Potential Side Effects list

[Mr-Smith 7]

Everybody Thanks for the response. My doc was big on the Aspirin and slow release meds restrictions but I think it's because his written materials he developed originated with his bypass patients.

Looks like I need to add in:

Lactose Intolerance

B12 supplementation

Elevated estrogen levels during fat lose phase (I think this is true for guys as well but I don't think it will increase our risk of pregnancy, probably decrease it since we are so moody if you get my drift.)

Can't forget buying NEW clothes.

My surgery is tomorrow. Please keep me in your prayers. Looks like I need to be back to work Tuesday. Thank goodness I have a desk job and work from home.

[RickM 1,753]

Tiffykins has a good point by point response to this list. I would further break down the list to those issues that are VSG specific and those that are general to all WLS procedures, or rapid weight loss in general. The chronic GERD and possible twisting of the sleeved stomach are the only ones on the list that are really VSG specific. When you start looking at procedure-specific side effects, the sleeve starts to stand out from the others, and it's easy to see why it's gaining popularity.

Issues that may be important to some is the general requirement by most WLS surgeons that patients stop smoking and drinking alcohol before surgery and for some variable period of time post-op, and that alcohol tolerance may be reduced long term. Another "issue", of sorts, to note is that all of the WLS procedures take some lifestyle changes and committment, which vary some by procedure, to be really effective long term - none of them are cures unto themselves.

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

In regards to the getting cold fast theory. I can tell you this, I think my internal thermostat on both sides is screwed up now. I can still get cold extremely fast, and it's really hard for me to heat back up. I'm like this in my office every single day, where they keep the temperature at a mid-70's even. And now that summer has nearly gone, I can also tell you I can get overheated very quickly too. If it's really warm outside, I really can't be out very long as I start to feel like I'm going to have heat stroke. It's the most bizarre thing ever. That said, it really doesn't take much to cool me back off, which is nice.

I'd like to add one thing to the list. It is HIGHLY likely that most everyone, depending on how much weight they needed to lose will end up with some kind of skin or fat deposit issues. I don't have a great deal much extra skin, but I do have some - considering I used to weigh 330 Lbs and I've lost 150 Lbs. However I do have some, and perhaps even enough that someday I'd like to have it removed. I'm going to wait a few years before addressing it though. Also, I needed to have my breasts re-inflated (for the ladies) because they seriously flattened out like pancakes and to me were gross!! I've also noticed that I did not lose my weight evenly, so I'm having some body contouring to help balance things out.

Good luck with your list! This is a good idea.

[immeagain 4]

I also lost my gallbladder after losing 60lbs on weight watchers, and just a note to add, removal of your gallbladder can lead to you developing ibs, I did.

I also had to have my uterus removed due to weight loss. I had a prolapse and the dr told me I would have had it removed years ago but the fat cells held it in place better.

I have asked I'd there were asnt other organs I could lose and they told me probably not.

B utno one makes you aware of the side effects of any weight loss, surgery or other method. I didnt know these things could happen.

Also being cold is done to me as long as I can fit in an average size jacket!

[meggspeggs 0]

Torsion is the term for the bowel or stomach twisting

[swizzly 901]

Torsion is the term for the bowel or stomach twisting

I have a VSG friend who had this directly post-op and had a rough three-four days -- but then it corrected itself without surgery fortunately.

I wasn't cold at all the first few months, but lately I have been -- except only when it's actually cold (in my opinion). Like in my office it's sometimes just too cool and I feel it more than I used to. Have a fan on my desk that gets much less use than it did before...

My Iron levels have gone up since surgery, and all my blood values are good to excellent. I take a good multi, a B-complex supplement and Calcium citrate (along with Biotin and another Vitamin thingy for my GD hair that was falling out left, right and center LOL). I also take a time-release med, no problems. I also use NSAIDs as needed (not every day, just every now and then) and I take a PPI 20 mg protonix. I have been taking the anti-gallstone med since surgery and will continue for about another month (was meant to be six months, but I decided just to use it all up), have no sign of any GB problems. My GB was clean and stone-free prior to surgery. I prefer to keep it if possible.

What I DON'T take anymore? High blood pressure meds -- yay!!

(The clothing thing is no joke for a working woman -- that has caused me some serious angst and MONEY. Ugh.)

Good luck -- let us know how you're doing!!

[Lanette 124]

After reading up on the sleeve for several months I have been listing the potential side effects. Is this list complete or do I need to be concerned about anything else?

