Question:
Hair loss, nausea, and energy depletion two years post op VSG

I have been slowly declining in energy and I am nauseated much of the time. I am not losing weight but losing hope that I will ever feel better. Is this normal?    — Oncology-nurse (posted on December 27, 2009)

December 27, 2009
I haven't had my surgery yet although I have read take vitamins and double up on them and exercise to boost your metablism.
   — natashaj

December 27, 2009
Are you getting your protein in? What about your vitamins? I know VSG has no malabsorption problems, but I think you're supposed to still take your vitamins. Have you had bloodwork done recently?
   — FSUMom

December 27, 2009
Have you gone to see your doctor/could be totally unrelelated to your WLS. Are you getting your protein in, taking your vitamins and drinking your water as you are supposed to be? Start with the basics, and look from there.
   — motomom_73069

December 27, 2009
You should see your doctor and get some bloodwork done. These are all problems that can be caused by hypothyroidism and/or certain vitamin deficients. Ask your doctor to do a full panel of blood work, including checking for the common vitamins and minerals that WLS patients sometimes don't get enough of because of malabsorption or not eating enough. It could be something very easy to fix. (For example, I was feeling awful and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Now, I just take a tiny pill in the morning and feel fine.) Good luck!
   — ads2e

December 27, 2009
I can tell if I am not getting enough protein. I start to lose hair and feel like I have hit a brick wall. Hope this helps.
   — sandorah

December 27, 2009
Hello. I had VSG surgery about 18 months ago. I haven't had any problems with hair loss but I am very disciplined about taking daily multiple vitamins, calcium and vitamin B supplements. You don't have the malabsorption problem with the VSG surgery. But I sure can tell when I haven't had enough protein and I make a point of making up for it. My energy level will hit rock bottom and I start to not feel well and I know that I can think back at my eating habits over the last couple of days and say to myself...hey...you aren't getting your protein in like you should. I would think that lack of protein would have a lot to do with the health of your hair and nails. Be sure you are getting enough grams of protein everyday. Make yourself be very aware of how much protein you are taking in. God bless....
   — Jodi L.

December 29, 2009
Hi! Just went to my Dr for my 6mos checkup and talked in depth with my dietician there. Told her about my lack of energy and nausea aas well as my blood sugar dropping into the low70-50s(very low)Hypoglycemia or severe dumping. After going over waht I have been eating, SURPRISE! I am not eating enough carbohydrates. She said that the high protein and low carb was for postop and 2mos max. I should be getting in at least 130 Gr carbohydrates a day now. I said no way! Carbs have been my FATMONSTER! She said we need carbohydrates as it keeps our glycemic index in check and our bodies need it for proper brain function and so we dont bottom out with our sugar! Well thats a new one for me. Anyway, i have increased my carbs(Very hard to do!) and I can say that I have started to feel a little more energy. Hopefully I can stay on an exercise routine without losing all my energy before I can even get started. Ask your nutritionist and/or doctor about carbs. Worth the question and you never know? Hope things get better for you.
   — Cindy W.