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What Causes Unusual Weight Gain After Colon Resection Surgery?
Question: I had a colon resection 3 1/2 months ago with 18 inches of sigmoid removed. I have gained approx. 10-12 lbs and keep gaining. I am 4'11 and my normal weight is 115 lbs.. The weight is focused on my midsection and I look 5 months pregnant! After surgery I was swollen and thought the swelling would go down but I am getting bigger. I eat healthy and in small potions. What is causing the weight gain? I was recently prescribed Amlodipine 2.5 1x day - I also take hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg 1xday. Is it normal to gain this much mid- section weight and what can I do to lose the weight? I have knee and back problems so excersize is difficult. I work full time as an event planner so I'm always on the go. Any suggestions?
Brief Answer:
Thyroid can be the case.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
You havent mentioned about the reason of colon resection. If it was a colon cancer, distended abdomen can be caused by fluid in abdominal cavity.
If it was done due to diverticles or other issues, your abdomen can be simply bloated due to adhesions or hernia in the scar area can be the reason.
Weight gain does not seem to be related with the surgery. Usually after some colon removal, patients rather have problems with loose stools and weight lost. So weight gain means that with your bowels everything is fine.
Weight gain can appear due to thyroid problems. Hypothyroidism which can be weight gain reason gives also tiredness, sleepiness, hair falling, dry skin and constipation.
I suggest you to start with thyroid tests. If you have also legs swelling, heart function, kidneys function and veins condition should be checked.
Larger abdomen should be checked with an ultrasound or CT (if colon cancer was the surgery reason, you should have abdomen CT every year for first 3 years).
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Thyroid can be the case.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
You havent mentioned about the reason of colon resection. If it was a colon cancer, distended abdomen can be caused by fluid in abdominal cavity.
If it was done due to diverticles or other issues, your abdomen can be simply bloated due to adhesions or hernia in the scar area can be the reason.
Weight gain does not seem to be related with the surgery. Usually after some colon removal, patients rather have problems with loose stools and weight lost. So weight gain means that with your bowels everything is fine.
Weight gain can appear due to thyroid problems. Hypothyroidism which can be weight gain reason gives also tiredness, sleepiness, hair falling, dry skin and constipation.
I suggest you to start with thyroid tests. If you have also legs swelling, heart function, kidneys function and veins condition should be checked.
Larger abdomen should be checked with an ultrasound or CT (if colon cancer was the surgery reason, you should have abdomen CT every year for first 3 years).
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome. Hope you will get well soon.
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome. Hope you will get well soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
If it is a thyroid condition can medication help control the weight?
Brief Answer:
Yes.
Detailed Answer:
Yes, definitely. Hypothyroidism (not hyper for sure) can be controlled with thyroid hormones substitution (one pill a day).
Yes.
Detailed Answer:
Yes, definitely. Hypothyroidism (not hyper for sure) can be controlled with thyroid hormones substitution (one pill a day).
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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