Recovering from major surgery is tough and you don't have to rush into anything - give yourself time. There are various options for you to try if you wish. HRT doesn't necessarily make you put on weight - I'm afraid the menopause tends to make most of us put on weight whether you take HRT or not. It's great your GP has suggested this site as it shows they are more open to helping you find a way forward.
Many women find the onset of meno symptoms very distressing and confusing - nobody warns us about this so for many it comes as a shock. Modern HRT preparations are more natural these days - many are hormones identical to those we produce in our own bodies so HRT can now be the natural choise if you wish to use it.
I am baffled as to why friends who have had a hysterectomy have advised you to go without HRT!!!! What are their reasons? Most women who have a hysterectomy under the age of 50 are usually advised to at least try HRT unless there are other medical reasons for not using it.
Using HRT is a personal choice so, as I mentioned before, read up all the info on this site, read some of the threads and then you will hopefully find a way forward that works for you.
Dr Curry, who set up this site, does do an email consultation for the cost of £25 and this may be helpful for you?
Keep us posted. DG x