Sanjay Gupta Sanjay Gupta Asked 10 months ago

How long does post surgery weight gain last?

I recently had surgery, and my weight has actually gone up a bit, which is confusing because I'm eating less. My doctor said it could be fluid retention, but I'm anxious to get back to my normal weight. How long does post-surgery weight gain usually last?

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5 answers

Rohan Kumar Rohan Kumar Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago
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After my knee surgery, I gained like 2-3 kgs, mostly because I couldn't move much and was on meds. It took me about a month or two after I started physio and regular walking to get back to my normal weight. It's mostly temporary, just from swelling and less activity, don't stress.

Deepika Kohli Deepika Kohli Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Post-surgery weight gain is common and usually temporary, often due to fluid retention, reduced activity, and sometimes medication side effects. It generally resolves as you recover and become more active. Once your doctor clears it, gradually incorporating light walks and gentle exercises can help shed that temporary weight.

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Sneha Gupta Sneha Gupta Joined Feb 2026 9 months ago

I remember getting so worried after my C-section when the scales showed more! But my doctor told me it's mostly water retention from the surgery and fluids, and also because you're resting a lot. It usually goes away in a few weeks to a month as you start moving more and healing. Don't panic, it's very normal.

Priya Singh Priya Singh Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Oh, the post-surgery slump can definitely lead to a bit of weight gain, especially if you're stuck on the couch and stress-eating! It's often fluid retention or just less movement. It usually goes away as you heal and get back to your normal routine and food habits. Maybe try some healthy comfort foods to keep cravings in check!

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Sameer Khan Sameer Khan Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Post-surgical weight gain is often due to fluid retention from IV fluids, inflammation, or reduced mobility during recovery. This is usually temporary and should subside within a few weeks to a couple of months as your body heals and activity levels increase. It's best to discuss this with your surgeon or post-op care team for personalized advice and to rule out any underlying issues.

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