rapid weight gain after colon resection

Question

I had a colon resection in April of 2011. I had a gastrointestinal stromal tumor removed. The tumor was a little larger than a grape fruit, so a large portion of my colon was removed. I lost roughly 30 pounds by the time I had my surgery from the cancer. Since the surgery, I went back to my normal weight and then about 40 pounds past it. I gained this weight rapidly. I am 35 years old. I believe some of the weight gain has to do with being on Depakote, and some of it being my body over compensating for the rapid weight loss prior to the surgery. Still, I have been off of Depakote for seven months now. I have been on an exercise routine for almost three months, as well as cutting calories. I have not really lost any weight. My left ovary was also removed. Now, I am concerned that it is going to be very difficult time losing weight, and it may possibly due to my body's ability to digest fat or possible hormonal issues from the loss of the ovary. I am wondering if anyone has any information as to my theories, and more importantly any advice would be greatly appreciated.

TheKarebear75 · Answer

May 2021 I have 14.5 inches taken including the sigmoid due to perforations in my colon. The weight gain after is devastating. 40 plus pounds. No diet or exercise helps. If 
you find an answer, I would love to know. My doctors are not concerned with the weight. Just that my health has improved.

Iyana271 · Answer

Weight gain does not seem to be related to the surgery. Usually, after some colon removal, patients rather have problems with loose stools and weight loss. So weight gain means that with your bowels everything is fine.

Weight gain can appear due to thyroid problems. Hypothyroidism which can be weight gain reason gives also tiredness, sleepiness, hair fall, dry skin, and constipation.
I suggest you start with thyroid tests. If you have also leg swelling, heart function, kidneys function and veins condition should be checked.
The larger abdomen should be checked with an ultrasound or CT (if colon cancer was the surgery reason, you should have abdomen CT every year for the first 3 years).

Hope this will help.

Pauline_ro · Answer

Ditto for me colon resection due to repeated attacks of diverticulitis. Surgeon discovered a hole in my colon, yikes! Still gaining weight even though I have drastically cut back on everything I eat. No sweet colas, no alcohol, nothing shows up on blood tests. Please keep me posted.

FluffyChobe44 · Answer

I am in the same boat like you all. After my cancer operation taking out three quarter big intestine I have gained 42kg in the past 4 years. Tried diet and exercise. Nothings working.

lbernhar · Answer

Check your gut p.h. I am stumbling onto some article on hyperacidity after major colon resection. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01654755
I had resection surgery in Aug 2014 and have also experienced rapid weight gain with a lovely muffin top around my middle. I recently started taking Zantac 150 to treat the GERD I just developed this year and It seems to be reversing my growing waistline. Hope you find this information helpful.

Leo5566 · Answer

I don't have an answer, but I would really like to hear one. I did the exact same thing...40 pounds in a year and a half and climbing. 5-20-18

Grreatful · Answer

I had my ascending colon removed over 2 years ago , and immediately following the surgery with in 2 months had gained 30 lbs. My doctor didn't feel as if it was an issue.  She said it was because right after the surgery I developed hypothyroidism.  And during my last CAT scan they found a cyst on my right ovary. So it sounds about right.
I was wondering if anyone out there knows if either of these things are related, meaning causational.  
I have N.E.T. , so what I wondering is did I get the hypothyroidism because of the N.E.T. along with the cyst. Or is it just a coincidence? 
N.E.T. are cancerous tumors that give off hormones, well that's sort of the way I kind of figure it to be. If anyone has anyway of knowing please let me know. Thank you.

Engelsinger · Answer

I am right there with you. I exercise regularly and eat very healthy. I work out and run. I had to have a colon resection due to peritonitis. I am 34, was 5'6 and was 120. I have gained 50 lbs in a matter of a few months and am always bloated no matter how much I work out and how little I eat. The doctors have ruled out my thyroid. I have just recently started topamax for my migraines...hoping that helps with the weight loss too. Honestly it doesn't seem like the doctors really care all that much how the weight gain affects us. It's like they could care less if they find out the reason or not.  They want to try telling me it's my diet. I know for a fact that's not the case. I know how to lose weight and before the surgery it was never an issue. If only they knew how suicidal this was making me. Good luck to you! I hope you have better luck in figuring it out than I am having.

Rowena_Santos_MD · Answer

Hi,
How are you? Unintentional weight gain can be caused by many different issues such as metabolism, lack of  exercise, medical problem or use of certain medications, hormone changes ( underactive thyroid, Polycystic ovary syndrome or menopause), buildup of fluid in the tissues, and a lot more. To determine the underlying cause, you may need to check with your doctor to rule out some of the conditions mentioned.  Blood tests including chemistry profile, measurement of hormone levels and nutritional assessment may also be done. Take care and do keep us posted.