An oophorectomy is a surgery to remove one or both of your ovaries. This surgery is performed for a variety of reasons, including ovarian cancer, cysts, endometriosis or abscesses on your ovarian tubes. The surgery may also help to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Surgeons perform an oophorectomy through open abdominal surgery or by means of laparoscopic surgery -- making several small incisions. Most women can resume normal activity level within six weeks of surgery. For women who have undergone laparoscopic surgery, the recovery may be as short as two weeks. During your recovery, you can use several methods to lose weight.
Step 1
Talk to your surgeon. Ask your surgeon about limits in activity level and when you are able to return to your normal exercise routine or start a weight loss program.
Step 2
Eat healthy. While recovering from an oophorectomy, eating healthy can help you lose weight. Avoid foods and drinks that are high in fat, sugar and calorie content -- including soda, alcohol, junk foods and desserts. Drink plenty of water. Consume fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy and whole grains. The National Academy of Sports Medicine indicates that one pound of fat is equal to 3,500 calories. To lose one pound per week -- which is healthy weight loss -- cut 500 calories from your diet each day.
Step 3
Participate in low-impact exercise. Low-impact exercises place less stress and fewer jarring movements on your body as you exercise. Consider cycling, low-impact aerobics, walking, a rowing machine or using an elliptical machine. When your incision has healed and you are permitted to get it wet, try swimming for cardiovascular exercise.
Step 4
Exercise on a regular basis. The National Academy of Sports Medicine indicates you should exercise 60 to 90 minutes, five days per week to lose weight.
Tips and Warnings
- To avoid abdominal pain, avoid performing crunches, situps and other abdominal exercises until you are completely pain free.
- Mild discomfort when returning to exercise is normal. Should you experience severe pain, discontinue exercising and contact your surgeon's office.
References
- National Academy of Sports Medicine: Essentials of Personal Fitness Training; Scott Luccett; 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Oophorectomy; April 16, 2011
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