Leg Cramps

I'm having my surgery on April 27 in Norwalk and I have a question. I'm prone to leg cramps and have a couple different medications I take (sometimes they help, sometimes it makes no difference). Did anyone have the experience in the hospital or after surgery of getting foot and upper leg cramps and not be able to work them out because of being too weak after the surgery? This scares me to death. The leg cramps scare the hell out of me anyway, but I feel like I'm going to be even more helpless against them in the hospital. I have to say though, I'm finally getting happy and excited about this surgery, as opposed to the total fear and anxiety I had for the first few weeks after being approved. At least I'm looking forward to it now. I used to feel like I was the only person who was not really optimistic about the WLS. Happy Easter everyone and thanks for being here to talk to. Other friends don't completely "get it". Linda.

Linda, I am not sure if you are having Open or Lap surgery and I think that will make a big difference in your "weakness level" I had lap surgery and I also visited several folks who also had it. No one seemed to have any problems getting out of bed and being on their feet pretty quickly after surgery. Some even did it the same day as their surgery. I know those leg cramps are awful but they also put the boots on your calves that inflate and deflate that should help with that somewhat. I am sure you will do just fine. Your time will be here before you know it!!! Linda

Hi Linda, First of all, I am happy to see someone say something about this. I have also suffered from leg cramps that wake me up in the middle of the night. I never had them before until I went on Atkins and was told it was from low potassium. Now post op I still get them and when I increase my potassium they go away. If you would share what else you take for them I would be grateful. The pumps that Linda Wasserman described really do help alot. I never had any cramps in the hospital. Thanks Cheryl

Congratulations with your surgery date being so close! First of all if you haven't already, make sure your doctor knows about the leg cramps. I'm also a leg cramper. Never did take meds for it but its a nasty thing thats a terrible way to get woken up with! I didn't have any in the hospital. I think that balloon shoes and the stockings made a big difference there. Once I got home I did get somethat started in my toes but I never hada problem standing or walking them out. Good luck and god bless