Post transplant weight

[Denise15]

Hi I had a liver transplant 3 years ago. It was complex but during my long hospital stay I lost nearly 4 st. Since then I have gradually put on weight and I am almost at my pretransplant weight-16st. I am fairly immobile due to a post transplant stroke so I am only mobile via scooter or short walking journeys. I did have ascities drained pretransplant only once but I am concerned about my weight gain. Can you get post transplant ascities or am I just eating too much??

[AyrshireK]

I take it you mean ascites rather than varices? Ascites is fluid retention which is what you'll have had drained in the past. Varices are bulging veins in the oesophagus.

It is possible to get ascites post transplant but this would mean things are going wrong with your new liver. Best to get a GP to check you out in the first instance and perhaps get a scan arranged just for peace of mind.

You'll need to watch the weight gain - as you'll need to make sure you do your best (especially in light of your inability to exercise) to avoid developing issues which could lead to potential fatty liver disease.

Katie

[Denise15 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks I did mean ascities notvarices doh! Thanks had a recent scan about 4months ago and all was ok thankfully. I really think I need to get on top of my eating as exercise is not necessarily going to be possible for me.

[Kristian]

Hi Denise,

With the meds you are on it does become very easy to put on that little bit of weight. Its a factor commonly associated with the anti rejection meds I believe, although now having regained a healthy appetite, I think that may also be a significant contributor too. AT least it is for me, lol. I am in the same position as you, although I don't have too much issue with mobility.

[Isabelle2 in reply to Kristian]

Yes, me too. I’ve got to buckle down and watch what I eat plus exercise more. I’ve put on at least 1 stone.

[Denise15 in reply to Isabelle2]

Oh just to be one stone 😂😂

[Denise15 in reply to Kristian]

Thanks for your reply I am sure it’s a mixture of healthy appetite and immobility I didn’t realise the antirejection drugs were also a possible contributor.

[Isabelle2 in reply to Denise15]

Yes, I was told that was the case. Also we must try not to carry a lot of weight on our tummies, near the scar. I’m trying to lose a bit before the inevitable Christmas expansion 😱

[Hidden]

Hello yes you can get post transplant ascites, I was drained four times in the year after, I now suffer from Lymphedema, Left arm and both legs, the arm is a constant size but the legs come and go, I was told by my Surgeon in France to lay flat, no top on and push/flick the side of my stomach, if it ripples then you have water, if it doesn't time to cut down on the easting lol, I lost a lot of weight pre op, but have put most back on, basically I think its due to feeling sick so long and not a lot of self control, hey ho I'm alive!!!