Hi. I had the same issue. My doctor told me I'll gain most of my weight back by doing exercises to build muscle. Doing that has definitely made a difference.
divine2077
Apr 06, 2025 9:43 pm
Apr 07, 2025 1:24 am
Yes, many people gain weight after ostomy surgery because their health improves after the initial healing from the surgery. Eating more often, small frequent meals, helps with everything! (Cheers from a WOC RN)
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,403 members.
“Every morning with my coffee, I read here and feel wrapped in warmth - I hardly post, but it still feels like family.”
“Our oncologist literally wrote down the link; they said more patients need this website.”
“This place pulled me out of the dark. I went from lurking to living again.”
“At 3am, someone’s awake somewhere in the world. I’m never alone here.”
Posted by: Nini4
Well, I hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression. He ticked me off, but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive.
I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best.
But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped, and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring. It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.
Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances, l not only survived but thrived.
I think of all the years I had suffered with such extreme pain, barely functioning, and the many hospital stays and how that is all behind me now. (All fingers, toes, and legs crossed that I never have to go near a hospital for myself ever again. I think I'd rather have a fork stuck in my eye. I loathe every about them.)
So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all. My Angels, each one of you.
And as the Grateful Dead famously said,
"what a long strange trip it's been!"
Im so happy I'm tripping with you all.
Redondo
Apr 07, 2025 8:55 pm
I am actually too fat. At the beginning, I was underweight because I was so sick, but now I can't lose the weight. I have all of my small intestine and no large colon. Even though everything goes through so quickly, the small intestine still absorbs all of the nutrients and fat, too.
Advertisement
Hollister
Using ostomy accessories to create a personalized pouching system can help you prevent leaks and protect your skin.
Learn about the physical and emotional benefits of using ostomy accessories.
Learn about the physical and emotional benefits of using ostomy accessories.
Mr Brightside
Apr 07, 2025 8:58 pm
I have the same problem. I've read articles that ileostomies are worse for keeping weight down because of the diets recommended to maintain good output consistency, etc., and the way the small intestine works.
I guess it's increasing exercise without overdoing it and getting a hernia 🤷♂️
How to Adjust to Life with an Ostomy with Bruce | Hollister
squidman30
May 14, 2025 4:37 am
It was kind of a rollercoaster for me. I lost 30 lbs after mine a year ago. I had the reversal 5 months ago and have gained 20 lbs. I'm currently trying to drop 15 lbs. I get around 20,000 steps in a day and fast daily for twelve hours. It's slowly coming off, and I'm toning up. I still have a ways to go to reach my goal. As far as healing... I feel fatigue every day, but work through it to get stronger. Pinching off is about the only issue I have, and it's improving. I thank God every day for healing me. Good luck, man.