A uro oncologist in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, might recommend kidney removal surgery or nephrectomy to remove a diseased or damaged kidney. Like any surgery, the procedure comes with certain side effects, one of which is weight loss. The sudden, unexplained weight loss might seem worrying at first, but it’s a part of surgery and healing. It’s important to know what contributes to this weight loss, which warning signs require a visit to the urologist, and how to prevent it.
What Causes Weight Loss after Nephrectomy?
Here’s why people tend to lose weight after kidney removal surgery:
- Loss of Appetite: Surgery has an impact on your gut health. It’s natural not to want to eat in the first few days of surgery. Sometimes, pain and medicines can make people lose their appetite.
- Anaesthesia and Nausea: Anaesthesia you receive during surgery doesn’t just drop your blood sugar levels and blood pressure, but it also can cause nausea and vomiting in some patients. As a result, you might temporarily lose the desire to eat.
- Extra Energy: Your body needs extra energy for wound healing. Your nutritional requirements also increase significantly after nephrectomy. Sticking to the same diet or not eating enough can lead to nutritional deficiency and weight loss.
- Emotional Stress: Surgery, pain, and meds can all take a toll on your mental health. You may experience loss of appetite due to anxiety, mood issues, and constant stress.
- Reduced Movement: You may not perform physical activities in the first few weeks of nephrectomy. As a result, you might lose muscle mass.
When to Contact a Doctor?
While losing some weight is considered normal, you should see a urologist immediately if you experience a sudden, drastic weight loss, i.e. around 2-3 kgs in a short period. If you have had a nephrectomy as part of your kidney cancer treatment in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, weight loss can be a warning sign of a recurring cancer.
See a urologist if weight loss is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or signs of dehydration, or intense pain that doesn’t respond to pain meds, wound infection, and extreme tiredness.
Prevention
Some prevention tips can be useful in keeping your weight levels in check. Here’s what can help:
- Eat Smaller Meals: Instead of one heavy meal, break it into multiple smaller meals.
- Nutrient-rich Foods: Focus on nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, oats, chapati, fish, brown rice, nuts, seeds, daal, and legumes.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated. Drink soups, ORS, fresh juices, coconut water, and plain water (unless your doctor has advised you otherwise).
- Gentle Movements: Practice gentle movements, such as walking for 10-15 minutes every day (only if approved by your doctor). Movement helps with digestion.
Conclusion
Weight loss after nephrectomy is not usually a cause for concern, unless a significant amount of weight is lost in a very short time. This happens because of pain, nausea from anaesthesia, and fewer movements. If you are concerned about weight loss or have other warning signs, consult a uro-surgeon immediately.
