Can You Lose Weight After Hernia Surgery?

If you have ever had a hernia, you might be familiar with the pain you feel in that situation. The preferred approach to treat hernia is through diet and changing lifestyle. But if the hernia gets worse, some people may need to go through a hernia surgery. 

Although surgery can decrease the pain and discomfort you had with it you may have some after-effects. One of the major concerns that you may have after hernia surgery would be weight loss. 

If you want to know whether you can lose weight after hernia surgery, keep reading. 

What is Actually Hernia?

A hernia is an opening, rip, or other kind of injury in a muscle structure that causes tissue beneath it to protrude. When a piece of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, the muscular wall in the abdominal cavity, it can cause a hiatal hernia in the esophagus. Hiatal hernias can occur in certain persons, but they never show any symptoms. Others may experience a variety of problems, such as:

• reflux
• acid reflux
• Having trouble swallowing
• chest ache
• Breathing difficulties
• sensation of fullness after eating 

The majority of people who are susceptible to this kind of hernia are obese or older than 50. On the other hand, it can also be brought on by an injury, strenuous lifting, underlying medical issues, or alterations in the diaphragm’s muscles. Some people may have a larger-than-normal diaphragmatic aperture (the hiatus) where the esophagus passes through, making them genetically prone to the illness.

When You Need Hernia Surgery

For those suffering from this ailment, surgery is the final option. Changes in lifestyle are frequently effective in reducing stomach discomfort and acid production. Surgery is the next course of action, though, if symptoms are severe and do not get better with medicine and good lifestyle choices. Individuals who have a narrowed esophagus could also require surgery.

What’s the Process

Hiatal hernias can be repaired by surgeons using either robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery or conventional open surgery. While both are viable choices, laparoscopic procedures have lower risks and quicker patient recovery. Which path your surgeon chooses depends on how serious the problem is.

In most cases, the surgeon does nothing more complicated than press the stomach tissues back beneath the diaphragm and take precautions against future bulging. Others might need more involved fixes, such as rebuilding and repairing a damaged esophagus.

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Causes of Weight Loss After Hernia Surgery

Patients are not allowed to eat or drink anything after the treatment until a professional confirms they can swallow securely. In order to reduce pressure and discomfort at the surgery site, patients begin a liquid diet. It may take several days to advance to soft meals and much longer to resume a regular diet. 

Since most patients don’t often eat this way, it’s normal to gradually drop a few pounds in the interim. Furthermore, the surgery might make the stomach smaller. This implies that you can feel fuller after eating less than you did previously, which over time may also result in a slow loss of weight.

The Connection Between Hernias and Losing Weight

Doctors who treat overweight people with hiatal hernias frequently suggest a safe weight loss regimen. This holds true both before and following surgery.

Before Surgery

Surgery should always be considered a last choice, therefore it’s crucial to attempt less invasive treatments first. Losing weight can help obese people greatly and possibly completely resolve their hiatal hernias. The digestive tract may rest naturally and work more effectively without the additional strain from the adipose tissue that surrounds the stomach. Frequently, the outcome is a decrease in uncomfortable symptoms.

In the event that weight loss is not sufficient to control symptoms of a hiatal hernia on its own, your doctor can still advise it if you are overweight. It can not only enhance your general well-being but also lower your chances of experiencing another hiatal hernia in the future. Rapid weight loss is rarely advised or safe, though. Instead, follow your doctor’s advice and implement small, healthful changes that lead to sustained slow weight loss. This method produces longer-lasting effects without adding needless risk.

After Surgery

Following hernia surgery, weight loss may result from the body’s reaction to the procedure, an anticipated decrease in appetite, and dietary limitations. For most patients, losing a few pounds over a few weeks is normal. When more regular eating habits return over the next six months, most people should be able to regain this. You might lose weight and keep it off if the surgery caused your stomach to shrink in any way.

Some individuals undergo both bariatric surgery and treatments for hiatal hernias at the same time. Over time, this combination of treatments may result in ongoing weight loss. While significant weight loss following surgery is not usual, the other conditions are all normal. See your doctor if you’re losing more than two pounds every week.

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How to Recover After Hernia Surgery – Tips

Following hernia surgery, you may potentially experience the following side effects in addition to weight loss:

• swallowing difficulties, which should get better as you heal
• discomfort at the site of the surgery
• Bloating in the abdomen
• emesis

As directed by your physician, take care of yourself at home to reduce or avoid these problems. Stay away from alcohol, acidic foods and drinks, fried foods, and cruciferous vegetables as these might aggravate the stomach and cause gas or heartburn. Moreover, avoid drinking using a straw as this introduces additional air into the digestive system.

Furthermore, make sure that every incision site is adequately cleaned and wrapped. Steer clear of strenuous exercise and heavy lifting, but as soon as you are allowed, get moving and stroll; this will reduce the chance of blood clots following surgery. To strengthen your diaphragm again, your doctor could also advise breathing or coughing exercises.

The Bottom Line

Losing weight can be a part of your recovery after hernia surgery. If you feel like gaining weight rapidly after hernia surgery, you may have to work on your diet and change your lifestyle to lose weight. It is possible to lose weight after hernia surgery if you follow the right ways and precautions. 

Medical Discalimer: The information provided here On Geeks Health website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have or suspect a medical problem, promptly contact your healthcare provider. Reliance on any information in this response is solely at your own risk.