OT: For the medical pros

Kyle

I had outpatient surgery on Friday. Just girl stuff. Nothing to worry about. So, I wake up Saturday and hop (it was actually more of a hobble) on the scale -- up 5 lbs. Hello?!!? Seriously? I've eaten nothing for more than 24 hours and I'm up 5 lbs.? I was spitting mad and tooled around the Internet trying to find an answer. Won't see my doc till later this week. Is there any reasonable explanation for this? And, is it likely temporary?

14 years ago

General

13 replies

Latest reply was from Refugee

DressLover

Veteran

I know that is scary to look at, but it is temporary. Surgery is very hard on your body and immune system. You will retain water as a healing and infection protection mechanism. Since the weight is water weight it will go away, but it isn't a bad idea to watch your salt intake in the meantime.

14 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I have no advice to offer - just wanted to wish you speedy recovery - and returning back to your weight!

14 years ago

Sparky

Veteran

What DL said ~ this is most likely water retention only (normal body reaction after surgery), which will pass soon.

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

you'd think the doc could have warned you!... gosh, that would have given me a coronary. Not exactly conducive to rest and healing.
I do hope you are resting up and healing nicely!

14 years ago

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Is there a nurse hotline you could call? They can always tell you things to look out for.

Get well soon!

14 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

You are getting good advice and I'd only be guessing that you'll be back to normal in less than a week. . .

. . . but QM's comment on the doctor warning you struck me -- no man would ever even notice a 5-lb gain, much less worry about it. So it'd probably never cross the doc's mind. . .

How about after birthing those 8-9 pound babies (plus those other things IFYWIM) and according to the scale you've only lost 6 pounds. . .!

14 years ago

Freckles

Veteran

Take care of yourself and hope you are in fine form soon.

14 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Did they pump you full of IV fluids? Maybe your body is holding on to it. I'm sure you will pee it out in the next few days. I always come out of this kind of thing kind of puffy, and craving salty snacks which doesn't help matters.

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I hope you are okay.

It's fluid from the drips, Kyle. I had a similar experience.

Feel better soon.

14 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

It's fluid retention unless you ingested over 17,500 calories. I see it often with inpatients when reviewing their charts.

14 years ago

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

oh for heaven's sake - it would never occur to me to get on a scale the day after surgery! but then people tell me i think like a guy sometimes

i've not had the water retention reaction - but i knew it was from all the saline they give you. with me i just have to pee gallons every 15 minutes for half a day to get rid of it all! believe it or not, in addition to avoiding salt if you make sure to drink a fair amount of water it will help you get rid of the excess sooner.

they are REALLY into hydration around these procedures hope you continue to heal well and quickly! steph

14 years ago

Kyle

Veteran

Thank you, ladies! I really appreciate the great information and knew the wise owls here would get me sorted. They did pump me full of fluids. Three of the 5 lbs. are now gone, and I am drinking water like a mad woman — even worked a full day today. My doctor would probably never tell me about the weight gain -- that's just not how he rolls. But all the important stuff is going as it should, so I have absolutely nothing to complain about.

14 years ago

Refugee

Veteran

Glad things are going well. But it is reassuring to have girlfriends who have your back to chat with about the details, yes?

14 years ago

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