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What Causes Weight Gain After A Discectomy Surgery?
Question: I had lumbar laminectomy/discectomy surgery on November 26th and walked out of surgery with like15/20 pounds more and haven't gotton rid of any of the weight is that normal
Brief Answer:
Surgery itself doesn't affect weight.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
In itself the surgery does not affect weight at all, the procedure is not the cause for that.
One possible cause may be the possible inactivity during the period before and after surgery, due to the potential limitations imposed by the pain.
One other possibility might be some of the medications used at times. I do not know what you received, but some medications used for chronic pain like antidepressants may cause weight gain. Some physicians also use corticosteroids at times to reduce inflammation, those can lead to weight gain as well. Of course I am speaking of prolonged use for that to happen, not one time occasions.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Surgery itself doesn't affect weight.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
In itself the surgery does not affect weight at all, the procedure is not the cause for that.
One possible cause may be the possible inactivity during the period before and after surgery, due to the potential limitations imposed by the pain.
One other possibility might be some of the medications used at times. I do not know what you received, but some medications used for chronic pain like antidepressants may cause weight gain. Some physicians also use corticosteroids at times to reduce inflammation, those can lead to weight gain as well. Of course I am speaking of prolonged use for that to happen, not one time occasions.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I don't think u understand it was day surgery I went in 20 lbs less than what I am now and walked out within hours 20 lbs heavier I never spent anytime in the hospital at all the wieght gain does not make any sense wieght gain takes time not overnight
Brief Answer:
Hard to explain if really overnight.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thank you for clearing that up. You are right, I had not understood that the weight gain was that quick, I realized it was rapid, but not that much.
And to be honest I really am perplexed by that as you yourself are. The procedure was not the direct cause, this immediate gain makes it even less likely, medication and inactivity are gradual in their effect too.
There can be sudden weight variations related to menstrual cycle, not having defecated, salt, carbohydrate consumption, stress etc, but not in those figures, speaking of 3-5 at most 10 pounds. Also the fact it persist eliminates some of them.
There are diseases leading to water retention with swelling, kidney, liver, heart failure but you would surely have had other manifestations. I would still suggest a routine metabolic panel for liver and kidney function, electrolytes, that is in case you haven't had them recently before or after the procedure.
Wishing you good health.
Hard to explain if really overnight.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thank you for clearing that up. You are right, I had not understood that the weight gain was that quick, I realized it was rapid, but not that much.
And to be honest I really am perplexed by that as you yourself are. The procedure was not the direct cause, this immediate gain makes it even less likely, medication and inactivity are gradual in their effect too.
There can be sudden weight variations related to menstrual cycle, not having defecated, salt, carbohydrate consumption, stress etc, but not in those figures, speaking of 3-5 at most 10 pounds. Also the fact it persist eliminates some of them.
There are diseases leading to water retention with swelling, kidney, liver, heart failure but you would surely have had other manifestations. I would still suggest a routine metabolic panel for liver and kidney function, electrolytes, that is in case you haven't had them recently before or after the procedure.
Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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