you're getting empty calories, since you miss out on "all" of the fiber the whole fruit would provide and the fiber helps slow the absorption of the sugar into your system...

I also lost weight by adding healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil, butter, avocados, etc to make a higher fat diet, but that doesn't work for everyone...

You have to try different things and do what works for you...