Question:
Hi, has anyone had any problems with there hands? my right hand is always cold and

my body also is very cold. My surgeon did mention something about that can't remember what he said, but my concern is my left hand. My pinky, ring and middle fingers are numb and the side of my hand is also numb. I had RNY on November 27, 2008 down from 287 to 182 as of right now. At my 3 month visit I was told to increase vitamin A, D and a B-12 , I am having a problem keeping my foods down, so I'm not taking in enought protein but I dont know if that will affect the numbness i'm feeling in the left hand.    — shadow1102 (posted on April 21, 2008)

April 21, 2008
Donna...gastric bypass saved my life and I am sooo grateful for it...the only "issue" that I have had has been with anemia...you might see what your rbc levels are...I am 6 yrs post op...still anemic (due to absorption issues) and FREEZE all of the time...especially hands and feet...they often feel numb...just an idea to check out...I get B-12 shots too...the Iron has to come by way of IV...but that is only a couple times per year...so...I can totally deal with it...I love the results of the bypass...good luck!
   — Samantha M.

April 21, 2008
You need to maintain a good protien intake so that you do not lose body mass, and a number of other health issues. As you lose weight your body will become colder. I can't tell you about local coldness, that could be a blood circulation problem. But you will feel colder all over as a general rule. Your Butt will also hurt, as you'll lose padding there too. I'd call your doctor about your concerns. Have you had another blood test to see if the A, D and B-12 was now OK??
   — Dave Chambers

April 21, 2008
I have 2 suggestions - first, call your surgeon and have him (or his nurse) review what was told to you; second, contact your nutritionist for suggestions to help with your protein and dietary issues. Your surgeon was the one to examine you, so I would think he would be the best person to give you information. Don't be embarrased that you forgot what was told to you - I get so much information each time I see someone in the weight loss program I now keep a notebook and jot down questions, concerns, and information that I'd like to pass along for each of the practitioners (surgeon, dietician, etc.), and I jot down answers as we talk. They don't mind, and it helps me remember later. Maybe that would help you? Good luck!
   — obeseforever

April 21, 2008
I was told that if you don't take in enough pprotein your hands and feet could become cold. I have experiences my whole body being colder since my 1/3/08 RNY. I think the loss in weight has caused the colder feeling in my body.
   — Colleen R.

April 21, 2008
I have heard that a Thiamine deficiency can cause numbness and tingling. Anemia can cause the sensation of feeling cold. My mother tells me "you're cold because you're getting so skinny". I would recommend a call to your surgeon and/or nutritionist asap. If you are having a hard time keeping foods down, perhaps you have developed a stricture. One way or another, our body must have certain nutrients and vitamins and minerals or it will give us signals that something is wrong in the way of physical complaints. Good luck, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

April 21, 2008
I would give your dr a call but it might not have anything to do with your intake of food or proteins. You might have carpel tunnel syndrome. I had surgery last year on my right wrist and I`m so glad I did. Mine got so bad I had pain in my neck, shoulder, elbow and my hand was numb time to time. I would constantly shake it to wake it up but it kept on sleeping. After I had the surgery 2 days later all the pain in neck, shoulder, elbow totally went away. So if you have a problem longer then a week call your Dr. Good Luck....
   — moosey52

April 24, 2008
Ask your doctor about malnutrien (Sp?). There was a lady on a morning show that had it done and she said that the big problem she had was parts of her body feeling numb at one point. They tried and tried to figure out what it was ... finally came down to she was suffering from malnutrien. She did not say what steps her and her doctor took to help her though. :( How this helps.
   — Tammy Cardwell

April 26, 2008
I also have numbness in my pinky and part of my hand and arm on one side. I am pre-op and have found out that I have what they call corbital (sp?) tunnel syndrome. It is like carpal tunnel but the nerve pinch can be in you elbow or shoulder.
   — Melanie C.