Post liver transplant weight gain

Hi Mary. We have some similarities. I also had a liver transplant at Mayo Scottsdale around mid 2024. I am in your age range and like you despite a 9 hour surgery overall things have gone as well as can be expected. I lost weight at the time of the surgery , decided to double down and lost more weight over the next year. However my body has become very stingy with weight with me gaining a little back even when doing everything right. I think for me it is my age and my body has a "set point" of where it wants to be weight wise. Have not given up, will not give up, but despite my wife cooking healthy I am stalled for the moment at being a little heavy and not totally to my ideal weight. All I can advise is keep doing everything right ! (---: Congratulations on your successful surgery ! Best of luck.

I had the opposite problem but I would suggest don’t eat anything fried, any fast food of any kind , put a APP on your phone YUKA and scan everything you eat while grocery shopping your going to be surprised the garbage that stores sell, I’m at my weight and keeping it there and swim a mile a day I’m 65 3 years post keep healthy and exercise, my scar wouldn’t let me gain too much weight otherwise I’d be in pain

Also a Kaiser member that went to Mayo Scottsdale. Summer of 2024 I weighed 220 had some issues and lost a little weight before my transplant on 02/06/2025, came home after 4 months in the Casita weighing 150. I am now holding steady in the 170-180 range and feeling good. I eat what I like, just less. Walk about 6 miles per week and diddle around the house during the day. Other than an eye issue just after the transplant and on going, I’m doing great.

I've experienced weight gain as well. My liver transplant was June 27, 2025 at Mayo in Jacksonville. Since the transplant I am experiencing terrible cramps in my hands, forearms, legs, and feet. No one seems to know the definitive cause of these but it makes it difficult to walk and I have now employed a cane. I am trying to do some indoor walking since I can rest when I like rather than be stuck outside and unable to go further. Less exercise, coupled with (until very recently) 40 MG of prednisone and insulin injections likely have caused the weight gain. I look forward to getting better and getting this weight back off.

@stephenbrown
I didn’t feel remotely good for 2 years, swimming might help just walking in a pool does wonders, my feet have never been the same and the drugs didn’t do anything so I live with it, good luck on your recovery it’s a year at least so be patient

@stephenbrown Hi Stephen. I too have had cramps in my hands, legs and feet since my transplant but not nearly as bad as yours. They are there but not bad enough to bring it up to Mayo or local docs. But I think for me it may be do to me no longer having a galbladder due to the transplant .
And resulting from that water / liquids passing through me more quickly and me not staying sufficiently hydrated. Just a guess on my similar issue. Hoping it gets better when your off the prednisone for a while. Best of luck . (--:

@pgruetz I've heard that I should give it a year. And, I am certainly working to be patient. Sometimes, I'm just sick and tired of being sick and tired; yet still grateful for this gift.

@craigcraig

That's a great thought nobody has mentioned to me (the water issue). I work to stay hydrated every day, mostly drinking only water, diet soda, tea, and one cup of coffee each day. I appreciate your response.

@stephenbrown I wasn’t too patient and went back to worm after 6 months as a plumber and got injured so I recommend recover at least a year