LondonSleeve

I am just over six months post gastric sleeve. I am wondering whether anyone had noticed that since having a VSG whether: 1). Their periods have got noticeably/considerably lighter; and 2). Whether anyone has also noticed their cycles speeding up. My cycle used to be around 26/27 days in length but is now around 23/24 days in length since I had the weight loss surgery. I have also noticed that my periods are much lighter. My cycles have always been very regular. I had a VSG to lose weight so that I can have IVF as I have Endometriosis. Hence why I am concerned about changes in cycle as I am worried it could be adversely affecting my fertility even more since my periods are extremely light now to the point where they don’t seem like proper periods. I am 37 years old and have been trying to conceive for 7 years. Am now at BMI weight where I can go for IVF so just at very beginning of GP blood tests etc for IVF but not yet accepted on to a clinic. Thirdly; I am also really suffering as I have to take pain medication for Endometriosis which since my VSG I suffer with terrible constipation in general - but significantly worse when I take the pain meds - so I am now terrified every month of when I get my period whether to take pain meds as I know that if I do I won’t be able to do a poo and when I am able to will be in agony for hours trying to go. The pain of this condition is horrendous and I have had surgery for it in the past and been taken to hospital with pain and am prescribed tramadol, co-codamal and also diclofenac supposotories. I take laxatives while on meds but still not going with a consistency that I am happy with and when I’ve taken the pain meds the stool is like sand/clay/play doh and is so upsetting trying to pass. I have lost 3 1/2 stone since VSG and hoping to lose another stone. I needed to get my BMI down for last chance to conceive. Any pointers and feedback on any or all of the above would be gratefully received if you have experienced similar.

Thank you Looly. I have stage three endo which took me 17 years to get diagnosed, I can only imagine what stage four must have been like for you. It’s just the worst condition and I feel for what you went through too. It’s a tough, tough condition. The sleeve was my last chance to conceive as I have lost five stone twice before my weight loss surgery but regained it and have never been able to keep it off to a level that I could get IVF and now I’m 37 I figured that at least I can attempt IVF and then if that doesn’t work I won’t live with the regret that maybe I could have been a mother “if only I had managed to lose the weight”, even though I probably won’t be able to, at least I will have tried. At the moment I have to console myself with my nearest equivalent which is that constipation currently feels like childbirth!! Prunes sound a good idea will get some. Thank you for your response, it’s much appreciated.

Thanks JessLess, I think I will ask the doctor re: the fertility concerns. Am so pleased I had the VSG but the constipation is a side effect that I didn’t consider properly and wish it didn’t affect me! Thank you

Thank you - I will look into stool softeners as I didn’t realise there was a difference - good tip about no food too.

I have PCOS and my dietitian advised me that the sleeve would help with it. I had my sleeve on May 7 2019 and have already lost 16lbs. PCOS is a physiological condition that makes it harder for you to lose weight so weight loss surgery will give you that support to get it off easier (according to weight loss dietitian). Best of luck on your journey.