Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

health issues due to losing weight too fast



Recommended Posts

If you don't eat healthy, then yes, you can have major health issues due to weight loss. You see this often with Gastric Bypass patients because they don't absorb nutrients efficiently. But if you're healthy the speed you lose is irrelevant.

I've lost almost 190 pounds in about 13 1/2 months. I eat according to my nutritionist guidelines, I walk for exercise, and I am healthier than I've ever been in my adult life.

Speed of weight loss is irrelevant, how healthy you live and lose it is what matters.

I was only going by what my surgeon and the other docs have told me...i dont necessarily agree..was just sharing the info i was told. Glad to hear you are doing so well Missy...hope it continues for you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

All my Vitamins and nutrients levels are normal! My family and friends think I'm eating too much Protein I was eating 90-100grams and was only supposed to eat 50-70grams! Was doing the gym postponing on going back until bp stablizes

Something doesn't add up. You say your doctor says you have Anorexia. You have dangerously low blood pressure as well as severe kidney and liver problems, yet you're talking about going to the gym and normal nutrient levels. Something is seriously, potentially life threatening wrong. You need focus on resolving the issues not your weight.

Please, just get medical and counseling help immediately. None of the weight loss is worth it if it costs you your life.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You could have already had an underlying kidney problem and the high amounts of Protein just made it rear its ugly head. I hope things work out for you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No one here is qualified to diagnose what's going on with you, so I'm glad you've got a team of doctors helping you. I just hope one of them is experienced in treating eating disorder and/or WLS patients.

Now I'm going to tell you a story to prove to you that I know about anorexics' inability to see any problems with their eating behavior.

I had an inguinal hernia repair in my late 20's. I had lost a lot of weight in the months preceding that surgery. the weight loss started with genuine upheaval over my divorce. One day I saw my soon-to-be-ex-husband, who took a look at me and said, "What's happened to you, Jean? Aren't you eating?"

I got a lot of gratification from that comment. Way too much. Having the power to make Joe worry about my weight went right to my head. My divorce upheaval continued, with a new twist: I realized that I could, for once in my life, lose weight. In the morning I ate a carefully measured and cut piece of coffeecake (hey, I make no claims that this was a good nutritional plan). For lunch I ate 4 slices of raw green pepper. For dinner I ate 4 potato chips (see above remark). That's what I ate, day after day, and I did a 45-minute exercise class twice a day. I became obsessed with weighing less than 100 lbs.

So after the hernia repair surgery, I woke up in the recovery room in a great deal of pain. I asked a nurse for pain medication, and overheard her conferring with someone else (a nurse? a doctor?) about the appropriate dose for someone my size. I was 5'3" tall. The nurses' conversation went like this:

Nurse A: "How much does she weigh?"

Nurse B: "I don't see it in her chart. What, maybe 110 lbs?"

Nurse A: "Naw, not that much. More like 107?"

I lost track of the conversation then because my mind was overcome with panic because they thought I weighed only 107 lbs. I felt as if I weighed 1000 lbs. They didn't understand how horribly fat I was, and how urgently I needed to weigh less than 100 lbs. My physical pain didn't matter in the least at that point, not compared to the pain of being as huge as I was.

Or...as I thought I was.

After my surgery, my weight loss stopped. My mom came to take care of me (and feed me), and my family doctor insisted that I come to his office twice a week to be weighed. I felt as if I was being tortured. I felt they were all cruel and insensitive...but if I hadn't had them to police my eating, I might very well be dead by now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What kind of medication are you on for your low blood pressure? I have the same problem and depending on what your doctor prescribed you can kind of tell what he/she is thinking the cause. I was also anorexic and bulimic for over 10 years. If you are consuming less than 600-800 calories a day, every day, and are obsessed with food and your body you may have a problem. It's a very involved illness that takes over your physical and mental well being. It's so important to be honest with yourself and the people trying to help! It's not more honorable to die from being to thin than it is from dying from being to heavy! Dead is dead! Isn't this journey suppose to be for better health? Or is it just about a Jean size or a number on the scale? Take a good look at the truth! No one, not even the best doctors or surgeons can help a person that isn't willing to receive the help! I hope you find the answers to your problems soon! Please keep us updated!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No one here is qualified to diagnose what's going on with you' date=' so I'm glad you've got a team of doctors helping you. I just hope one of them is experienced in treating eating disorder and/or WLS patients.

Now I'm going to tell you a story to prove to you that I know about anorexics' inability to see any problems with their eating behavior.