• Weight Loss
• Too much weight Loss (ummmm.....not for me. I am not in maintenance yet, but most on here seem to managing it pretty well.)
• Feeling cold all the time (I have not felt cold all the time. However, I had mine at the end of March, so it's been hotter than blazes this summer.)
• Chronic GERD (I know I may be in the minority here....but I do NOT take a PPI and I do NOT have reflux issues. This just hasn't been an issue for me.)
• Strictures (none for me)
• Leaks (none for me)
• Calcium deficiencies (labs have been great)
• Iron deficiencies
• Can't take slow release drugs (Opinions Vary) (I take a slow release prescription drug daily with zero issues).
• No Aspirin (Opinions vary but anecdotal, it's not an issue)
• Issues from Surgery (none for me)
• Twisting up the sleeve (There is a technical term for this but I don't recall it)
• Possible dumping (none for me)
• food tolerance issues (ZERO food issues for me. haven't found anything my tummy just doesn't like)
• Nutritional deficiencies (no offence, but I really don't like that this one's even on the list. This is one of the main reasons I had the sleeve and not another. I am a bad, bad girl when it comes to taking Vitamins and even without supplementing w/ multi's and B12's my labs are really, really good. I have been on the low side for potassium, but I was before surgery. NOW, that said......I always say "do as I say, not as I do" on this one. I am really trying to get better about taking my vit's. However, my doc doesn't even recommend that I take a B12 daily since my levels were so good. I'm shooting for every other day on that one but taking my multi and Calcium every day.) Our bodies are still able to absorb the nutrients, so if we are giving it what it needs nutritionally (making good choices and not just eating crap) the deficiencies should be a low number.
• hair loss that grows back (I totally had this. Now, my doc was not all that big on the Biotin movement, so I just let nature take it's course. I did have a decent amount of loss, but I have long THICK hair so it wasn't a huge issue. I would say it lasted about a month and then slowed down. Honestly not noticeable at all (in look) and wouldn't have even known except for when washing my hair.)
• gall bladder issues (had mine out 10 years before surgery....completely UNRELATED to weight loss at all.)
• Chronic fatigue until fully recovered (from the beginning I have been able to tell a bigger difference in fatigue related to low Protein and dehydration, rather than recovery. I would not call it "chronic" but more situational based on how I am taking care of myself. If I am fueling my body and resting well at night, I am not fatigued. That is as true today, as it was 2 weeks out from surgery.)
• During weight loss, elevated Estrogen levels. For women a higher risk of pregnancy, for men, well we get grumpy (Not sure about this at all. Not preggo (THANK GOD!) but didn't get levels tested so I can't speak to this.)
• Lactose Intolerance (Not one bit for me. I eat the heck out of some cheese. )
• B12 deficiency (must supplement) (I do not agree with the "must" supplement. I do not and my levels are fine. I think that people should have their levels checked on everything, not just this.)
• A new wardrobe (no small expense) (definitely. I have tried to get some "hand me downs" etc. to get me through, but even with consignment stores it has been expensive. Recently, Delta lost my luggage on a business trip and I've never been so excited to have lost luggage. I was able to go get a new suit on thier dime and actually got to get some NEW clothes that actually fit. I had never been able to shop in White House Black Market before and I am now ADDICTED!) Can't wait to actually get into maintenance to get to start the true new wardrobe. I'm still buying as little as humanly possible since I'm still losing.)

GREAT POST!! Thanks for getting us all thinking.

Yes, I know being obese comes with risks as well. Most of this is manageable but the GERD and feeling cold concern me.

[ILKrista 36]

I think you've already had your surgery, so, this may not be helpful to you, but maybe to someone else. One side-effect I've experienced is extreme Constipation *embarrassing*. And in conjunction to that, some hemorrhoids. I think that this is a problem for many people after surgery because you don't always have room for fibrous foods once you've gotten in the Protein. I'm really hoping once I hit the maintenance phase I will be able to up my Fiber considerably & not have to deal with this anymore. This may be TMI, but it is a side-effect I've experienced and maybe should be added to your list.

Krista

[A New Day 5]

Krista, take magnesium. It works great to naturally regulate the body and is a stress reliever too.

[ILKrista 36]

Krista, take magnesium. It works great to naturally regulate the body and is a stress reliever too.

How often can I take that? I've been trying to add Fiber to everything I drink, but there's a limit to how much I can get in that way. Would love for this to no longer be an issue.

[feedyoureye 3,087]

At 8 months out this is still a problem. I take magnesium, eat bran, add psylium to my drinks, and drink lots of water... sometimes it works, and sometimes not so much... I think that Vit D can make the Constipation worse... but its important to take it if your labs say to...

[Pegsinthewoods 8]

Great thread for those of us pre-op. You guys are great!