Drishyam actor Ishita Dutta has spoken candidly about her postpartum weight loss, clarifying that losing over 15 kg in less than two months after delivery was not the result of any diet hack or fitness routine, but a prolonged medical struggle.
Sharing her experience through a series of Instagram videos, Ishita addressed widespread speculation around her physical transformation, stating there was “no secret, no magic, and no shortcut.”
“The Only Option Was to Go Through the Pain”
Ishita explained that while the first two trimesters of her pregnancy were smooth—filled with travel, work, and normal eating habits—things took a serious turn during the sixth month.
“I was put on complete bed rest. Around that time, I started experiencing unbearable abdominal pain and had to be rushed to the hospital multiple times,” the 35-year-old said.
Scans later revealed gall bladder stones, but surgery was not possible due to her pregnancy.
“I was still in my seventh month. The only option was to go through the pain. I would be screaming in pain. Because I was pregnant, they couldn’t give me strong painkillers. I had to wait for the pain to settle on its own,” she shared.
Struggles Continued After Delivery
Ishita delivered her baby girl during the eighth month, but the ordeal did not end there. As a new mother who was breastfeeding, she was advised to wait before undergoing surgery.
“I had just delivered, I was breastfeeding, and I couldn’t take painkillers. I was told to wait at least 40 days before surgery,” she said.
After enduring multiple painful episodes, Ishita eventually underwent gall bladder removal surgery when it was medically safe. Recovery, however, brought its own challenges.
“My body was healing from surgery and adjusting to life without a gall bladder. I 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,” she reiterated.
Responding to questions about her diet, Ishita clarified that she avoids fats, as they are difficult to digest post-surgery, and prefers simple home-cooked food. The actor is married to actor Vatsal Sheth.
Understanding Gall Bladder Surgery Postpartum
Commenting on postpartum gallbladder surgery, Dr Mitul Gupta, Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Cocoon Hospital, Jaipur, explained that the condition is not uncommon.
“Women in their 30s and 40s may develop gallstones during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, reduced gallbladder motility, and increased cholesterol in bile,” Dr Gupta said.
He added that once the mother is medically stable after delivery, laparoscopic gallbladder removal is generally considered safe, even for breastfeeding women.
Breastfeeding and Recovery
Dr Gupta noted that most modern anaesthetic agents used during such surgeries are compatible with breastfeeding, with minimal transfer into breast milk.
“Post-surgery, a low-fat diet is often recommended, which may contribute to weight loss. In such cases, postpartum weight loss is linked to medical stress, recovery, and dietary restrictions—not cosmetic weight-loss efforts,” he explained.
He advised breastfeeding mothers to consult both their surgeon and obstetrician to ensure safe recovery and uninterrupted infant care.
