Is Falling A Complication?

I had my surgery in May 2005 & I think I've come through WLS pretty much complication free. The past 8 week or so, I've begun to stumble & trip. Many people (family & friends) have commented that I walk differently than before my WLS....they say I kind of shuffle & sway back & forth when I walk. The most troubling thing so far is that I've begun falling the past couple of weeks....I fell in the parking lot at work 2 weeks ago. I lost my balance last week & landed on the armrest of a chair & cracked my tailbone. I've fallen 3 times in the last 3 days & nearly fallen about 6 times. Has anyone else had problems like this? I'm going to call my doctor next week, but until then I wondered if this might be something associated with WLS. 235/163/135

Yes! I am having the same problem! My surgery was 7/11/05, and I have lost 120 lbs. I have been struggling with this for several months-and one fall caused a compression fracture of my back for which I am having surgery this week! People have offered lots of reasons-I've seen my cardiologist, I've been evaluated by a physical therapist who specializes in falling.I've tried adding more exercize(not doing much because of fear of falling) I've tried rest. I've even wondered if it is all psychological!(My therapist assurees me it's not) I am now walking with a cane. I, too, am going to call my DR's office first thing Tuesday morning. I'm wondering if it has to do with living in a smaller body-I am not used to navigating the world without that huge extra weight. I've also wondered if it is because my stomach muscles simply are not strong enough to hold my body upright. Anyway, I sympathize big time, and hope your DR can help. If you want to keep in touch, you can e-mail me. Margo

Are you both having regular bloodwork done to be sure your vitamin and mineral levels are where they should be? Including B-12? Nicole Lap RNY - 6/7/05 312/163

I was told by my surgeon's nurse that people frequently are adjusting to their constantly-changing body size, and not to be surprised if I have balance problems. This could be what's happening in your case(s). I also agree with the other person that responded- get your blood checked (if you aren't already) and make sure this isn't part of a larger problem.

When I fell about 8 months postop and landed on a hot burner on my stove...and then a trip to the ER to treat the burns, the ER doc was not at all surprised. He said it's very common for people who lose large amounts of weight rapidly to have poor core foundations, poor balance and recommended I avoid bicycles, rollerskating and other things until the weight loss slowed to about 5 to 10 pounds MAX a month for about 3 or 4 months - to give my body time to adjust and reorient itself. However, if you're concerned you might want to discuss it with your doc. I know that now at nearly 4 years postop, my balance is waay better than it's been since I was a kid

Could very well be. Could be some form of neuropathy. Have you been keeping up with your blood work? Nancy