So, this is a question for all of my medical keto friends on this forum, or hell, I’d take experienced. lol On Monday I underwent a total knee replacement surgery. (No glucose drips) And I have eaten very little to nothing these past 3 days, such as one boiled egg for the day or a sf gelatin or a single bite of a hamburger patty. I cant seem to get any food down…lack of appetite. Altho’ I am drinking plenty of fluids, water and coffee. I got on the scale just out of curiosity this morning, and I am showing a 7 pound weight gain. Why? Fluid retention? Any other reasons?
3 Days Post Surgery
birddog27
(Jennifer)
#2
A total knee replacement? I assume you are swollen from the trauma to your knee. I wouldn’t worry about the scale until the swelling goes down.
You will have to let me know how it goes - I’ve needed a new knee for years and keep putting it off. I am going to get down to my goal weight and then decide if I still need it. Yeah, I know still trying to delay it… 
softail925
(softail925)
#4
So do u think kt’ll come right off when inflammation & fluid retention is gone. Sure hope so
suzanna
(suzanna)
#5
Just my experience with lots of surgery here, not a scientific or medical explanation:
Yes, the weight will come right off! This is so not the the time to use your scale! You are doing you body such a favor by taking digestion off the “to do” list. Your body is working on healing and metabolizing pain and anesthesia meds. Fluid retention is Happening due to the inflammation. Sf jello, broth with butter, bpc, all great
When you are hungry, you’ll eat! I highly recommend taking senna as stool softener daily until you are totally off narcotics, especially when you start eating real food! REST is the best way to heal. I have great Netflix, Hulu and Amazon prime recommendations that got me through months of recovery. I couldn’t focus to read much, but watched a lot of tv and films. Kept charts for meds and water intake and successfully weaned myself off pain meds, three times in three years, 8 weeks recovery each time.
softail925
(softail925)
#6
Thank you Suzanna, that is basically what I am doing. I appreciate your unput tho. Im still eating keto, just not very much. Taking in lots of fluids.
softail925
(softail925)
#7
Jennifer, just be prepared for a lot of physical therapy and following all instructions. It can be a slow recovery 6-8 weeks. And you def will need someone to help care for you afterwards. Goodluck if you decide to do so.
kcfricke
(Karen Fricke)
#8
The biggest reason for weight gain-------i would guess the steel components in the new knee weigh more than the bone they took out.
NelleG
(Bacon for the Win)
#10
the’re not steel any more. Not sure what they are these days but I’ll find out. FWIW, I’ve had both knees replaced and I am an RN on a post-op ortho floor. My daughter is an OR nurse on the ortho team. I can always ask her to weigh some hardware for me.
It’s probably fluid retention from all the meds they gave you. Are you now taking warfarin? I was cold and had no appetite the entire time I was on that. Don’t over do things but don’t be afraid to use your new knee either.