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

question about period starting post-op while still in the hospital.



Recommended Posts

Warning, there may be TMI ahead in this post. I assume since this is the lady's forum, it's okay just to be open.

My body has the absolute worst timing. Here's the story. Growing up, my period was incredibly irregular. Like, from when I first started, I'd have a period once a year, but it would be a monstrous two-week long flooding ordeal. Now, that period also could be triggered by stress, and without fail, if I took a trip or something, there it would be, messing up all my clothes and the sheets and generally ruining my life. I evened out a bit as I got older, but it was still pretty rough, and not anywhere near regular. I lost about 120 pounds a few years ago, and during that time my period became regular and much, much lighter. Like... it actually became predictable and manageable! I was never excited to see it, but I knew I'd get through it, and in a couple of days, it would be gone. I have regained every pound of that weight I lost, maybe even more, but my period has stayed regular for some reason...until this month. Now I'm two weeks late, and I'm having my VSG in two more weeks. I read in my pre-op material, that the stress of surgery can bring on your period, and to pack accordingly. I'm curious, did anyone, regular menstruaters or not, actually experience your period starting right after surgery?

I know you may mention or ask me a few things, so let me toss out a few more pieces of info to help. No, there's no chance I'm pregnant (unless it's immaculate). Yes, I'm sure I have PCOS, I have every single classic sign. I am, in fact also having a very large para-ovarian cyst removed at the same time as my VSG. It has been with me for years, so I don't think it's impacting this particular missed period. I have had some signs of an impending period, but it's like it just won't start. I got achy, some slight pain, I've been moody, tearful, alternating between sleepless and sleepy. It's like I've been morphing in and out of a fog of almost-PMS for a couple of weeks, but my body just can't quite get it started. It may be that I've just reached that point again in my weight, where my period was going to disappear and become crazy again.

I know that was a lot of information. I also just seriously needed to vent because this is frustrating me. I hate walking around every day not knowing when it may strike. I'm suddenly appreciating a regular period for the gift that it was. Main question is this: Did any of you start your period in the hospital, and if you did, was it during your normal cycle, or brought on by surgery?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I just had surgery on Thursday and my period started 2 days later. I have a Mirena IUD and my period has been somewhere between non-existent and irregular for the past couple of years.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This question gets asked just about every week. It really isn't an issue. I started, heavily, a little more than an hour before surgery. LOTS of women members here started at some point around surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Having your period start after surgery is pretty normal....I was lucky mine didnt start until day 5 when I was finally at home (I spent 2 days in the hosptial and 2 days with my aunt)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I started the morning I went in and it was heavy. I've had period issues for a LONG time. I'm done with kids so I ended up having an ablation several months ago. BEST THING EVER. I had a little spotting for a few months after (panty liner stuff) and haven't had anything in a few months now. Woot! Hubby is fixed too so we knew we were done with the kid thing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I started the morning I went in and it was heavy. I've had period issues for a LONG time. I'm done with kids so I ended up having an ablation several months ago. BEST THING EVER. I had a little spotting for a few months after (panty liner stuff) and haven't had anything in a few months now. Woot! Hubby is fixed too so we knew we were done with the kid thing.

And the other side to this coin...I had the ablation and it was the WORST thing ever. I was regular before. You could set time zones by it. Lol. The dr found a small fibroid and thought we should definitely get it out and perform an ablation. There were no problems with the fibroid, but he said most times, they get larger and can cause problems in about 15-20 years. So, he performs the ablation.

I have NEVER had monthly cycles that were this heavy. EVER. I had to be put on Iron supplementation because of the loss of blood. That was 11 months ago.

And this is not a rare, isolated incident. After several of us patients began talking, and exchanging information, 16 total, only 1 has seen any relief. These are with different doctors, not just 1. We continue to stay in touch to share information.

So maybe in a few years, the numbers and percentages will be more accurate on the success rate with this surgery. I can say that as of now, my dr's posted numbers on the success rate, has changed to reflect a more realistic number.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was actually on my period when I had my surgery and weeks after I was really worried but the surgeon said two opposite compartments lol nothing to worry about

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm another who has had the ablation and it's been a life changer for me. I've always been regular, and I still am now, but instead of having to use a tampon the size of a pool noodle along with an overnight napkin, now I use only panty liners. It was amazing, practically painless, and well worth having it done.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My period was also late before my surgery. About 2 weeks late. Mine started the day after surgery. I had elbow surgery in 1999 and started my period the morning of surgery also.

I think there is a good chance you may start right before or after surgery. It's not fun, but it's common.

Good luck on your surgery, keep us posted!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for all of the responses. I'm curious now, if you go in to the hospital on your period, what do they do during surgery? I won't have any clothes on and I can't deal with tampons (I'd assume you can't wear a tampon during surgery anyway). I can't stand the thought of just laying there, bleeding with nothing to contain it. I'll be honest, I will be SO upset if I start right before or after surgery. It's enough to contend with by itself. I can't imagine being in pain, or having a catheter, and having to also battle with that mess. I wish there was some way just to kick start my period right now. I would feel so much more at ease.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

They give you a pad and a pair of mesh panties. It's not a big deal. I woke up with a chux pad under me too. They've seen it all and... frankly, I didn't care once I was on drugs. LOL

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was 2 weeks late and started mine the day before surgery, I'm on iud so it was really light so i didn't mind them just putting a pad thing under me (like puppy pads) then i had my period fur about 2 weeks after which is odd for me its typically like 3 days

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Remember the hormones in your bodies are all out of wack sometimes when you are overweight. Also it is important to not get pregnant for at least 18 months post op. I am a labor and delivery RN and it is not good to have a baby right away . You can I work with a girl who had bypass and is on her 2nd child after losing 150 lbs. she now has a 20 year old 2and the one due next month! Same husband too had first at 18.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Mine started the day after I got home in December. It was light though. I have PCOS as well, and I went 9 months without having it.

This month it returned around the same date as when I had it in december. It was much heavier and I dreaded the first two days of it because those were the worst. I'm hoping with time they'll get lighter. (I actually miss not getting my period, but part of the reason I had this surgery was to finally do something for my PCOS)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have the Mirena IUD and haven't had a regular period in like 9 years....until 4 days into preop! It's been heavy too! Been goin on now for 10 days :(

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

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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. 💜

  • 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

    ×