Question:
Embarrassing Question but I've totally lost my libido post surgery.......

My husband and I have a very loving relationship but since having the surgery 4 1/2 months ago...I've totally lost my libido. I am just NOT interested at all!! I thought this was always the opposite after all this weight loss. My OB-GYN tested my hormones and they are all normal. My PCP tested blood levels and I am not deficient in anything. Help!! Please tell me this is normal and it will get better! Thanks, Leah    — Leah H. (posted on August 18, 2002)

August 18, 2002
Leah just wanted to let you know your not alone. With an almost 100 pound weight loss and great self-worth I thought I would be "very ready" for our intimate relationship, but it just hasn't happened. Spoke to my PCP the other day, she put me on Zoloft right after I came out of the hospital (due to a prolonged hospital stay and numerous complications.) She told me the Zoloft could be causing the problem and I am in the process of weaning myself off, I hope this works. Like I said I just wanted you to know you were not alone. I hope we can both resume a loving intimate relationship with our spouse's in the very near future.
   — DebbieJ

August 19, 2002
The same thing happened to me and I don't know why. Still can't figure it out. Good news is at 2 years out my libido is improving. We are now trying to make babies which gives me new motivations. I think that too might be playing a role in my libido...It's pretty weird when the objective is not orgasm. =)
   — Jeannet

August 19, 2002
Hi Leah.. I know what you are going through. I too thought that when i loose weight that i would have more libido. Now i think i'm more critical of myself image. I finial think about what i looked and felt like 4 months ago and say i look pretty dam good. Sorry I don't have any answers for you but just wanted to let you know you are not alone. Maybe buy yourself something sexy that seems to help a little for me...Plus my husband ..well you know he gets realy excited!!LOL Just think sexy!!!! Good luck
   — sarah C.

August 19, 2002
Leah, I am the very same way. I am now 9 months post op and still NOTHING! At first my surgeon told me it will get better, then after 3-4 months she got serious, I have tried hormone pills, shots, viagra (yes), 3 different creams, and other OTC products all to no avail. She as well as myself are at a loss, I mean there is NO interest at all and I just refuse to go there. I loved sex before so this is all new to me. I get so frustrated:( but don't know what to do. So I can't say it will or won't get better but for me it hasn't.
   — Lynda T.

August 20, 2002
Thank you for all your support. As an update...my OB-GYN is putting me on Wellbutrin. We'll see if it works. Wish me luck! (Send a double wish to my DH!! ;-)
   — Leah H.

August 20, 2002
Well if you find a miracle drug, let me know. I can't decide if it's my husband (we're not getting along that wonderfully) or it's hormonal...but I want NOTHING to do with sex. Good luck!
   — Paula Prichard

August 22, 2002
I was talking with some ladies recently that are post-op (I'm waiting to have surgery) and they were both telling me about this and I guess it's very common. Her doctor had avery logical explanation. While you are going through your initial weight loss, you are essentially an animal that is starving, therefore has no desire to procreate. After your weight is stable and you are burning the food you eat rather than the fat you've stored...things will return to normal. I don't know if this is fact, but it made sense to me. Hope this helps... AA
   — Amy A.