If you’re like me, you may have struggled with weight loss after uterine polyp removal surgery. I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when the pounds don’t seem to budge, no matter how hard you diet and exercise.
The good news is that with the right approach, it is possible to lose weight after polyp removal surgery. In this blog, I’ll share what worked for me, including practical tips for success. I struggled for months before finally finding an approach that helped me lose 25 pounds.
So whether you had a polypectomy to remove endometrial polyps or you’re recovering from another uterine procedure, keep reading to learn how to accelerate your weight loss. With some determination and the strategies I’ll outline, you can get your body back on track to reach your goals.
Why is it Hard to Lose Weight After Surgery?
Losing weight can be challenging for anyone, but it is especially difficult after undergoing uterine polyp removal or other gynecological procedures. There are a few reasons why:
- You may be less active after surgery due to fatigue and recovery time. This causes your metabolism to slow down. Your body burns fewer calories when you are inactive.
- Hormone changes from surgery can increase appetite and cravings. The fluctuations tell your body it needs more fuel and make you seek out high-calorie foods.
- Medications like steroids may increase fluid retention and weight gain. They alter how your body stores water and fat.
- You’re still healing, so intense exercise and diet plans aren’t ideal. You need to allow your body proper time to recover before pushing too hard.
Additionally, the mental frustration of not seeing weight loss results can lead to falling off the diet and exercise wagon. When progress stalls, it becomes tempting to indulge in unhealthy coping mechanisms. But don’t worry – with the right plan adjusted to your recovery, you absolutely can lose the excess weight. Here is what worked for me.
How I Lost 25 Pounds After My Polypectomy?
After my uterine polyp removal surgery (polypectomy), I struggled for months to lose the extra 20 pounds I had gained. I kept hitting plateaus despite diet and exercise. I was frustrated and desperate to get rid of this stubborn belly fat.
Finally, I discovered a combination of small changes that worked with my post-surgery body and recovery status instead of against it. Within 3 months, I had lost 25 pounds and kept it off.
Here is exactly what I did:
Started walking after 2 weeks: Light activity increases metabolism. As soon as I got medical clearance, I began taking short, gentle walks around my neighborhood. I used a step counter to track my progress and increased my daily steps by 100 each week.
Ate frequent, nutrient-dense meals: Cutting calories too quickly can backfire. I focused on eating 5-6 small, healthy meals every 3 hours to fuel my body. My meals included plenty of lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats to balance blood sugar. Popular options were Greek yogurt with fruit, chicken wraps with veggies, protein smoothies, eggs with sweet potato, and tuna over spinach salad.
Drank 64+ ounces of water daily: Staying hydrated supports weight loss by controlling appetite and bloating. Many times we mistake thirst signals for hunger. I carried a 24-ounce water bottle with me throughout the day to ensure I hit my hydration goal. I added lime, lemon, or cucumber slices for extra flavor.
Added in weights and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) after 6 weeks: Building lean muscle mass accelerates fat burning by boosting resting metabolism. After medical clearance, I invested in some 2 and 3-pound weights for home use. I also began incorporating 10-minute HIIT sessions on the exercise bike 3 times per week. Always check with your doctor before starting any new regimen.
Managed stress through yoga, meditation, and massage: High cortisol levels from stress can inhibit weight loss and drive cravings. Cortisol promotes fat storage in the midsection. I used relaxing self-care activities to lower my levels, including restorative yoga, meditation apps, and monthly massages. These gave me the mental clarity to stick with my healthy habits.
The combination of these diet, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments worked with my post-surgical body instead of starving it. I lost 2 pounds per week on average – a safe, maintainable rate that promoted lasting results.
5 Tips to Lose Weight After Uterine Polyp Removal
If you need to drop pounds after uterine polyp removal or other gynecological surgeries like a polypectomy, use these 5 proven tips:
Tip 1: Follow post-surgery activity guidelines, allowing proper healing of incisions. Then slowly increase movement duration with regular short walks. Get medical clearance before adding more vigorous activity.
Tip 2: Eat 5-6 small, nutrient-dense meals every 3 hours to balance blood sugar and keep metabolism revved. Choose lean proteins, antioxidant-rich vegetables, healthy fats, and complex carbs like sweet potato and oats.
Tip 3: Hydrate with a minimum of 64 ounces of water daily to control bloating and appetite. Add lemon slices or mint for enhanced palatability if plain water is unappealing.
Tip 4: Add muscle-building strength training starting at 50% intensity after medical clearance, then progress load slowly. Use your body weight, resistance bands, or lighter dumbbells. More lean muscle means faster fat burn even at rest.
Tip 5: Destress regularly with relaxing activities like restorative yoga, meditation, massage, or swimming. Manage cortisol because high levels can inhibit weight loss due to increased belly fat storage and cravings.
Sustaining Weight Loss Long-Term
The first months after surgery mark the most rapid weight loss phase. But the real challenge becomes maintaining your hard-earned results for the long haul.
Here are some tips to make weight loss stick for years to come:
- Weigh yourself once weekly to hold yourself accountable without becoming obsessive.
- Meal prep healthy options like hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt cups, hummus and cut veggies for quick snacks.
- Set reminders to exercise and relax so they become ingrained habits.
- Schedule annual physicals to monitor bloodwork like cholesterol panels, A1C, and vitamin D.
- Join online or local support groups to motivate you during plateaus.
- Keep a pair of smaller-sized pants or skirt in your closet as a tangible reminder of your progress
By making slight lifestyle adjustments, what you lose gradually through determination will stay lost for good.
Bottom Line
Losing weight after uterine polyp removal can be frustrating and disheartening when progress stalls. But with an appropriately tailored plan aligned with your post-surgery body, lasting results are within your reach.
Now you know exactly what worked for me to lose 25 pounds after my uterine procedure. You can apply these diet, exercise, and lifestyle tips to your unique situation. Start slowly with gentle activity, hydration, and frequent small meals. Then, build upon each adjustment as your recovery allows.
The keys are patience, self-compassion, and consistency. Check in regularly with your body about realistic expectations for healing. With those firmly in place and proper medical clearance, you will shed excess weight healthily and sustainably. So, in your weight loss journey what changes will you implement first?
References
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Uterine polyps.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-polyps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378713 - Massinde AN, et al. (2012). Uterine prolapse is complicated by a giant cervical polyp. DOI:
http://doi.org/10.1097/LGT.0b013e31822b752d
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