Can I ask a silly question?

 How do you know if you have malabsorption issues going on? What would show up in bloodwork? Etc?

Thank You!!!!

You had a DS---you're definitely malabsorbing. Whether or not you have issues with malnutrition is another question.

The reason we get regular bloodwork is to spot trends and head off trouble before we develop malnutrition. Yes, your levels would be low, and when you compare the bloodwork you got back today with the bloodwork you got last year, you would see some downward trends. If you want to post your lab values here, I'm certain somone can help you interpret them.

Protein malnutrition tends to cause sweeling of the extremeties, especially the feet. Of course, there are other things that can cause this, too---so you're gonna have to give us more info before we can really help.

As usual, Ms Batt is spot on. Malaborption is a GOOD effect of your surgery. Malnutrition, notsomuch! Your labs and body will tell the tale if you are malnourished, so pay attention to your body and get regular labs (and watch how they are trending to head off any bad stuff early).

Nicolle

 Thanks for your reply.  I posted this after coming off working 12 hrs in night shift.  I meant malnutrition.  Lol.   Getting my 18 month labs done next week.   Will look at the trends



Thanks again

 Ask for a copy of your lab results to keep for your own records.  My doc's staff looks to see if numbers are "in range", but don't compare them to the previous workup, so they dont' even look for trends or changes.  It's good to understand your numbers anyway.  You'll likely learn more than they know about how to keep yourself nutritionally healthy.