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

Recommended Posts

Hello! Wanted to receive some shared experiences from menstruating women. Have your cycles changed at all since surgery?

I'm one month out & Mother Nature is on her 2nd day (or 3rd day) and the 1st day it was a bit of spotting here & there with some slight cramping (I've never had menstrual cramps the entire 18 years I've been menstruating) I'm not sure if that counts or was a warning that it was coming. Yesterday & today it's still very very light did anyone else experience this? I have an iud so my cycles are usually heavy so I'm a bit surprised & confused as to what's going on. Yes, I understand that my body just experienced a dramatic change but wanted to see if anyone else experienced this as well

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have an IUD (Copper). I had normal cycles, and I have had my IUD so long that my periods are light again after initially being heavy. I have always had regular periods my entire life, no lady issues, no PCOS anything like that.

At first I still has normal periods, then once I dropped a lot of weight (over 100 pounds at about 9 months) I started having periods every 2 weeks almost. It seems to finally being almost normalizing, but my body is still trying to adjust to the weight I am at now.

My periods are light so it doesn't bother me that they are every 2 weeks, except for the weight gain or stall that comes with them. It makes it hard to see progress on the scale, even though I can see and feel the inch loss.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have an IUD (Copper). I had normal cycles, and I have had my IUD so long that my periods are light again after initially being heavy. I have always had regular periods my entire life, no lady issues, no PCOS anything like that.

At first I still has normal periods, then once I dropped a lot of weight (over 100 pounds at about 9 months) I started having periods every 2 weeks almost. It seems to finally being almost normalizing, but my body is still trying to adjust to the weight I am at now.

My periods are light so it doesn't bother me that they are every 2 weeks, except for the weight gain or stall that comes with them. It makes it hard to see progress on the scale, even though I can see and feel the inch loss.

Thanks for sharing. I have the copper as well. I've had it for a little over 3yrs. Initially the cycles were very long (10 days)and extremely heavy. However a few months ago it shortens to 7 days. Prior to having it implanted, my cycle averaged 5 days.

Now w/ the surgery I guess all I can do is wait it out & see. I got on the scale today & have been carrying the same weight for 2 weeks but maybe this week I'm holding on to extra pounds due to my cycle. I surely hope so.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lol, I thought this thread was going to be about bikes - and as I'm keen to get myself one when I've dropped a bit of weight I was hoping to find some good recommendations here haha!

If it helps my menstrual cycle has been all over the place since my op, but it was sort of like that beforehand anyway so not much help. Sorry :P

Jo x

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi there. Starting from puberty I always had very regular 28 day cycles. But in the last 2-3 years as I steadily gained weight I began having irregular periods (missed periods, very very long heavy periods etc) and then I suffered from amenorrhea for almost a year. No PCOS or hormonal irregularities.

Two weeks after surgery I had my first normal cycle in a year, it was like a miracle. It was also a gentle period - my previous irregular periods were very very heavy and crampy.

The amenorrhea was one of my main reasons for having WLS. I'm eager to freeze my eggs and I needed my cycles to normalize in order to do that. I'm hopeful that my next period will come 28 days after the last.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm 6 weeks out and my cycle has gone bonkers. Had a period last month which lasted 2 weeks and all of a sudden this week got major spotting out of nowhere. I am taking my pill consecutively as I always have, in effort to skip my period for a few months at a time, but after surgery it seems my uterus has a mind of its own.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lol, I thought this thread was going to be about bikes - and as I'm keen to get myself one when I've dropped a bit of weight I was hoping to find some good recommendations here haha!

If it helps my menstrual cycle has been all over the place since my op, but it was sort of like that beforehand anyway so not much help. Sorry :P

Jo x

Haha! I guess the title was a bit misleading. I was going to title this post, "Menstrual Cycle Help" but didn't want to traumatize any of the guys lol. I want to cycle as well (bicycle) so sure... Feel free to talk about that as well if you'd like

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@reducer623

We have both had our coppers around the same length of time. My periods went from heavy to light in about 6 months. I have always had random spotting if I have high activities levels.

Lately me between period spotting has lightened up and is almost non existent. I am hoping by the end of the year to be back to normal.

Since we don't have hormones to help us, our bodies just have to work it out on their own.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm 54 1/2 and was quite relieved to have finally stopped the monthly cycle. I hadn't had a period in 6-7 months and surprise... 2 weeks post operation I had the worst cramps and bleeding. I hope it is another 6-7 months before it happens again.

Lots of things have changed with my body though. Restless legs seem worse, reflux worse, and constipation...ugh. The things we do to be thinner and healthier. I'll accept it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm 54 1/2 and was quite relieved to have finally stopped the monthly cycle. I hadn't had a period in 6-7 months and surprise... 2 weeks post operation I had the worst cramps and bleeding. I hope it is another 6-7 months before it happens again.

Lots of things have changed with my body though. Restless legs seem worse, reflux worse, and constipation...ugh. The things we do to be thinner and healthier. I'll accept it.

You might be dehydrated or have low potassium if your legs are bothering you more than usual.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I got my cycle for the first time in about a year on Monday. PCOS. I hit a weight recently that I was pretty much close to this time last year so I guess I have a range where things will start to click on for me. Usually when they come back they are fairly normal. Lasting 5-7 days, and if weight loss continues they will be back on a 28 day cycle.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had fairly light periods with only a bit of cramping on day 1.

Since the op I literally feel like I've been kicked in the back a hundred times for about 4 days and very heavy bleeding.

I've seen bariatric nurse and she thinks I could be anaemic so waiting for bloods to be taken but she did say lots of patients experienced a change in their periods.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm 3 weeks out- having my period for the 2nd time since surgery!! And I'm still on my blood thinner injections.... Ugh!! Hate this

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@reducer623

We have both had our coppers around the same length of time. My periods went from heavy to light in about 6 months. I have always had random spotting if I have high activities levels.

Lately me between period spotting has lightened up and is almost non existent. I am hoping by the end of the year to be back to normal.

Since we don't have hormones to help us, our bodies just have to work it out on their own.

Mine have just began to lighten up after having it for what seems like forever lol. I was worried about the random spotting after surgery but my monthly visit was lighter this time around. Hopefully that's an affect of the surgery.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@reducer623

Just be prepared, mine went all over the map and now they are finally working back to getting normal. I have a lot more weight to lose than you and I was much heavier to start and I had been that heavy for a very long time, so hopefully you normalize before I do.

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

    ×