“Do You Lose Weight After Heart Surgery?” Asks Sally
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: June 6, 2025
Yes.
That is my answer to Sally’s question, “Did you lose weight after heart surgery?”
In fact, I lost A LOT of weight after heart valve replacement surgery. Robyn (my wife) just reminded me that I lost about 15 pounds during the three months after heart surgery. Before surgery, I weighed 187. Then, I dropped to 172. Ultimately, I ate like crazy to fuel my body as it healed. Now, I’m hanging around 192 pounds. I’d like to get back to my pre-surgery weight of 187 – but you probably know how tough it is to lose that final 5 pounds.
So you know, not all patients lose weight after heart surgery. I have spoken to a number of patients that have had the exact opposite occur…. They gain weight from fluid retention.
Regardless of whether you lose or gain weight, the critical element of surgery is that your heart is fixed and your surgery is successful. A few pounds here-or-there won’t kill you, but a faulty valve will. Please scroll below to post a comment or read over 40 patient reactions below.
Related Links:
- Surgeon Q&A: Weight Gain After Heart Valve Surgery
- Why Is My Husband Gaining Weight After Heart Surgery?
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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Lee-Ann Smit says on December 8th, 2018 at 2:02 am |
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Hi, I was born with Epsteins Anomaly and 2 months ago I had a value replacement, bypass and pacemaker done. Initially when I came home I lost 4kg without even dieting. Then I started gaining weight again. I’ve started dieting as I am overweight but it is a real struggle . I don’t understand why I initially lost weight so easily but now have gained it back. My cardiologist felt that one my heart was repaired and my body was functioning properly I would automatically loose weight which did happen. I feeling very frustrated. |
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