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Do you burn more calories after surgery?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jan 08, 2026

After surgery, you actually need to consume more calories, because your body requires energy to heal. According to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, you'll need to consume about 15 to 20 calories per pound of body weight.

Does metabolism speed up after surgery?

Changes in the metabolism are associated with changes in body core temperature and heart rate. The increase in energy metabolism in the postoperative period was confirmed by many recent studies. Metabolism has been shown to increase by 15–30%.

Is it common to lose weight after surgery?

Maximum weight loss occurred two years after surgery on average, but there was significant variation. About 20 percent of the patients continued to lose weight more than four years after surgery, the study found.

Why did my weight go up after surgery?

The most common cause of weight gain after surgery is fluid retention, also known as postoperative edema. Edema occurs when extra fluid builds up in your body to respond to inflammation and promote healing. It may also be caused by intravenous (IV) fluids given during surgery.

How can I get my weight back after surgery?

Eat five to six smaller meals during the day rather than two or three large meals. Choose nutrient-rich foods. As part of an overall healthy diet, choose whole-grain breads, pastas and cereals; fruits and vegetables; dairy products; lean protein sources; and nuts and seeds. Try smoothies and shakes.

33 related questions found

How many calories do you need recovering from surgery?

As a general guide, the average person recovering from surgery needs about 15-20 calories per day for each pound that they weigh. This means that a woman with an average weight needs approximately 2500 calories per day while recovering, and a man with an average weight needs approximately 3400 calories per day.

What to avoid eating after surgery?

4 foods to avoid after surgery

  • Foods that might cause constipation. ...
  • Spicy foods. ...
  • Alcoholic beverages. ...
  • Highly processed foods.

How can I avoid weight loss after surgery?

Strategies or Recommendations

  1. If the patient does a lot of cardio, they might reduce it and start lifting weight to gain muscle and reach their goal weight.
  2. Too much exercise can make the patient continue losing weight. ...
  3. Eat protein bars, nuts, dry fruit, trail mix, grains.

How can I stay in shape after surgery?

Learn how to stay fit after leg surgery with these five essential tips.

  1. Get Good Nutrition.
  2. Drink Plenty of Water.
  3. Maintain Activity Levels Before Surgery.
  4. Get Plenty of Rest Post Surgery.
  5. Reduce Inflammation.

How can I lose my belly fat after laparoscopy?

  1. Eat more fiber. People who increase the amount of soluble fiber they eat every day build up less visceral fat over time than people who eat less fiber. ...
  2. Get plenty of protein. ...
  3. Get more aerobic exercise. ...
  4. Reduce stress. ...
  5. Eat more healthy fats. ...
  6. Get enough sleep.

How long does weight gain last after surgery?

This will gradually subside during the first six weeks of the healing process. In addition, fluids may accumulate in the treatment area. This accumulation of fluids may add pounds, but will eventually drain out of the body. Weight gain as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle is the concern.

What is a light diet after surgery?

Fresh Cooked Vegetables. Fruit Smoothies/Protein Shakes. Oatmeal/Cream of Wheat. Eggs (scrambled, soft boiled, omelets, egg salad) Mashed Potatoes.

How long after surgery do you get your appetite back?

Varying degrees of postoperative appetite loss was experienced by 38 (76%) of the patients. The median time for return of appetite in both male and female patients was 4 weeks, at an IQR of 2–4 in males and 4–6 in females.

What diet is best for wound healing?

Promote Wound Healing with Good Nutrition

Choose vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli or strawberries. For adequate zinc, choose fortified grains and protein foods, such as beef, chicken, seafood or beans. Some wounds may require a higher intake of certain vitamins and minerals to support healing.

Does your appetite increase after surgery?

Recovery from surgery.

When your body is trying to heal and rebuild, your metabolism is in an “anabolic” state, or a state of construction. This requires calories, and your appetite will naturally increase.

How much water weight do you gain after surgery?

Body weight, fluid balance, and fluid retention index

The median change in body weight from before surgery to the day after surgery was + 0.7 kg (0.3–1.6), after correction for resected tissue.

What surgery has the longest recovery time?

The longest average recovery period we found was that of a total knee replacement, which can take from three months to one full year. This is typical with many knee injuries. An ACL injury, for example, can take six months or more to recover from.

How long does anesthetic stay in your body after surgery?

Answer: Most people are awake in the recovery room immediately after an operation but remain groggy for a few hours afterward. Your body will take up to a week to completely eliminate the medicines from your system but most people will not notice much effect after about 24 hours.

Why is rest important after surgery?

Sleep helps keep your immune system strong

When you are in the recovery process following an accident or a major surgery, your body is working hard to heal. If you're not getting enough sleep, your immune system may become compromised and have trouble fighting common infections.

Is loss of appetite after surgery normal?

Appetite loss.

Poor appetite is very common, especially when people receive general anesthesia. You may lose weight because you are not eating normally. Most people regain their appetite and return to their normal weight as the effects of surgery wear off.

What foods promote healing after surgery?

Here are 10 healing foods that can help your body recover.

  1. Leafy green vegetables. ...
  2. Eggs. ...
  3. Salmon. ...
  4. Berries. ...
  5. Nuts and seeds. ...
  6. Poultry. ...
  7. Organ meats. ...
  8. Cruciferous vegetables.

What food is best after surgery?

Take a look at the best foods to eat after surgery, as well as some ideas on what to avoid.

  • Lean Proteins. Lean proteins are some of the best foods to eat after surgery. ...
  • Whole Grains. Whole grains are also important foods to eat after surgery. ...
  • Low Fat Dairy. ...
  • 4. Fruits and Vegetables.

Why am I gaining weight so fast when I barely eat?

Unintentional weight gain occurs when you put on weight without increasing your consumption of food or liquid and without decreasing your activity. This occurs when you're not trying to gain weight. It's often due to fluid retention, abnormal growths, constipation, or pregnancy.

How do you get rid of water weight after surgery?

Remember leafy vegetables and whole grains are good foods that reduce swelling after surgery. Be careful of Sodium intake. Reducing your sodium intake from foods temporarily may also be a good idea as sodium is a natural diuretic and reduces the level of water in your body.

Do I have to lose weight after back surgery?

Body weight change following lumbar surgery in overweight patients varied between the two included studies. One study reported 6% of patients lost weight 34 months following lumbar surgery, while 35% gained body weight. A second study reported 40% lost weight while 41% gained weight 20 months post surgery.