Question:
Leg cramps
Hi everyone, I am approximately 4 weeks post op. Had surgery 5/5/09. I have been waking up in the middle of the night with leg cramps. Whats up with that. Could I be lacking something "vitamins" in my system? It really hurts, help! — SusanSp (posted on June 2, 2009)
June 2, 2009
My Doc blames this on not enough water, low and behold it seems he is
right. When I drink my 64 oz. of water no leg cramps. They are very
painful. Hope this helps you.
— ramwelch
June 2, 2009
The other thing you might be lacking is magnesium. When I was having leg
cramps, my dr. Rx'd 500 mg. of magnesium at night, and that took care of
them.
— lobo1056
June 2, 2009
Are you exercising more now? I doubt at 4 weeks post op it is a vitamin or
mineral supplement deficiency. That comes later, so it wouldn't hurt to
start the magnesium supplement. I get cramps in my feet when I stop my
magnesium. I like the liquid Calcium and Magnesium. I use the Oasis brand.
— smparker2
June 2, 2009
Susan, thanks for asking this question. I've been having the same problem
and now have an answer. I've always gotten charley horses but after surgery
I started cramping in the front of my legs - sometime from the thigh down.
— Muggs
June 3, 2009
Low Potassium will also cause cramps like this.
— trible
June 3, 2009
It's usually the electrolyes...(potassium and/or magnesium) My labs usually
show a low magnesium level and not potassium. I have to take magnesium at
least 4 times a week and especially on active days which is several times a
week...It helps balance calcium and aid in calcium absorption as well and
should be taken with your calcium...Take at night as it almost instantly
stops leg cramps and restless leg syndrome as well as has a calming effect
and will even help you sleep...I can take about 1000 mg of magnesium
citrate before it becomes a laxitive! LOL So careful with the dosage! The
tests for magnesium are somewhat new and up until recently there was no way
to even test for magnesium because it is cellular and leaves the blood
rather quickly...So just try adding a little magnesium and see if it helps
you...It's basically harmless and if nothing else you'll have smooth moves
for while! LOL They have a raspberry tea at Vitamin shoppe that is quite
tart but a nice little treat with some SF sweetener before bed...It's hard
to find magnesium citrate capsule at any store...You'll have to go to a
health store or order online. I get a GIANT bottle of "Tender
Magnesium" capsules from Vitalady.com (they are 200mg each...I take 4
at a time with my calcium citrate for 800 mg)...But you might just test it
out first and see how well it works for you before you order a giant
bottle...If you use TwinLabs calcium Citrate they put 400 mg in their 2
tablets (one serving is two tablets) and in a severe cramp I will chew two
and that takes the cramp away FAST! And it stays away...Just for your info!
Also...at Walmart or CVS they have liquid magnesiun citrate in glass
bottles used as a laxitive...It's less than 2 dollars a bottle and if you
take just a swig (It's super tart..and will make your mouth pucker for
certain) But I like it! LOL The entire bottle is about 3000 mg of
magnesium citrate in a 10 ounce bottle...So just take an ounce or two max
and see how that works for now...If you find that the magnesium helps, you
might purchase supplements and take on days you are very active or at the
start of a charlie horse...make sure they check your magnesium levels at
your next labs too! Good luck! I love Bariatric Advantage vitamins...but
their calcium wafer do not have barely enough magnesium in them ( I still
use them for a flavor change)...But my first choice fo calcium is Twinlabs
for that reason alone! Good luck!
— .Anita R.
June 3, 2009
Hi again everyone, I went to the doctor and they did labs. I was very low
on Vitamin D, B12, potassium and one other one, can't remember right now.
Doc gave me 50,000 mg of Vitamin D and have to take two per week for 8
weeks plus 1000 mg Vitamin D daily. He also have me a script for B12 and
had potassium through an IV today at the same time I had an upper GI to
make sure I didn't have a stricture or other blockage because I have been
having stomach problems as well. I will know the results of the upper GI
tomorrow after they have read the reports. Thanks to everyone who
responded to my question. Susan
— SusanSp
June 3, 2009
Although I am at the very beginning of my journey, I had leg cramps soon
after I was diagnosed with diabetes. My daughter brought up SmartWater
which is a zero calorie waster with electrolites. I drink one to two 33oz
bottles each day and no cramps unless I run out. It tastes like regular
water and you can find it everywhere, many times on a 10 for $10 deal for
the 33 oz. Hope this helps.
— tlscannell
June 4, 2009
Susan, Just curious, if you wouldn't mind saying what vitamins you were
taking and if you are a scheduled vitamin taker...Also, being that you have
several deficiencies at once, did you ever have all your vitamin levels
tested prior to WLS?
— .Anita R.
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