Recovering from Colon Cancer Surgery and Weight Concerns

Hello,

 

I had my colon cancer operated on the 25th of November, 2021. This is a permanent colostomy. Post-surgery, I am not under any treatment. Now, I am managing the pouch and recovering. I am still weak.

I was about 72 kg at the beginning of 2021; however, I started losing weight, and before the surgery was done, I was 64 kg.

Post-surgery, there was an increase in my body weight, about 3 kg, but it seems to have stopped now. Can anyone here advise if there is a timeline I need to wait to see myself getting back to my previous weight? I do not want to be overweight for sure, but the doctor has asked to keep an eye on the weight loss...

Any input is appreciated. Since I am very new to this 'new normal', any discomfort scares me a lot.

Thank you for your support and stay healthy.

Sanchita

 

 

Hi sur.sanchita,

You've come to the right place for support. Our community is full of people who understand what you're going through and are here to help.

Regarding your weight concerns, it's quite common to experience fluctuations after surgery. Your body is still adjusting, and it might take some time to stabilize. It's great that you're keeping an eye on it, as your doctor suggested. Try focusing on a balanced diet and gentle exercise, if possible, to help your body recover and find its new normal. Remember, everyone's journey is different, so give yourself grace and time.

Joining this website was the best decision for me. The support and shared experiences have truly changed my life. I hope you find the same comfort and guidance here.

Hi Sanchita,

I had my surgery March 2020 and my weight has still not settled (seems to be up and down). I think for me it might be because I am still learning what foods are ok for me to eat and what foods I should avoid. Also emotional...I do comfort eat at times. 

Hopefully someone will come along and be more helpful.

🌻

Hi Sanchita, after my operation I lost about 7kg and since then I have put it back on, though I did not want to. As long as you are eating a healthy diet and not losing weight, and keeping an eye on your weight as your doctor said, you should be okay. Best wishes, Patrick.

Hello, many thanks 😊.  If I get to see similar cases, it reassures me. Yes, me too, learning the food habit, everything seems to be new all over again. 

My sincere thanks for your time.

Regards 

It really is just experimenting with food. And as you heal you might be able to add back in foods that you couldn't eat right away. For me there were foods that made my output too solid or too runny...so I kept a food journal to know which ones to avoid. I did lots of internet searches. LOL

Good luck with everything. Keep posting on this forum...everyone is very nice and helpful. I've made some lifelong friends. 😍

🌻

How to Manage Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Wish you good luck too.

Hello again,

I am facing some problems and thought I'd check if anyone here could have faced similar issues.

I had my tumor removed in November 21 and since then I have had a stoma. In February, I had a sudden acne breakout on my face. A dermatologist gave me some antibiotics. The acne is under control, but I have started having loose motions. I consulted internal medicine and took a course of antibiotics again, but it seems not to be working. I am planning to see my surgeon.

Is there anyone here who has faced similar issues? I am worried. Any lead or advice is appreciated.

 

Regards.

 

 

Hi Sanchita,

I had my operation in late April this year and have a permanent colostomy.

Pre-op, I was 245 lbs (111 kg). A week after the operation when I went home, I weighed 224 lbs (102 kg). I was very happy with the weight loss, being overweight.

I have managed to keep the weight the same. I am not eating as much at meals and have stopped eating a lot of junk food, so I'm very pleased about that.

If your weight is steady and your appetite seems normal, I wouldn't be concerned.

Another benefit is a reduction in my sugar levels; I am type 2 diabetic, probably due to being overweight.

Good luck,

Dave

Hi, I lost 70 lbs over the process. It took almost a year to get back to normal. I found that food that seems not good for you is what I needed. I was a vegan going in, but now I eat eggs, cheese, chicken, rice, and potatoes. I try to stay away from highly processed, but insoluble fiber does not seem to be my friend, so I eat that in very small amounts. All the best to you.