“I had just delivered and was breastfeeding. I couldn’t take painkillers and was advised to wait at least 40 days before surgery,” the actor said.
Drishyam actor Ishita Dutta has addressed speculation around her rapid postpartum weight loss, revealing that she lost over 15 kg in less than two months—but not through any quick-fix method. Shutting down rumours of a “secret” routine, the 35-year-old said her weight loss was the result of prolonged medical distress and recovery, stressing that there was “no magic, no shortcut”.
In a series of Instagram video posts, Ishita explained that the first two trimesters of her pregnancy were smooth. “I travelled, worked, enjoyed myself, and ate a lot,” she said. However, things changed drastically by the sixth month, when she was put on complete bed rest. During this period, she began experiencing severe abdominal pain and was rushed to hospital multiple times. Subsequent scans revealed gall bladder stones.
Since she was pregnant, surgery was not an option. “I was still in my seventh month. The only option was to go through the pain,” she said, recalling episodes so intense that she would scream in agony. Because of her pregnancy, doctors could not administer strong painkillers. “They couldn’t give me anything. I just had to wait for the pain to settle.”
The ordeal continued even after she delivered her baby girl. Ishita said she was unable to undergo immediate surgery as she was breastfeeding and had recently given birth. “I had just delivered. I was breastfeeding. I couldn’t take painkillers and was advised to wait at least 40 days before attempting surgery,” she said. After enduring several more painful attacks, she finally underwent gall bladder removal once it was deemed medically safe.
“Post-delivery, my struggle still didn’t end,” Ishita added. “I was healing from surgery, adjusting to life without a gall bladder, and was on strict dietary restrictions for a long time. This is how I lost so much weight. There is no secret, no magic, no shortcut.”
Responding to queries about her diet, the actor—who is married to actor Vatsal Sheth—said she avoids fats as they are difficult to digest after gall bladder surgery and prefers home-cooked food.
Explaining the medical context, Dr Mitul Gupta, senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Cocoon Hospital, Jaipur, said gall bladder issues during and after pregnancy are not uncommon. “Hormonal changes, reduced gall bladder motility, and increased cholesterol saturation of bile during pregnancy can lead to gallstones, especially in women in their 30s and 40s,” he said.
Dr Gupta added that laparoscopic gall bladder removal is generally safe in the postpartum period, even for breastfeeding mothers, once they are medically stable. “Most modern anaesthetic agents are compatible with breastfeeding and transfer minimally into breast milk,” he explained. Temporary dietary changes—particularly a low-fat diet—are commonly advised after surgery and can contribute to weight loss. “In such cases, postpartum weight loss is usually due to medical stress, recovery, and dietary restrictions rather than cosmetic weight-loss efforts.”
He advised breastfeeding mothers to consult both their surgeon and obstetrician to ensure a safe recovery while continuing infant feeding.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available in the public domain and expert inputs. Readers are advised to consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or modifying any health routine.
