After a hysterectomy, many women find themselves more and more sedentary as they heal. It’s easy to put on weight when most of the first two weeks of recovery you spend in bed, and you find yourself mindlessly snacking or overeating. Prevent weight gain after a hysterectomy by following these three tips and being enjoying the positives of your surgery.
3 Helpful Ways to Prevent Weight Gain after a Hysterectomy
Preventing weight gain after a hysterectomy helps with a slew of problems, including depression and weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. Consult with your doctor before your hysterectomy to discuss a diet you can follow to prevent weight gain, and what exercises you can do during recovery to stay somewhat active.
Maintain a healthy diet during recovery
Plan a healthy diet for after your procedure to help with the recovery and prevent weight gain after a hysterectomy. By choosing a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains, it’s even possible to lose weight after your hysterectomy. Your doctor can recommend a diet for you or refer you to a nutritionist so they can create a plan based on your recovery needs.
Slow and steady exercise
While you are constrained to do your regular exercise regimen during recovery, Ask your doctor for any exercises they suggest for you during your recovery, as your regular exercise regimen may be too strenuous while you recover. They may suggest the following:
- Walking
- Bicycling
- Swimming
- Stretching and Yoga
Do make a goal to get thirty minutes of exercise at least three times a week to keep up your strength and well-being after your surgery. You can also do Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor to prevent vaginal prolapse.
To do a simple Kegel exercise, squeeze the same muscles you use to stop urination. Try to do a few repetitions a day, and you can even do them while watching TV.
Make hydration a priority
Stay hydrated is a great way to help with your recovery and your metabolism. By drinking two glasses of water before a meal, you will fill up your stomach, thus causing you to eat less, and boost your metabolism by 30 percent.
Consult Your Gynecological Oncologist for the Best Weight Gain Prevention
Our Gynecological Oncology services at Nevada Surgery and Cancer Care will help you with life after your hysterectomy. We provide you with the care you need for a full recovery after your procedure or plan for your hysterectomy. Schedule a consultation with us today!