Question:
Concerns about incontinence and facial hair....

My surgery is scheduled for July 11th. Naturally, questions keep arising....I was just wondering if anyone experienced incontinence before surgery and this problem was resolved after weight loss? The same with facial hair.....My GP doctor told me that my weight affects both...is this something I can look forward to NOT having after a significant weight loss?    — zoeysgrami (posted on June 2, 2006)

June 2, 2006
Well as for incontinence I have been told the same thing, the excess weight does cause pressure on your bladder and I can vouch for this. I have been alot slimmer when I could exercise and didn't have a problem with it at all. I was told to do those Kegal exercises that strenghthen the muscles in that area. As for facial hair I don't know, but since I have become obese, I noticed more facial hair, thankfully mine is blonde. I thought it was due to age though, not weight. Will have to ask about that one. Good luck!!!
   — skinnycow47

June 2, 2006
I think the facial hair depends on what is causing it. If it is just age related, it probably won't make any difference at all. If it is due to PCOS, it may alleviate it. I have PCOS and was told that the weight loss might, or might not, lessen the symptoms. So, I don't think they really understand it enough to know for sure. Best wishes for health and happiness always.
   — djfoz

June 2, 2006
I had incontinence before surgery and I noticed it went away. didnt think anything would take it away I even had surgery to just fix that prior to gastric. Now I dont have it . Now hair different issue get new hair where no hair needs to go :)
   — kris71872

June 2, 2006
Sorry to say that the hair on my chin did not decrease. So, I decided to do laser treatment and that is working....no more 5 o'clock shadow! lol As for incontinence, I had a small problem with leakage (not urinary!) and that went away after the first 30 pounds or so. Thank God for that!! Good luck to you!! I see that you are from Olalla. I am planning my first visit to Olalla the last week of June! I hear its beautiful up there!! Good luck on your surgery!!!!!
   — MissKimberly

June 3, 2006
Hi Patricia.... obesity can place a great strain on the bladder and can cause stress incontinence. As for facial hair, once you have a hair follicle it needs to be destroyed in order for hair growth tot stop (i.e. laser hair removal or electrolysis). However the hormones cna be a mess during obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can often times be the culprit. Weight loss usually improves PCOS but it can be a chronic health issue. With weight loss you may stop developing new hair but not always. good luck to you!!!
   — SteffieBear15

June 3, 2006
I would think that if this is a new issue it might be just nerves. I went on Valium for a week before my surgery and had no more issues as you described try talking to your surgeon. It will be ok hunny I had mine in september 2005 and am now down over 125 LBS good luck and god bless
   — dbotterell

June 4, 2006
Before my bypass surgey, I had to wear very bulky heavy pads for the incontintence. Now, 150 lighter, I do not anything and this has not been a problem for me at all! Praise God! As for the facial hair, I have never had the problem so I cannot help you there. Patticake
   — Patticake

June 5, 2006
I had an incontinence problem at 331 pounds. I had a RYN over a year ago, and I would say that the problem pretty much cleared up after about 50 pounds or so. I'm 50 years old, as well... Good luck and yes, it IS something you can look forward to NOT having!
   — Melody.Cotrel