**Question for Women**

[Kelly0559 34]

So yesterday, I got my period for the first time since I had my surgery (Dec 16th). It was a bit late, but I know my hormones are changing with the weight loss so I didn't think anything of it. So now yesterday, I got it and have been really sick ever since I haven't been able to eat more than a couple of bites. I'm extremely nauseous, tired, and my body feels like it was hit by a truck. The little I have eaten literally feels like it's hitting my uterus as it goes down and gives me a really bad stomach ache. Like I have been spending a lot of time in the bathroom.. I have to note that I have had no issues since my surgery up until now. All food goes down fine, I haven't been nauseous or thrown up at all.

Is this normal? Is this something that will go away when my hormones balance out? I just don't know if I can handle this every time my period comes around and I don't think me not being able to eat for 3 or 4 days is healthy... I feel terrible Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[CSchulden 61]

I got mine three days after my surgery. I was shocked I got it at all honestly and I felt the same way. I just thought it was kind of normal post surgery and didn't think much of it. I am expecting it within the next week and will let you know if anything changes this time.

I read it sometimes takes the body a few months to fully heal from this surgery, as I imagine all of your systems kind of need to reset. I hope it's just your body's way of readjusting to its new, gorgeous self. Keep us posted!

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

When you can eat more calories, your periods get better.

[JupiterinVirgo 846]

Since my surgery I have had a shorter cycle. I get my period every 17 days now.

Did you feel queasy during menstruation before surgery? I think for the first couple of months almost anything can be "normal" considering what our bodies are going through. Trust your intuition. If something is really wrong, you'll know.

[redemmy 8]

So yesterday, I got my period for the first time since I had my surgery (Dec 16th). It was a bit late, but I know my hormones are changing with the weight loss so I didn't think anything of it. So now yesterday, I got it and have been really sick ever since I haven't been able to eat more than a couple of bites. I'm extremely nauseous, tired, and my body feels like it was hit by a truck. The little I have eaten literally feels like it's hitting my uterus as it goes down and gives me a really bad stomach ache. Like I have been spending a lot of time in the bathroom.. I have to note that I have had no issues since my surgery up until now. All food goes down fine, I haven't been nauseous or thrown up at all.

Is this normal? Is this something that will go away when my hormones balance out? I just don't know if I can handle this every time my period comes around and I don't think me not being able to eat for 3 or 4 days is healthy... I feel terrible Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I think you should call your surgeon. I recall mine saying something about the possibility of getting twisted stomach that mimics flu-like symptoms. She said "don't always assume it's just part of the healing process" and to call when in doubt. I'm following those orders post op for sure.

[Clementine Sky 707]

You have my sympathies. My period began two hours after surgery, and the cramps were exacerbated by it. Fortunately, though, other than severe cramps my recovery wasn't that intense. My first regular period post-surgery was much like what the OP described. I felt very nauseous, had debilitating fatigue, and my back throbbed. It was far more intense than normal. It coincided with the first week I could eat soft foods after nearly a month of liquids, and I think that was a factor.

I also started having stomach issues, and ahem, had to rush to the bathroom far too often. It made me feel a bit like a hermit for a while because I was reluctant to be out of the house for any longer than necessary. I have PCOS, and I do think hormonal changes contributed to the problems.

I would take very long baths because the heat helped to soothe my stomach and my back. I actually got a little easel that I put my iPad on and set it up on the counter so I could watch Netflix while in the tub. I normally wouldn't waste Water, but it truly was so helpful. When I was out of the tub, heating pads were godsends. During that time simply staying hydrated was my main concern. I never drink Gatorade when well, but it was beneficial then because I needed fluids and calories and many other drinks were causing my stomach to be more upset. I stopped using Protein powders then because I read that whey Protein can contribute to stomach issues in some people, and instead would make smoothies with Fage yogurt or plain kefir, and berries. Peppermint tea helped me, too.

Eventually I was able to begin eating more without there being any stomach issues. I'm five months out now, and my other periods have not been dramatic. They've also been very regular. I track them with an app, and they've come right on time. The only problem I've experienced with them was an unusual acne breakout one month. I think that was due in part to my period but also because I'd added a B-12 supplement. I've since read articles about how excess B-12 can cause adult acne. Once I stopped taking it my skin cleared up and has not broken out again since.

Hopefully you'll start to feel better soon, Kelly, and your future periods won't be as brutal.

[Afrikanaaa 79]

I got my period 2 nights before surgery, and I am still on it (8 days post-op). I am cramping really bad, and am scared this will never end.

I am still on my full Fluid diet, aside from additional carbs, any other tips for coping?

[Kelly0559 34]

Thank you all so much for your help! It's the weekend (My doctors office isn't open) and by Monday, I should have 4 days down. If I'm still feeling this bad by Monday, I'll give them a call just to check in. But from what it sounds like, this may be what my first couple months will be like. I'll keep you all posted! Thank you so much again!! ❤️❤️

Edited January 23, 2016 by Kelly0559