3 1/2 yr post op pitting edema in legs - anyone else?

I've had many tests done, all normal.  Dr. wondering if it may be WLS related, a vitamin or protein deficiency?  Retaining a lot of water, frequently gaining 2+ pounds in a day. 

Lots of things can cause edema......but you should defintely have a full spectrum of blood work done to check for deficincies.  Protein def. can cause your legs to swell.  Scott

Vitamin A, E, B-1, B-12 and zinc are all suspects.  Make sure you get a full set of labs done. Good luck! Kathy (who doesn't have edema but whose weight can go up 3-4 lbs in one day and always has)

MelJ, I am having a TON of water retention in my legs.  I hold about 5-6 lbs.  I have noticed I have to really increase my water intake and cut out all extra sodium.  I also have perfect labs.  (I just had them done) my Dr said if it gets too bad, I may have to consider a water pill. Good luck!

I've been on water pills about 2 years now - not doing any good.  I was also told not to drink to much - cut back on fluid.  It is not true that it flushes out.  When you're body can't get rid of what you have you only make it worse by adding more to it.  I wish you luck - this has been/is a nightmare for me.

What are your protein, albumin and pre-albumin levels?

All within the normal range.  That is what is so strange.  The Dr put my on lasix 40mg, all tests are normal but I continue to have pitting edema.  Dr. just says he doesn't know why, medically there isn't anything wrong.  But there is obviously something wrong - this is not normal. I am waiting on a repeat of lab tests, done at different lab.

What exactly are the numbers?

I'm asking because it's possible thse were not tested. Dr's in the USA don't recognize malnutrition when they see it. I mean, it's pretty rare. If you were in protein malnutrition, lasix could potentially stop your heart, since potassium is how our ppl end up in ER. Often the potassium, maybe calcium issues are caught, but even THEN, protein may not be suspect.

Yes, we talked about that.  He did the complete test that shows total protein and the breakout of the albumin.  In addition he tested for kidney and liver functions.  I've also had cardiac tests.   I do take potassium along with the lasix.