Numbness in Left Leg

Has anyone experienced numbness in their legs or feet since surgery? I have fallen 2x (at night on my way to the bathroom)because I couldn't support myself on my legs which were asleep. Sunday nite I broke my pinky toe because of it. I have a friend who had a problem because she didn't take vitamins after surgery, but I have religiously been taking mine. I don't want to make a mountain out of a mole hill, I'm just wondering if any of you have experienced this. thanks Barbara RNY 8/16/05 296/216 -80

oops 8/16/04

I noticed when I am doing Pilates that my feet get numb, but I have not had any numbness in general. You might want to call the doctor, to check and to make yourself feel better. Take care Alicia 240/141/130

Barbara: Sounds like you could have peripheral neuropathy in your feet (or legs). This could be due to a deficiency in vitamin B-12. Have you been getting your B-12 shots regularly since your surgery? My mother had WLS in 1980 and did not take her vitamins or get her regular B-12 shots, and she has a full-blown case of neuropathy in her feet. She is only 68 years old, but she says that she can hardly feel her feet at all anymore. This has affected her driving also....and can be very dangerous. If you suspect that this could be the cause of your problem, please seek your surgeon's or your regular physician's advice. You don't want to ignore this very serious problem! Here's an article that I "Googled" about peripheral neuropathy: http://www.news-medical.net/print_article.asp?id=5608 Good luck on your journey! ~Laura

Thank you for the information. I printed the article and will take it to my surgeon. He wanted to see me today because of the 2 falls. I do take array of vitamins and take plenty of B12, but like you said I don't want to ignore this potential complication. Thanks again Laura Barbara

Hi Barbara. I noticed on your profile that you were diabetic. Neuropathy is one of the side effects of having diabetes. Have you seen your Endocrinologist since surgery? My husband is diabetic and sees an endocrinologist 3-4 times a year just to get everything checked out and he also sees an opthalmologist 2 times a year to make sure his eyes are fine (retinopathy?). Additionally, he never walks around barefoot and checks his feet daily to make sure they're clean and that there are no cuts or scrapes on them which could turn into something more serious. I didn't notice on your profile whether or not you were taking insulin or any oral type of diabetes medication, but it would be my bet that this has nothing to do with your WLS surgery. Keep up with your vitamins and labs and maybe ask your surgeon if you should be followed by an endocrinologist or an internal medicine doc. Hope you feel better soon. Cathy

Hey Cathy - Thanks for the suggestions. Fortunately I have been off all diabetic meds since surgery and in fact my blood sugar is running a bit low normal. It's in the high 80's usually! (WHAT A CHANGE!) I did go to my surgeon, who suggested I go to my PCP dr. for a referral if necessary. My PCP doctor also saw me yesterday and because I only have the numbness at nite without symptons during the day that is rules out neuropathy. Also my dr. told me that Peripheral neuropathy usually affects both sides of the body, not just one. He also noticed on my med list that I take spray B12 which he fully supports. His suggestion was that I sleep in a different position at night or put pillow under the part of the hip/leg that is falling asleep and see what happens. I really appreciate the thoughtful responses I received for this problem. I was afraid it was some sort of neuropathy and am relieved about the resolution. Thanks again.

Great news! I am glad that your doctor has ruled out neuropathy. Very good. I had numbness once in my arm....and neck pain, and my doctor suggested that I actually switch sides of the bed that I was sleeping on. Can you believe it? It worked! Maybe it's as simple as this. Good luck to you on your journey! ~Laura

Well, I've been sleeping on my side instead of my back for a week now with the result being NO LEG FALLING asleep. I'm still really glad I went to the dr. to rule out any other problem, but I am SO glad is was so simple. Thanks for your responses. It really helped me to know someone cared about how I was feeling and took the time to answer. Good luck on Your journey too!!! Much luv Barbara