looking for answers

Greetings to all: I have been patiently waiting for my one year anniversary on Halloween to join this group. A problem has cropped up, so I am jumping in a bit early. It has been one heck of a changing year. A few bumps in the road, but over all - absolutely wonderful. My starting weight was 320 pounds and I am down to 128 pounds. Not too shabby for an old broad. A few weeks ago I began to feel numbness, weakness and tingling in my right foot. Then the foot began to flop as I walked. The right arm did the same. I was feeling periods of confusion, lost my train of thought and was getting forgetful. All of which I attributed to turning 60 years old. Finally I called my PCP and was told to get in for testing ASAP. Although there are more tests to be completed, the team of doctors have determined that I must have had a mini stroke. We haven't reached the point of discussing the "how come" of all this. They do say I am lucky it didn't happen 192 pounds heavier. All of my labs over the year have been 'text book PERFECT" In your vast experiences, have you heard of this being caused by WLS???  Thank you. I was hoping to meet you on a more positive note. Annette

Have they checked your thiamine level (B1)?  I have heard of beri beri (thiamine deficiency) in post-ops that has triggered a stroke or strokes. Do you take a B complex above your multi-vitamin? Hope you are doing better! Best wishes, Kathy

Thank you Kathy, I can't remember what they checked on Tuesday. Next week they are doing another check whi*****ludes B12, CBC, Folate, Iron, TIBC and Ferritin. My PCP and Surgeon are talking to each other so maybe they will add more testing. After the MRI I will be seeing a Neurologist also. Annette

I don't know of any research linking wls to mini-strokes.  Mini-strokes are not that uncommon in the general population, so I doubt the first place to look would be at wls.  If anything, the weight loss would be beneficial regarding blood supply to the brain.   Sally

Thank you Sally, Having WLS made me in much better shape, that's for certain! This is just another 'reward(?)' of genetics and old age I guess. Annette

Annette - I like it when people look up to me but you DONT have to follow in my EXACT footsteps!!! LOL  I had the exact same experience but i was only about 7 - 8 mth out from rny surgery. Drop foot and neuropathy ****pt tripping over my foot).... I also had Beri Beri like Kathy mentioned. Your levels are too low. Especially in the B's B1, b6, and maybe b2!!! It doesn't matter if they're still in the normal range, you body is SCREAMING out for higher levels. I upped all of mine and all symptoms went away completely.  Have your b's checked and/or ask about a good Bcomplex to take in addition to whatever you are taking now.  HUGS PS. It can lead to permanent damage, it's nothing to mess around with. Make sure your doctors hear you on it.

Thank you Laurie, I think you are a perfect example, but GEEZE - I don't want to do the exact same bump that you did. I shall push hard about the B levels. They will listen to me. My body got smaller but my mouth got super big and I won't let them ignore me. My doctors are realizing if they try to give me a condescending pat on the head - I BITE!! Annette

Good for you! I bite too when I think they're talking down to me...I just hate that.

 Perhaps we should get a rabies shot??

Oh no! If they make me mad enough to want to bite, they deserve rabies....