I had an inguinal hernia repair in my late 20's. I had lost a lot of weight in the months preceding that surgery. the weight loss started with genuine upheaval over my divorce. One day I saw my soon-to-be-ex-husband, who took a look at me and said, "What's happened to you, Jean? Aren't you eating?"

I got a lot of gratification from that comment. Way too much. Having the power to make Joe worry about my weight went right to my head. My divorce upheaval continued, with a new twist: I realized that I could, for once in my life, lose weight. In the morning I ate a carefully measured and cut piece of coffeecake (hey, I make no claims that this was a good nutritional plan). For lunch I ate 4 slices of raw green pepper. For dinner I ate 4 potato chips (see above remark). That's what I ate, day after day, and I did a 45-minute exercise class twice a day. I became obsessed with weighing less than 100 lbs.

So after the hernia repair surgery, I woke up in the recovery room in a great deal of pain. I asked a nurse for pain medication, and overheard her conferring with someone else (a nurse? a doctor?) about the appropriate dose for someone my size. I was 5'3" tall. The nurses' conversation went like this:

Nurse A: "How much does she weigh?"

Nurse B: "I don't see it in her chart. What, maybe 110 lbs?"

Nurse A: "Naw, not that much. More like 107?"

I lost track of the conversation then because my mind was overcome with panic because they thought I weighed only 107 lbs. I felt as if I weighed 1000 lbs. They didn't understand how horribly fat I was, and how urgently I needed to weigh less than 100 lbs. My physical pain didn't matter in the least at that point, not compared to the pain of being as huge as I was.

Or...as I thought I was.

After my surgery, my weight loss stopped. My mom came to take care of me (and feed me), and my family doctor insisted that I come to his office twice a week to be weighed. I felt as if I was being tortured. I felt they were all cruel and insensitive...but if I hadn't had them to police my eating, I might very well be dead by now.[/quote']

I'm trying to get the help I need for my health issues when I was at my cardiologist Wednesday he stated for me to gain some weight I literally flew off the handle! Do I consider myself being anorexic no but other's do, like family friends and, bariatric doctor! because I do calorie counting because i dont like going over 700, still weigh my food, go by pounds i've lost last Friday I went to him for a fill he said ABSOLUTELY NOT in stern voice and that I am getting too small! I wish I could see what everyone else sees of course they weighed me and he told me my last appointment not to lose anymore but when I saw that 7lb weight loss I was so happy but him and my mom weren't! Because that brought me down to 168 at 5'8 I told him 18 more pounds I need to lose he said no I think everyone thinks there isn't going to be a number I will be satisfied at! He said Barbara please stop losing your small enough! Me: just that 18 more! Him: No! Once my blood pressure is under control my plastic surgeons are able to do my surgery! But somebody please answer me this I beg of you! Different doctors still consider me as obese if I'm so small why am I still being labeled as being obese? And plus I still feel huge

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What kind of medication are you on for your low blood pressure? I have the same problem and depending on what your doctor prescribed you can kind of tell what he/she is thinking the cause. I was also anorexic and bulimic for over 10 years. If you are consuming less than 600-800 calories a day' date=' every day, and are obsessed with food and your body you may have a problem. It's a very involved illness that takes over your physical and mental well being. It's so important to be honest with yourself and the people trying to help! It's not more honorable to die from being to thin than it is from dying from being to heavy! Dead is dead! Isn't this journey suppose to be for better health? Or is it just about a Jean size or a number on the scale? Take a good look at the truth! No one, not even the best doctors or surgeons can help a person that isn't willing to receive the help! I hope you find the answers to your problems soon! Please keep us updated![/quote']

They put me on the lowest dosage of midodrine hcl 2.5mg three times a day

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

it is perfectly possible that you do still have weight to lose but the way in which you are doing it is what makes you anorexic.

You are obsessive.

You don't seem to care about your health.

You are eating far too little to be able to get the optimum nutrition.

You definitely don't need a fill at this stage. You need to start eating properley. Your loss will probably slow down and shock horror you may even gain a few pounds initially. Once your body gets used to the higher calorie intake you should start losing again. A safe healthy weight loss is generally regarded as 1 - 2lbs per week.The closer you get to your goal the harder it becomes and the slower the weight comes off. But so long as you consistently burn more calories than you eat you will lose.

