Question:
Has anyone noticed memory loss after WLS?
I am 5 months post Lap RNY. I was in surgery for approx 4 1/2 hours and I'm wondering if I am having a side effect from anesthesia. I have noticed that my memory isn't as good as it was pre-op. My kids have all told me at different times that they have told me something and I can't remember them telling me. People at work have begun to tease me because they also say they tell me things that I don't remember. Yesterday someone asked me a question about a note I left at work and it took me a few mins to remember what the note was about. It is starting to scare me. Anyone have a similar experience? — Elizabeth C. (posted on January 10, 2002)
January 9, 2002
Heck, I'm like that BEFORE WLS!!! I can't imagine being worse afterwards!
OH NOOOOO... something else to worry about!
— elifritz
January 9, 2002
This post could have been done by me. i thought I was the only one. Maybe
we are just so focused on our new lives and bodies that we forget details,
I am not sure. I know it is harder to concentrate since my surgery. I do
not even enjoy reading like I used to. I have had Stephen King's last novel
for a year and never opened it. That is not me.
But it is a small price to pay for the nearly 160 lbs I have lost in nearly
a year.
— Sue B.
January 9, 2002
I had my surgery in July and I have been really happy with the results so
far. Nothing seems to make me sick. As far as your question goes....
wait.... what was the question?
— Laurie L.
January 9, 2002
Yes the same thing happened to me. I was scary but it did go away. Do you
sometimes feel like you are in a fog? It was worse immediately after
surgery but like I said, it did get better. I am now 18 months post op and
back to "normal" Age has something to do with it too.
— Mary G.
January 9, 2002
2 things. 1-- have your Vitamin B levels checked. Memory loss is
symptomatic of low B levels. 2. If you are much more active, more aware,
busier...etc. memory loss is normal. So much on your mind that some things
just fall to the waysides. My remedy is a palm pilot. Good luck and God
Bless!
— Kimberly L.
January 10, 2002
I am almost three months out and my daughter says my body is using my brain
for food! Actually, I seem to be getting better at this point. I do think
the B-12 shots help with this.
— cindy Q.
January 10, 2002
All of the posters below can be right, it can be caused by a number of
things.. But there is another answer, and that's aphasia (sp) if it was
brought on by your down time in surgery, I was told that it should go away.
I had it before surgery, but that is another thing that will bring on an
onset, while rare, it's a possability if you think it's really something to
worry about ask your Dr.
— Elizabeth D.
January 10, 2002
My memory problems were immediately post-op and were more like aphasia - at
one point I had to describe a popsicle because I could not remember the
word for it!! My doc said it was the anesthesia (I had two procedures
because of some complications). I could not do a crossword puzzle, read a
magazine - just no concentration. After a couple of months, it cleared up.
Since you are so far out, I agree with other posters here that you should
have doc check your levels - you likely need B-12 or some other vitamin.
Or, depending on your age, you may just be joining some of us in the great
affliction of CRS (can't remember "stuff")!
— mskarns
August 1, 2002
I am so glad I read this! I thought I was alone with this problem. I am
5 1/2 months post op. I can't remember anything! I was thinking maybe it
was due to a lack of protein. I am taking the B vitamins and my levels are
good.
I am hoping that this goes away soon.
— Linda B.
Click Here to Return