Post-op periods

[Stephanie Stroup McIntosh 157]

I had surgery about 7 weeks ago. I had lost about 30 pounds since surgery (and 30 more before), but now I have gained 3 pounds in the last 3 days. I worked out all 3 days and consumed less than 1000 calories each day. I got my Protein and Water. I didn't have any more carbs than normal (well under 50 per day).

Today I started my period and have horrible cramps. They are so bad, they made me nauseous.

Prior to surgery, I only had my period when on Birth Control because I have PCOS.

What can I do for this?

[heftyhoosier 30]

I gained weight as well when I had my first period in 10 years (I had always manipulated with birth control). I went back on my birth control but it still takes a few months for your body to regulate. I think the best thing is to avoid weighing yourself around your period. You can guarantee yourself it your weight will be up for something beyond your control and you are just punishing yourself.

For the cramps, etc., why can't you go back on birth control?

Edited May 10, 2015 by heftyhoosier

[twinhappy 79]

My period was 3 months late after my surgery. The cramps for horrible! So bad I actually stayed home from work one day (I never have to do that). We will see what the next period brings.......

[jhclikesshopping@gmail.com 285]

hi!!! I am six weeks post op - and my period was last week. I swear.... my entire uterus came out during my period ( I know TMI). I honest have not bleed that much since I misscarried over 10 years ago. WOW!!!

And the cramps - were so bad. According to my surgeon, the periods are a mystery after surgery. So anything can go. Here is what I did....

When the cramping was bad (and yes, I wanted to wrap myself in a ball and die) - I got up and walked around. This really helped - sure at first it sucked but it did let up after a few minutes of walking. Night time was the worst - so I just went up and down the stairs when I woke up. And this first period was 9 days - can you say - kill me now!!!

[larissanicole 25]

I've always had what I consider pretty bad cramps, but since surgery it's been so much worse. I find that therma care Patches take the edge off so I don't have to call in sick to work.

[Weighting2BeFree 164]

Oh the after surgery period mystery. I have had 2 since surgery 7 weeks ago. I gain about 4 lbs during this time. Then afterwards it falls right off. I think it's all Water weight. Don't freak out it'll be ok!

[uni2424 48]

I have had 3 periods since surgery. They went from 2 heavy days prior to surgery to 5 heavy days now. The cramping is awful!! I assume it is normal since the doctor asks about it on my follow-up appointment paperwork. My weight loss has been super slow but always lose a couple of pounds after period is over.

[Elle1906 12]

I've had two periods since the op and I'm still normal, I have three heavy days and 2 light. I have noticed that I don't feel the cramps at all! It's like they don't exist anymore.. I used to have to take so many painkillers to deal and now I have none .. Very odd!

[bsistah 3]

My periods are screwed up as well. I had surgery 2 weeks ago with period during the surgery time now started period ago and im on birth control. Weight gain and cramps and back pain. Pcos stinks.

[Stephanie Stroup McIntosh 157]

Exercise helped with the cramps, but the nausea was bad. Now I have a cold and nothing seems to be working.

[jm726 27]

Weight gain & weight loss can cause a fluctuation in all of our hormones, as our body tries to become accustomed to new requirements. It sounds like your hormones were kept level & under control with the pill... Did you have an alternative method of BC placed for the surgery? IUD or Depo-Provera shot? If not, it seems like your body is in estrogen overload. Also, while PCOS is more common in larger people, it's not solely reliant on that factor, & may still be giving you some trouble. I'd make an appointment with your PCP or OB/GYN. They should be able to give you some options to help make you more comfortable. So while, heat, exercise, and fluids are needed to get you through this go round, I'd check with a doctor for options best suited for your individual needs... Just some thoughts & suggestions... Hope it helps. ☺️

Ohhh, lastly sounds like your retaining Fluid. No worries there.

Edited May 19, 2015 by jm726

[bsistah 3]

I have been on the pill the whole time. And the week of surgery was my sugar pill week but I took them that week. I gonna call my dr though. I am down 50 since the start of planning for surgery of which 14 pounds are since surgery.

[jm726 27]

Yea, my doctor told me the pill was no longer as effective post op because your absorption is decreased. So I had to get an IUD. ????. There are some articles on the subject throughout the Internet... So maybe that's what's going on? Either way, I'm sorry you're not feeling good, and I hope you do feel better soon.