Pacemaker Club: Water Retention Post Surgery

Water Retention Post Surgery

by vegas_erin
2016-09-26 17:59:43
Surgery & Recovery
2271 views
2 comments

I have gained about 7 pounds since surgery. There's nothing it can be other than fluid retention. My diet has been relatively the same, only less than usual. Can anyone recommend a good way to get rid of the excess water weight? I called my doctor's office and through the nurse he recommended I reduse my salt and water. I'm not getting much sodium and the water is necessary. Has anyone had success with over the counter diuretics?

2 Comments

Response to Angry (Bird)Sparrow-love the name btw

by vegas_erin - 2016-09-26 19:26:08

I haven't had any processed food since the surgery. I rarely had any prior to the surgery. I only drink water, no soda/juice. I was in the hospital for 2 and a half days following surgery. The only food I had was an apple during the entire time. That's why I think this rapid weight gain is water. I've also known several other people to retain fluid after various other surgeries. I'm not in heart failure. I got my pm for vasovagal depressor syndrome. I have dysautonomia and neurocardiogenic syncopes. I'm in my early 30's, nonsmoker, and the appropriate weight (minus the extra water) for my height.

Water Retention

by Grateful Heart - 2016-09-26 20:23:40

I retain water after every surgery too. I also watch my sodium intake, etc. and when in the hospital request and follow a restricted menu and yet it never fails that I am up 3 - 4 lbs. when I leave.

I took myself off of Lasix a few months ago. One Cardio didn't think I needed it anymore but one did (as do I) and I wanted to take fewer meds anyway so I decided to test it on my own. For 3 months it seemed fine then one day recently I noticed I could not see the bones or veins in my feet or ankles. This lasted for almost a week so I put myself back on Lasix and it took over a week for the swelling to subside.....scary.

Don't use OTC diuretics, speak to your doctor again. Some of us need a diuretic but it should be monitored by your doctor. Explain what you told us and let him decide if you need diuretic help. Don't try it on your own.....don't do what I did, seek medical advice.

Grateful Heart