I am 8 months post live LT. I, too, was gaining weight even though I was eating well and exercising (walking, getting steps in, no weight bearing, etc). I was also depressed. Between the two I was confused as this was new and I should be blissfully grateful and full of joy. My PCP suggested checking my thyroid which had been checked many times in my life pre transplant. No problems then. BUT, my results came back and I was just out of the normal range (high or hypo) just above 4 (4.16 I believe). My baseline, or tests prior to transplant, were always around 2.4. Doctor said I don’t have to go on thyroid medicine unless I wanted to. Yes, I wanted to and jumped at the opportunity. He put me on 50mcg of Levothyroxine and within a week I was remarkably better in my mood/depression. I did some research and found that the “norms” per the medical profession are just guidelines - MY norm should be in the low 2s. Over the next few weeks the weight just melted off and I did nothing different. Additionally, my transplant team increased my Venlaxifine (Effexor ER), also new post transplant. Between the two changes I feel like myself again - happy, unexplained weight gain stopped/disappeared and I feel “normal.”

I hope you find what is inside of you, both mentally and physically, that is causing your weight gain and depression. There are answers. Insist that your liver team help and talk to your PCP. My plan worked for me. Heck, get your thyroid checked! Only a blood draw. If it’s not within YOUR baseline, have a talk with your doctor/PCP. That thyroid is a sneaky, tiny thing that can really mess up your mood and weight. Good luck to you and wish you the best.