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

Post-Surgery Brain Fog? Get your estrogen tested



Recommended Posts

So I've posted here before about having some amount of brain fog and having trouble concentrating and that even at 4-5 months out, this is continuing. That's very unusual for me, I'm typically hyper-focused. These days however, there are times when I have the attention span of a gnat. It's been a bit worrying for sure.

Went to see the doctor today as a follow-up to blood tests. We were reviewing my blood work and she asked me if I was having trouble concentrating and focusing. Um...yeah.

Apparently when we lose weight, at first our fat cells release estrogen so we're all weepy and emotional, but eventually, we do not produce ENOUGH estrogen. Thinner bodies need more estrogen to be created and our sometimes our bodies don't create enough, I was told. (not that I'm thin yet, but you get my point).

Add to it 47-year old female and she said it was classic symptoms of low estrogen which is what's showing in my blood tests too. She says this is true of men as well, which is why I'm posting this in the general forum rather than the powder Room. I don't know how it's treated for men, but for me, I have to use a compounded cream twice a day on my inner arm where the skin is thin, and it can be absorbed directly.

She herself had RNY 10 years ago, lost 150 lbs and has kept it off for 10 years. She said she had it so bad she had to drop out of her doctoral program for a semester under her hormones were back in balance.

I suspect that early on, simply recovering from surgery will give you brain fog as you heal. But if it's continuing on for several months after surgery maybe worth getting tested for?

Anyway, just thought I'd share what I learned.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So true, I've definitely noticed a drop in concentration and brain power, mostly in conversations. I'll be talking and suddenly won't remember what I'm talking about. This is especially true if I'm trying to multi task. Something I could do with ease before takes lots of effort. I assumed it was due to at least dehydration, possibly also lack of nutrition.

I'm 7 weeks out and 25 so maybe age is irrelevant in this instance haha

Edited by MouseOnTheMile

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I haven't written a word on any of my works in progress since I had this surgery plus the difficulties.....I write on here and that is it....Can't stand watching TV or even reading is limited.....

I keep hoping I bounce back ASAP...The stories will not write themselves you know!!!!!!!!!!

Edited by RJ'S/beginning

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This fit's in with me.

For me at 32 I was put on birth control 2 months ago (after my anger post). I've been good ever since. But I find myself in space so to speak a lot. I know it's not exactly the same but it deals with hormones. Thought it could be on some same level....IDK

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I haven't written a word on any of my works in progress since I had this surgery plus the difficulties.....I write on here and that is it....Can't stand watching TV or even reading is limited.....

I keep hoping I bounce back ASAP...The stories will not write themselves you know!!!!!!!!!!

I've gone from reading 2-3 books a week to reading 2-3 pages a day. Very frustrating. I've been an avid reader since I was a child, and for the first time in my life, I can't stay focused long enough to read. Terrible. Hoping this solves that problem.

and I would love to read your stories if you share them :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have been on a writers forum where I shared a couple of stories plus a poem...But I keep my work very close to the chest because it is a lot of work to write and have the courage not to mention ideas for 90,000 words in an average book....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So I've posted here before about having some amount of brain fog and having trouble concentrating and that even at 4-5 months out, this is continuing. That's very unusual for me, I'm typically hyper-focused. These days however, there are times when I have the attention span of a gnat. It's been a bit worrying for sure.

Went to see the doctor today as a follow-up to blood tests. We were reviewing my blood work and she asked me if I was having trouble concentrating and focusing. Um...yeah.

Apparently when we lose weight, at first our fat cells release estrogen so we're all weepy and emotional, but eventually, we do not produce ENOUGH estrogen. Thinner bodies need more estrogen to be created and our sometimes our bodies don't create enough, I was told. (not that I'm thin yet, but you get my point).

Add to it 47-year old female and she said it was classic symptoms of low estrogen which is what's showing in my blood tests too. She says this is true of men as well, which is why I'm posting this in the general forum rather than the powder Room. I don't know how it's treated for men, but for me, I have to use a compounded cream twice a day on my inner arm where the skin is thin, and it can be absorbed directly.

She herself had RNY 10 years ago, lost 150 lbs and has kept it off for 10 years. She said she had it so bad she had to drop out of her doctoral program for a semester under her hormones were back in balance.

I suspect that early on, simply recovering from surgery will give you brain fog as you heal. But if it's continuing on for several months after surgery maybe worth getting tested for?

Anyway, just thought I'd share what I learned.

Gg you are so wonderful for sharing these things!

I still feel the fog sometimes...and, although I think it peaked around month 5 for me, I still do not feel as quick n clever as I did preop. I am definitely going to inquire about testing to see if there is room for improvement.

GG please do let us know if/when you feel a difference!!!

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

    • 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!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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!

    • 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. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • KimBaxleyWilson

      Three months and four days ago... I was in Costa Rica having a life changing surgery! Yesterday we had a followup visit with Dr. Esmeral via video chat and this morning my middle number changed.  I'm down 47lbs and two pants sizes. I can wear a Large tshirt for the first time in like... 14 years! Woot!! Everything is going great. I have zero regrets. I went down to the riverwalk with a friend and walked 2 miles on Monday without even getting fatigued. And no more snoring or chugging pickle juice for crazy leg cramps! I need to go to the gym more... I'm making new shirts next week so that will motivate me. LOL But I'm also just not as TIRED all the time! I have a LONG way to go...but seeing the progress on the scales and in the mirror is a huge motivator!! Thank you all for cheering me on and supporting me!!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • 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

    ×