A small change in weight can occur after myomectomy, but significant weight loss is not normally expected from the surgery itself. Some women notice a lower number on the scale after large fibroids are removed, while others simply notice less abdominal fullness or bloating without much actual weight loss.
*AI-generated image - for illustration only. Clinical accuracy is not guaranteed.
Weight may temporarily change after surgery because of:
- The weight of the fibroids that were removed
- Reduced appetite during early recovery
- Changes in fluid levels
- Constipation or changes in bowel habits
- Reduced physical activity while healing
Myomectomy is performed to remove uterine fibroids and relieve their symptoms; it is not a weight-loss procedure. Persistent or unexplained weight loss after surgery should therefore be discussed with a healthcare professional.
For a broader explanation of the procedure and the different ways fibroids can be removed, see our main guide to myomectomy surgery.
Weight Changes After Myomectomy at a Glance
| Possible Change | What It Usually Means |
|---|---|
| Small immediate weight reduction | May partly reflect the weight of large fibroids that were removed |
| Flatter or less full abdomen | May occur when fibroids had enlarged the uterus or caused abdominal bulging |
| Temporary weight loss during recovery | Can occur if appetite and food intake are reduced after surgery |
| Temporary weight fluctuation | Fluid changes, bloating and constipation can affect the scale |
| Significant continuing weight loss | Not an expected outcome and should be medically assessed |
How Much Weight Can You Lose From Fibroid Removal?
There is no standard amount of weight that a person should lose after myomectomy. The amount depends partly on the size and number of fibroids removed. Small fibroids may weigh very little, while very large or multiple fibroids can add considerably more mass to an enlarged uterus.
However, even when large fibroids are removed, major weight loss is not typical. The most noticeable difference for some women is not the number on the scale but a reduction in:
- Lower abdominal fullness
- Pelvic pressure
- Bloating
- A visibly enlarged abdomen caused by large fibroids
Can Your Stomach Look Smaller After Myomectomy Without Losing Much Weight?
Yes. This is an important distinction. Large fibroids can increase the size of the uterus and make the lower abdomen protrude. Some women describe looking bloated or even pregnant when fibroids become very large.
After the fibroids are removed and postoperative swelling has settled, the abdomen may appear less prominent. This does not necessarily mean that a large amount of body fat has been lost. The change is mainly related to removing the fibroid bulk and reducing the enlarged uterus or pressure caused by the fibroids.
Why Can Weight Drop During the First Few Weeks After Surgery?
Temporary weight loss during early recovery may have more to do with surgery than with the fibroids themselves. Appetite can be reduced after an operation, particularly during the first few days. This may be related to:
- Anaesthesia
- Nausea
- Pain
- Pain medicines
- Constipation or bloating
- General fatigue
Appetite generally improves as recovery progresses. Eating enough protein, calories and nutrients is important because the body needs adequate nutrition to heal.
Can Your Weight Increase Immediately After Myomectomy?
Yes. The scale can also temporarily move in the opposite direction. During the early postoperative period, the body may experience changes in fluid balance and inflammation. Abdominal swelling, reduced bowel activity and constipation can also make you feel heavier or more bloated. This means your weight during the first few days after surgery may not accurately reflect the effect of fibroid removal. It is usually better to allow the body time to recover before judging any lasting change in weight or abdominal appearance.
Does Myomectomy Cause Fat Loss?
No. Myomectomy does not directly remove body fat or cause the body to burn fat. The procedure removes fibroids from the uterus while preserving the uterus itself. Any immediate weight reduction is more likely to reflect:
- The fibroid tissue that was removed
- Changes in appetite
- Fluid changes
- Changes in bowel contents
Therefore, myomectomy should not be expected to produce the type of weight loss associated with dietary changes, exercise or bariatric surgery.
Does Myomectomy Change Metabolism or Hormones?
Myomectomy does not normally cause major hormonal or metabolic changes. The ovaries are generally left in place, so they continue producing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
The procedure therefore does not normally trigger menopause or create a hormonal mechanism that would cause significant weight loss. If you experience major unexplained weight changes together with symptoms such as persistent hot flashes, prolonged absence of periods or other unusual changes, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
What If Large Fibroids Were Causing Abdominal Weight or Fullness?
Women with very large fibroids may notice a more obvious physical difference after surgery. Before myomectomy, large fibroids can cause:
- An enlarged uterus
- Abdominal protrusion
- Pelvic heaviness
- A constant feeling of fullness
- Pressure on the bladder or bowel
Removing the fibroids can reduce this bulk and pressure. However, the abdomen may remain swollen temporarily after surgery, so the final change may not be visible immediately. Postoperative bloating and tissue swelling need time to settle.
When Should Weight Begin to Stabilise After Myomectomy?
There is no exact point at which everyone's weight stabilises. During the first few weeks, appetite, activity, bowel function and fluid levels are all returning toward normal. As recovery progresses, most patients gradually return to their usual:
*AI-generated image - for illustration only. Clinical accuracy is not guaranteed.
- Eating pattern
- Hydration
- Activity level
- Bowel routine
Once these factors become more consistent, body weight is easier to interpret. Daily weighing during the early postoperative period can be misleading because small short-term changes do not necessarily represent true loss or gain of body tissue.
Is Reduced Appetite Normal After Myomectomy?
A reduced appetite can occur after gynaecological surgery and may take some time to return to normal. If you do not feel hungry, smaller and more frequent meals may be easier than trying to eat three large meals.
*AI-generated image - for illustration only. Clinical accuracy is not guaranteed.
During healing, focus on foods that provide:
- Protein
- Iron
- Fibre
- Vitamins and minerals
- Adequate calories
This is particularly important if you had anaemia before surgery because of heavy menstrual bleeding. Unplanned weight loss caused by inadequate food intake is not a desired part of myomectomy recovery and can interfere with healing if it becomes significant.
When Is Weight Loss After Myomectomy Not Normal?
A small temporary change in weight is generally less concerning than weight that continues to fall without an obvious reason. Contact your healthcare team, if weight loss is accompanied by:
*AI-generated image - for illustration only. Clinical accuracy is not guaranteed.
- Persistent loss of appetite
- Repeated vomiting
- Difficulty eating or drinking
- Ongoing diarrhoea
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Fever or chills
- Increasing weakness
- Dizziness or faintness
- Signs of dehydration
The Bottom Line
Some weight change after myomectomy can be normal, but significant weight loss is not an expected result of fibroid removal surgery. Removing very large or multiple fibroids may cause a small reduction in body weight, and many women notice less abdominal fullness once fibroid bulk and postoperative swelling are gone.
Temporary weight loss can also occur if appetite is reduced during recovery. On the other hand, fluid changes, constipation and surgical swelling may temporarily increase weight or make the abdomen appear larger.
Myomectomy does not directly remove body fat or normally cause major hormonal changes. If weight continues falling, you are struggling to eat or drink, or the weight loss occurs alongside persistent vomiting, fever, worsening pain or weakness, contact your healthcare provider for assessment.
