For the past few weeks I've woken up in the middle of the night with horrific calf and leg cramps that last for a long time. The worst one mostly affects the top of my ankle, so to relieve the pain I need to both flex and point my tow (to address the calf and the top thing). It's torture. I'm in bandster hell so I'm getting plenty of protein in because I can eat a good amount and am making an effort. I also take vitamins. This is a killer! Any suggestions? I need sleep!

First, have your potassium checked. Also, there are OTC tablets at Walmart for leg cramps. They have Quinnine in them. The bottle just says "Leg Cramps". Tonic water also has it but since it is a carbonation thingy, your doctor probably will say NO to tonic water. My doctor recommended them to me a long time ago.:blushing:

Protein has little to do with cramps, but potassium might.

I've been much more prone to foot and leg cramps at night since I've been banded.

Potassium or get your Vitamin D level checked

Its potassium, I use Morton light salt in my food if I need salt and bananas. My leg craps have all but gone.

Have you been drinking plenty of water? If you are dehydrated that can cause leg cramps.

I get them if I'm dehydrated -- make sure you're drinking enough water!

I have been having the same thing, except mine are almost always by my ankle! I never had these before I was banded! I researched this on the Internet and found it to be a mostly MAGNESIUM defeciency! I just started taking supplements--250 mg. at night. The foods rich in magnesium are: any type of nuts, salmon, halibut, spinach, broccoli, and many more. My surgeon agreed with me. Just wanted to share this info. with you! Good luck!

Overhydration can be a cause of electrolyte disturbances---more commonly than dehydration. We're drinking TONS of Fluid now, and while the kidneys do a great job of conserving potassium and magnesium, the more Water they move out of the body, the less "accurate" they are.

I'd talk with your doctor about this. A supplement might be a good idea. But in the meantime, you can do a pretty good job of gauging your hydration status by the color of your urine. It should be pale yellow. If it's clear, you can ease off a little bit.

(Once you're hydrated, there's really no such thing as better hydrated.)

Thanks so much for all of these responses! I really appreciate the words of wisdom.

Next question then--do they make supplements outside of Calcium and Multivitamins that are chewable? Specifically magnesium, Vitamin D and potassium?