Hello! I'm in the pre-op stage looking at likely having gastric sleeve, no date set yet but just passed my psych eval and have met my pre-surgery loss goal.

I'm wondering what kind of "unexpected," side effects folks have had? I know things like possible increase in acid reflux, and shortly after surgery having constipation, also that loose skin is likely. I've heard some folks have a change in their sense of taste but not much about that.

What other unplanned adjustments or changes have happened to those of you who had surgery and how far out did they start/stop?

Thanks!

The big one that you haven't mentioned is hair loss, which can freak out a person who doesn't know about it, so if you're not aware, I suggest you look up telogen effluvium. Basically, the physical trauma of the surgery causes most people to lose large quantities of hair about 3 months after surgery. It grows back, though.

I haven't really experienced many side effects. I haven't noticed a change in taste, much to my disappointment, because I've always been a picky eater and my tastes gravitate toward sugary and fatty foods, and I dislike a lot of healthy foods like vegetables and fish. I had hoped that would change, but nope.

Here is a whole thread about this:

Also, I've seen a lot of YouTube videos along the lines of "X things I wish I had known before WLS":

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=things+i+wish+i+knew+before+weight+loss+surgery+

I quickly glanced a few items on that list you posted, BigSue. I do remember being freezing all the time. And my rear end hurting from sitting. Both are better now, thankfully!

I quickly glanced a few items on that list you posted, BigSue. I do remember being freezing all the time. And my rear end hurting from sitting. Both are better now, thankfully!

Yes to hair loss. (It grew back.) Yes, to a change to my taste buds. (It’s pretty much back to as it was except a low tolerance to anything sweet.) And a hella yes to feeling cold - all the time. Bony butt pain (& bony ankle, knees, wrists, shoulder pain) is real. Oh yeah the constipation. It improves but I still have odd days of no action. Low blood pressure & energy drops. I still experience drops in my energy levels & I live with daily lower blood pressure dizziness & loss of vision. Saggy, crepey skin - tick. My stress reflux is different & occurs a little more frequently but medication helps.

Yes, to a new wardrobe of much smaller sized clothes. Yes, to skipping up stairs & walking up hills. Yes, to less severe hiccups. Yes, to eradicating my lactose sensitivity. I dropped about a full shoe size. My skin on my arms & legs isn’t as dry, flaky or itchy. I didn’t have any comorbidities before surgery but I was just damn fortunate.

It’s an amazing journey & I wish you the best of luck on yours.

I'm 3 months out on the 23rd. I had hoped to be one of the cold people because I've always been intolerant of heat, but I'm the same so far.
The biggest thing for me was a change in taste. I never have had much of a sweet tooth. I'm more of a salty food person, but I really hated sweets after the surgery. I couldn't drink the protein shakes that were OK to me before surgery. Also, for some reason, cottage cheese, which I've always loved, tastes kinda weird now.
I am starting to lose some hair but I I expected that and everyone says it usually grows back. I also have occasional diarrhea and constipation. So far, Miralax helps with the constipation.
For the most part though, I don't feel much different than before surgery, except that now that I've lost 75 I can do so much more and feel so much better. It was really difficult to get around before and I had no energy, so I'll have all of the side effects. The good by far outweighs the bad!