HYSTERECTOMY: QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED
I am thinking about having a hysterectomy but I also need to work. How long will it take me to recover?
Your recovery time is influenced by many factors. The type of hysterectomy you have being the most important In general, women who have a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy can return to work after three to four weeks. It usually takes about two weeks longer to recover from an abdominal hysterectomy.
Other important influences on time to recovery are general fitness and weight. The fitter a woman is, the quicker her recovery, while the more overweight she is, the longer the recuperation time. Women who exercise regularly and are not overweight before hysterectomy tend to recover faster. A plan of regular exercise also helps after the operation and can commence within a few days of a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy and two weeks after an abdominal hysterectomy. (The extra time is needed for wound repair.) Some women fear that activity will harm them or undo their surgery; but in virtually all gynaecological procedures, except prolapse operations, physical activity speeds recovery.
Will I put on weight after a hysterectomy?
food intake so that it corresponds to your activity level. Boredom after surgery may result in increased eating and deleterious weight gain.
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