Weight gain/bloating following AVR

Morning all

Apologies for a vain post. After my surgery I put on 8kgs and most of this disappeared before I went home but I'm definitely bigger than I was pre surgery despite not over eating and I would say that I'm eating less than usual and trying to be as healthy as possible to aid recovery.

I'm only little and every pound shows on me. Strange as it seems I'm thinner in some places but definitely bigger round my tum and bum. Suppose it will take a while to get the old metabolism back to normal? I am doing quite a lot of walking now - probably more than I did daily in my sedentary office job. Anyone experienced the same?

Hope everyone has a good Sunday.

Claire x

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Claire, beta blockers could be to blame, I found it difficult to lose weight after the initial loss of appetite. My sensible diet, courtesy of my ex slimming world consultant wife, didn't move an ounce. I upped the walking, still nada, so I joined a gym. 12 lbs later I feel better, I still eat sensibly but after speaking to my GP he did say it may be the beta blocker

Mark

[Hidden in reply to skid112]

Ah thank you. Would that be the Bisoprolol? I’m only taking those, iron tabs and warfarin.

[skid112 Heart Star in reply to Hidden]

Yes it would be those

[Shopgirl]

Hi Claire, I'm 3 months post op now and stopped taking bisoprolol after my 2 month discharge appointment and I noticed within a couple of days that I had lost a bit of weight. So it may well be the beta blockers.

[mewg]

hi hun same with me still bloated benneath sternum and taking about 30 tabs a day give it time and you will be ok just realize wot ur body has been threw and underneath is still dealing with wot has gone on.im still very sore in the right hand side of my chest but easing abit everyday.ive got apoinment with after care team nxt week cant wait 2 start being myself again xxx

[Hidden in reply to mewg]

Pleased you're doing ok. I'm also feeling better day by day. Can't believe it was only 3 weeks ago. X

[mewg]

its our 3 week anniversary lol im still getting blurred vision hows ur inr now xx

[Hidden in reply to mewg]

No more blurred vision. Hooray!! INR has been low so I’m self injecting fragmin too - all good fun this mechanical valve malarky!! Who would think that prior to the operation I took no meds whatsoever and was fit as a fiddle! Lol x

[MKB38 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Claire, I'm also 3 weeks on from my AVR (tissue valve). Is tiredness still affecting you? I feel as though I need 1 or 2 naps during the day, even though I sleep well at night. Not to mention falling asleep in front of the TV in the evening! What a sleepy head. M xx

[Hidden in reply to MKB38]

Hi Margaret. I am tired by the end of the day but haven't napped during the day since in hospital. I sleep well at night, probably 10:30 until 7 so that's quite a lot! Love my sleep 😊

I would say if you're sleeping well at night then you need the naps too. If I remember correctly, didn't you have something extra done?

Claire x

[MKB38 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Claire. No it was a straight forward A V R. I guess you are right I must need the sleep. Glad you are well. M xx

[morpheo]

Hi Claire, I had my AVR 2 years ago and I came home tired and bloated up to a size 16. The rehab nurses were really on the ball and they sorted out my meds, I'm now on just 75mg of Aspirin a day. I did feel very lethargic for a long time but as soon as I could drive the car on my own I was out to the stables and on board one of the horses. Now back down to a size 12. Once you start to feel better and in control of your diet and rehab programme you will return to your normal weight.

[Hidden in reply to morpheo]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I'm sure once my lethargy subsides I'll be able to do more and feel like doing more!

[Allie-d in reply to morpheo]

Hello, I saw your post and was wondering how long it was after your surgery that you were able to ride. I am just coming up to 6 weeks and was looking forward to riding soon. However at my last checkup last week, the doctor said that I should really wait 3 months for the bones to be fully healed.

[morpheo in reply to Allie-d]

Hi Allie-d I had micro surgery so I wasn't fully unzipped. And I'm a rebel anyway. Honestly I think it's how well you feel. I was given 3 months to heal but I just couldn't wait that long.

[Allie-d in reply to morpheo]

Hi Morpheo, Thanks for the reply. lucky you with micro surgery. I've got a fantastic scar down the front. I'll have to see how I get on with my upper body muscles and the cardiac rehab. I'm at 6 weeks now but still pretty stiff and sore.

[abersoch]

Hiya. I had avr 8 months ago. I have also gained a lot of weight. Some was fluid whilst I was in hospital. But I am a dog walker in the mornings, walk the best part of three miles, also work as mid day for a reception class, so fed up of my weight. I am only small as well. At least we both feel ok. Keep our chins up. Lol