Does a hip replacement make you weigh more?

Many people believe that hip replacement surgery will cause them to gain weight, although there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, most studies have found that the majority of patients who undergo hip replacement surgery experience a significant loss in weight and body fat. Hip replacements are often recommended for those who are obese or have abnormalities in their hips due to osteoarthritis. Surgery can help these individuals regain mobility and reduce pain associated with arthritis.

A hip replacement (also known as a hip resurfacing) is a surgery to replace the ball and socket joint between the femur (thighbone) and the acetabulum (hip socket).

Hip resurfacing is typically done as a total replacement, which means that the entire ball and socket joint is replaced. In partial replacement surgery, only the parts of the ball and socket joint that are damaged are replaced. Partial replacement hip resurfacing is a more common procedure, and it is sometimes used when the person has a hip fracture (an injury to the hip bone), but the intact ball and socket joint remains.

Hip resurfacing is a surgery that is done as an outpatient process. Most people are able to go home the same day after a hip replacement. People who have a partial Hip replacement doctor may need to stay overnight in the hospital. People who have a total hip replacement usually stay in the hospital for two to four days.

There are a few risks that are associated with hip replacement surgery. These risks include:

Risk of infection. Hip replacement surgery can infection (either during the surgery or afterwards). Infection can lead to hip infection revision surgery (a procedure to remove the infected material and reinstall the joint). Late-stage hip infection (after the hip replacement surgery but before the person is released from the hospital), can also be life-threatening.

Risk of dislocation. Hip replacement surgery can lead to dislocation of the joint. Dislocation can occur during the surgery or after the surgery. It can be very painful and lead to medically complicated hip replacement surgeries.

Risk of collapse of the joint. Hip replacement surgery can lead to collapse of the joint. Collapse of the joint can lead to hip injury (including the possibility of a femoral neck fracture, in which the neck of the femur bones breaks).

There are risk factors that you can do to minimize these risks:

Ask your surgeon about the risks of the procedure before you have it done.

organize  for the surgery by doing your research.

tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing health situation.

keep a diary of your pain and how it is coping with medications.

speak to your doctor if you experience decreased range of motion or pain after the surgery.

Hip replacement surgery is a surgery that carries with it a risk of infection, dislocation, or collapse of the joint. People who are considering hip replacement surgery should speak with their surgeon about the risks and risks factors of the procedure. They should also prepare for the surgery by doing their research and be aware of any pre-existing health conditions.