There is nothing wrong with a goal BMI of 22( this is still in the normal range). Just make sure you do it safely and not at the expense of your overall health.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Is the doctor that prescribed you the midodrine aware of your kidney failure? That's one of the meds that are not suppose to be given if you have any kidney problems! My doctor said that it shouldn't be used if you have any kidney problems, but could be used if you were having kidney dialysis. I'm definitely not a doctor, but have been dealing with low blood pressure most of my adult life. I know when we tend to go to a several different doctors that they all may not talk to each other, and we tend not to remember everything at the moment. I just want to recheck with you that your doctor that prescribed the meds for your blood pressure are aware of your other issues! Please stop worrying about your weight right now and start thinking about your health! Who cares what a doctors chart says. You can be unhealthy at any weight! If your health keeps declining, does it really seem that important that you fit within a doctors guidelines? I suggest you throw out your scale and the doctors chart! Then start eating and exercising right and your body will tell you where you need to be because you will feel strong and healthy. Don't exchange an overweight unhealthy you for a average or underweight unhealthy you! I'm very concerned for you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Barb. Regardless of how long it took to lose the weight? Or how much? Whether the right way or not.

We are not to say. Back to your OP. i personally have not nor heard of one having your issues relating to WLS.

However i wish you the best an renewed health. Talk with your dr an follow their guidence to help fix your health.

Best wishes

Brandi

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

200lbs in 14 months...that is a bit fast...thats just about 15 lbs a month...i was told bandsters generally keep it off and have the least amt of health issues if they dont lose more than an average of 10lbs a month. I wish you the best and hope that you are able to get answers for whatever is causing the issues.

i dont know if i buy that (about keeping it off or health issues)

because from my own experience, in my past, when i lost 25 or 50 or whatever amount

i put it back on by going back to my eating lifestyle...so losing weight in my eyes, doesnt really matter how fast or how slow...everyone is different so what one loses is different

(and the more weight one loses, chances are their health improves)...and my health has

improved tenfold and then some

what should matter, is keeping it off with the bands help and making good food choices

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

First off: You're not obese. 140-170 is a very healthy weight range and 168 puts you at a 25.5 BMI. You're only .5 into overweight status and with your high Protein diet and working out, your body fat is probably very low.

Second: anorexia nervosa isn't a physical condition, it's a psychological disorder. If you feel that you are compelled to lose weight, though you're at a healthy weight you might have body image dis morphia, causing you to obsess over your food. Anorexia Nervosa usually is manifested in an individual who feels they have very little control in their life. Please see a counselor for an evaluation.

Third: since you're under the care of several physicians for those health issues, we can't really offer advice. The main thing is that you are being 100% honest and accurate with them about your diet/exercise and lifestyle.

You've done an amazing job at losing, but 700 calories is too few at this stage. Like I've told many others (including myself) you need to treat your body like a newborn baby and your head like an incorrigible teenager :)

Keep us posted, please.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm trying to get the help I need for my health issues when I was at my cardiologist Wednesday he stated for me to gain some weight I literally flew off the handle! Do I consider myself being anorexic no but other's do, like family friends and, bariatric doctor! because I do calorie counting because i dont like going over 700, still weigh my food, go by pounds i've lost last Friday I went to him for a fill he said ABSOLUTELY NOT in stern voice and that I am getting too small! I wish I could see what everyone else sees of course they weighed me and he told me my last appointment not to lose anymore but when I saw that 7lb weight loss I was so happy but him and my mom weren't! Because that brought me down to 168 at 5'8 I told him 18 more pounds I need to lose he said no I think everyone thinks there isn't going to be a number I will be satisfied at! He said Barbara please stop losing your small enough! Me: just that 18 more! Him: No! Once my blood pressure is under control my plastic surgeons are able to do my surgery! But somebody please answer me this I beg of you! Different doctors still consider me as obese if I'm so small why am I still being labeled as being obese? And plus I still feel huge

I understand that you still feel huge. I know that feeling well. The mental weight loss journey takes a lot longer than the physical one.

Who is labeling you as obese?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I understand that you still feel huge. I know that feeling well. The mental weight loss journey takes a lot longer than the physical one.

Who is labeling you as obese?

Several of the new specialist I'm seeing for the issues I'm having are labeling me as obese and I don't think they realize that bothers people that have come so far with weight loss

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Several of the new specialist I'm seeing for the issues I'm having are labeling me as obese and I don't think they realize that bothers people that have come so far with weight loss

I'd want to call them on that, by saying something like, "Can you explain why you label me as obese? Now that I have a BMI of 25.5, am I not on the upper end of the normal weight range for my height?"

I'd also tell the specialist (as calmly as possible) that it's very hurtful for a doctor to use the obese label for a WLS patient and that you'd like him/her to treat you with more consideration and respect.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×