Cramps

Hi guys, I had my surgery on Mar 24th and everything is going pretty good.  Clothes are looser, I am fitting into clothes that I have not worn in years.  Down about 35 lbs since surgery. Last night I had terrible cramps in my shins and feet.  I have had leg cramps before in my calves but never in the front of my legs.  Needless to say it was very uncomfortable.  I actually woke up 3 different times last night with the pain. Any ideas?  Dehydration?  Low Potassium? I ate a small Banana over the course of about an hour this morning for breakfast, hoping that will replace any potassium that I may be lacking. Randy

With me, it's usually more a case of dehydration.  It is especially true if I have been exercising a lot.

Randy, Congratulations on 35 pounds gone forever.  It sure feels good doesn't it.   I'm sure you are taking your vitamins like your doctor says, so the cramps are most likely from dehydration.  I had the same problem and still do occasionally.  You need more water than you would think, especially during the initial rapid weight loss after surgery.  Drink water until you pee clear and if it makes you get up a time or two at night, its better than getting up to walk off a leg cramp.

Also, don't forget to rule out blood clots.  I had my surgery on Mar 11 and developed some massive clots in my legs.  They felt a lot like a sore muscle after a really bad cramp that would not go away.  My legs became swollen and it was difficult to walk.  I had a previous history of clots and I was on Lovenox post op and still developed them.  I would suggest letting your doc know asap just in case it isn't dehydration.