After surgery, you may need to settle into a new routine, including taking medication, caring for the incision, and getting enough rest to support recovery.

However, pain and increasing weight after surgery can be challenging during the healing phase. What actually contributes to weight gain after surgery? Find the explanation in the article below.

Causes of Weight Gain After Surgery

Surgery is an invasive procedure that places extra demands on the body because it must work harder to heal. Recovery time differs from person to person, depending on the type of operation and overall health.

During the post-surgery recovery period, many people notice an increase in weight. This weight gain is usually not due to added body fat, but rather fluid retention that occurs as part of healing.

Here are several reasons for weight gain after surgery:

Fluid Retention

Fluid retention is the most frequent reason for weight gain after surgery. This condition, called post-surgical edema, is the buildup of excess fluid in the body in response to inflammation and the healing process.

Edema may occur because of intravenous fluids given during the procedure. It can affect a specific area or involve larger parts of the body.

Symptoms of edema include:

• Swelling
• Reduced joint mobility (such as in the fingers, wrists, or ankles)
• Decreased urine output
• Rapid increases in body weight

How to manage edema after surgery:

• Take diuretics only as prescribed by your doctor
• Do gentle stretching
• Lower your salt intake
• Protect or elevate swollen areas
• Wear compression garments to support fluid movement

Lack of Activity

Some major procedures require you to limit physical activity for several days to weeks afterward. Reduced movement, such as prolonged lying or sitting, can cause muscle loss and lower calorie expenditure, which may increase body fat mass.

To address this, gradually increase your activity or join a post-surgery rehabilitation program to help your body readjust to daily routines. Always consult your doctor about which activities or exercises are safe after surgery.

High-Calorie Diet

Surgery can be emotionally and physically exhausting, so you may be tempted to choose high-calorie foods to restore appetite and improve your mood. However, frequent intake of calorie-dense foods can contribute to weight gain over time.

To keep your weight stable, increase your intake of high-protein foods, which support recovery and help prevent muscle loss. In addition, getting enough fiber is important to maintain regular bowel movements.

Tips for Speeding Recovery after Surgery

To speed up healing after surgery, it is important to follow the care steps below:

• Care for the incision properly. Follow your doctor’s wound-care instructions. If signs of infection appear, such as swelling, itching, redness, or discharge, consult a doctor immediately.

• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet. Include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods such as chicken breast, fish, or lean red meat to support tissue repair.

• Stay hydrated. Drink enough water every day to prevent dehydration and aid tissue recovery.

• Take medication as directed by your doctor. Use your medicines regularly as prescribed to support optimal healing.

• Have regular check-ups. See your doctor as scheduled to monitor your condition and ensure the incision is healing well.

Weight gain after surgery is usually not caused by added fat, but rather fluid retention. This is generally temporary and may improve on its own without specific treatment.

If you have questions about recovery after surgery, consult a doctor or use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, which is available on the App Store and Play Store.

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