Concerned about memory loss

[her1981 448]

Since surgery, I lose my train of thought quite often. I am terribly forgetful now, but I used to NEVER forget anything. I struggle trying to recall things like my social security and phone number every now and then. I sometimes struggle to do simple math in my head. I also struggle to focus on small tasks. It's getting embarrassing. I'm wondering if it's the lack of calories. Anyone else have this problem? FYI, I'm 4 months post op.

[thisfathasgot2go 235]

How old are you? I have noticed that since hitting my 40's that I have been more forgetful. But this is before my surgery.

[jaxmom1974 53]

I've also noticed this. Hmmm?

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I was in a bit of a fog after surgery. I credited it with the stress of surgery, anesthesia, and low carbs.

Since you are four months out and still experiencing it I suggest you talk to your NUT and/or surgeon. It may be due to a Vitamin deficiency and/or lack of carbs.

[JamieLogical 8,684]

I would definitely investigate the possibility of some sort of nutrient deficiency. That does not sound normal.

[her1981 448]

@@thisfathasgot2go I'm 33. Will be 34 next month.

@JamieLogical I just had bloodwork done. Everything was in the normal range.

[4MRB4PHOTO 3,899]

I noticed ever since the surgery I had trouble...............What was the question again?

[KristenVSG2014 1,872]

While mine wasn't as serious I definitely had some issues from low calories. My doctor suggested I add more carb to my diet so I eat a few bananas a week and it seemed to help a lot. Not all deficiencies show up either. I have a magnesium and Vitamin D deficiency that I have to stay on top of. My chiropractor also told me I have an iodine deficiency but I haven't ordered any yet because I'm more nervous about taking iodine.

[katesuccess 990]

Also check in on how much Protein you're getting, and if it's evenly spaced throughout the day. We only absorb so much at one time, so taking it all in during a few hours won't help as much. Get up over 100g if possible. It helped me in that loopy feeling.

Some people also have a longer term affect from the anesthesia (I've seen up to 3 months memory issues with some of my folks!), but this has been long enough it's unlikely - have you had it before? If so, were you similarly affected?

And yes - bananas are good that way!

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

A low carb diet definitely doesn't give us enough energy for the brain.

Just sayin'.

Also FTR, I didn't go low-carb. And I lost just fine and was able to maintain a very intellectually challenging occupation.

All carbs aren't bad for you or your weight loss program. Just the starchiest, sugariest ones.

[4MRB4PHOTO 3,899]

Some people claim their memory improves by taking Gingko-Biloba.

I have worked with some people who really need to take Gingko-Viagra, because they don't know what the (bleep) they are doing!

Edited October 13, 2015 by 4MRB4PHOTO

[Tssiemer1 549]

Try simple brains tasks every day. In the mental health profession that's our suggestion. That's the best thing you can do for present and future brain health.

But definitely could be nutrient related or lack of calories. When I'm hungry I don't even know my own name sometimes. Like if my clients name is Sara I'll be like "hi I'm Sara" then they are like "cool so am I" then I'm like no wait it's Tracy lol. Then they lose confidence in me and want to leave lol.

[her1981 448]

A low carb diet definitely doesn't give us enough energy for the brain.

Just sayin'.

Also FTR, I didn't go low-carb. And I lost just fine and was able to maintain a very intellectually challenging occupation.

All carbs aren't bad for you or your weight loss program. Just the starchiest, sugariest ones.

I don't lose unless I'm very low carb. :-( I am an investment manager so I need my brain power. I'm going to have to do something!

[OKCPirate 5,323]

I did a google search:

Thiamin
Vitamin B1, also called thiamin or thiamine, is one of eight B Vitamins that assist the body in converting food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose) and is used to produce energy for the body.10 Thiamin and the B complex vitamins assist in fat and Protein metabolism and proper functioning of the brain and nervous system and are essential for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver.10

Bariatric surgery can exacerbate or increase the risk of thiamin deficiency and lead to beriberi, a disease caused by a lack of thiamin. Patients at high risk of developing beriberi include those who have preexisting thiamin deficits, low nutrient intake, had a malabsorptive bariatric procedure, or have episodes of chronic nausea and vomiting. Early diagnosis of signs and symptoms is extremely important. Gastric banding patients also may be at risk, particularly if they experience intractable vomiting because thiamin has a short half-life, meaning that thiamin stores last only a few days in the body.

Untreated thiamin deficiency may lead to Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a syndrome characterized by visual abnormalities such as nystagmus and lid ptosis, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, memory loss, confusion, apathy, disorientation and, in some cases, death. IV infusions of thiamine with dextrose are recommended to treat patients with thiamin deficiency.10

Symptoms of thiamin deficiency include burning feet, neuropathy, and chronic vomiting. Treatment can involve patients taking B-50 complex vitamins, 300 to 400 mg of total elemental magnesium for maximum thiamin absorption and appropriate neurological function, 20 to 30 mg/day of oral thiamin to address early symptoms of neuropathy, and 50 to 100 mg/day of thiamin administered intravenously or intramuscularly for more advanced signs of neuropathy or protracted vomiting.10

Exercise caution with magnesium supplementation greater than 490 mg/day since this may cause diarrhea. Moreover, magnesium supplements may be contraindicated in patients with chronic kidney disease.

http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/111412p50.shtml

http://www.robinskaplan.com/services/medical-malpractice-attorneys/failure-to-diagnose-and-treat-complications-of-bariatric-weight-loss-surgery

The syndrome, called Wernicke encephalopathy, affects the brain and nervous system when the body doesn't get enough Vitamin B1, or thiamine. It can also cause vision problems, such as rapid eye movements.

The study found that the syndrome occurs most often in people who have frequent vomiting after the surgery. It usually occurs within one to three months after the surgery, although one case occurred 18 months after surgery.

The study reviewed the scientific literature for all reported cases of the syndrome occurring after obesity surgery. A total of 32 cases had been reported. Many of the people also had neurological symptoms that are not typical of Wernicke encephalopathy, such as seizures, deafness, psychosis, muscle weakness, and pain or numbness in the feet or hands.

"When people who have had weight loss surgery start experiencing any of these symptoms, they need to see a doctor right away," said study author Sonal Singh, MD, of Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "Doctors should consider vitamin B1 deficiency and Wernicke encephalopathy when they see patients with these types of neurological complications after weight loss surgery. If treated promptly, the outlook is usually good."

For treatment, patients are given vitamin B1 through an IV or injection. Of the 32 people, 13 made a full recovery. Many people continued to have problems, such as memory problems, weakness, or difficulty coordinating movement.

Singh said more studies are needed to determine how often the syndrome occurs after weight loss surgery. He said some doctors prescribe thiamine supplementation for their patients after weight loss surgery, but recommends that national standards be set for all doctors to follow.

Hopefully you will remember to check into it. Sorry little gallows humor.

[Bndtoslv 292]

Have you checked your b-12?