Question:
Is being very cold normal for a new post-op?
I'm 4 weeks post-op and have noticed that I have a tough time staying warm. I do have thyroid issues and know intolerance to cold can be a symptom. However, I do not have any of the other symptoms that go along with hypothyroidism. I had a "cold issue" prior to surgery, but this seems much worse. My labs prior to surgery were normal. Would appreciate any advice. I am having my 1 month follow-up with my surgeon in the morning and will mention it to him. Thanks so much for all of the support you all give (even when you don't realize it). Beth — Beth C. (posted on January 26, 2006)
January 26, 2006
As soon as I started on my pre-op liquid diet, I became cold also and still
continue to be cold at 9 days post-op. Before, I liked it only 68 in the
house and 62 at night. Now 70 isn't warm enough with a robe and blanket on
while watching tv. I think it has to do with not having the solid food to
burn in our body. Just my thoughts. Cindy
— Cindymc
January 26, 2006
I don't know about others but since I have lost a lot of my insallation,
yes I often find myself cold. I do not have a thyroid problem. I just get
cold.
Kenya
— KenyaE
January 26, 2006
I am almost 6 months post op and I as well get very cold. I have ever
since my surgery. I think it is just because we are used to carrying a lot
of weight with us and our body doesn't adjust as fast as our weight.
— *Malena* M.
January 26, 2006
I too have been cold since shortly after my surgery(9-15-04). I had always
related to loss of insulation. Another thing that I have noticed I
constantly have goose-bumps. I think my body is constantly trying to
generate heat somehow and this might be why this occurs. Let me know what
your Doctor tells you tomorrow. It would be interesting to know more
details. Jen 265-133
— imgabbie
January 26, 2006
Welcome to my world! I have always been cold before surgery and it is a lot
worse now. When I get really chilled, I throw a blanket in the dryer for a
few minutes and then wrap up in it. I also have hypothyroidism, but my
levels are normal with meds.
One good thing about being cold all the time is in the Summer I tolerate
the heat better than anyone. I use less air conditioning and I am able to
sit in the sun longer and work on my tan. I am 1 year and 4 months post
op.
— smparker2
January 26, 2006
I think we can all relate. Less fat to insulate our bosies (a good thing)
equals getting cold more. My husband told me I used to freeze him out of
the house. Now I am the one saying I am cold. Especially my hands- which
are skinny now so no wonder my hands are cold.
Other than anemia- getting cold more easily is a sign of forward progress.
— ppaige
January 26, 2006
— [Deactivated Member]
January 26, 2006
Yes! Very common. It took me over two years before my internal thermostat
"reset" and I stopped feeling cold all the time.
— mom2jtx3
January 26, 2006
I am cold now also 9 months post op I call it my fat furnace I lost I use
to sit and sweat to death all the time now I wear the sweater's. But to be
honest I lioke being cooler cause I can always get warm but never could I
get cooler....
— NYCindy
January 26, 2006
Yes! I am also hypothyroid with normal labs, so it is not the thyroid. I
don't think it is the "insulation" issue, either. I think it is
the metabolism adjusting to fewer fuel sources. I equate it to an engine
idling on high......it stays pretty hot. My engine is barely idling, I
guess. Using less fuel because less is arriving. Just my theory in terms
I get.
I dress in major layers these days. Bra, camisole or undershirt, long
sleeved shirt and then a sweater or sweat shirt. If I go out, add a jacket
on top of all that. I used to be a hot box and menopausal hot flashes were
hell, but what i'd give for a hot flash now!
— LauraA
January 26, 2006
It was a couple years before my blood warmed up. ;)
— Danmark
January 26, 2006
bbbbbrrrrrrrr!! Cold Cold Cold all the time!! And I live in Southern
California!! lol I used to keep the air conditioner on, now I am sleeping
wrapped in a fleece blanket and have bought 5 or 6 coats/jackets. I had to
make sure I looked stylish while I am trying to keep warm!! lol I am 2
years out and still cold! But, better cold than fat!! YEAH!
— MissKimberly
January 27, 2006
Before I GAINED all this weight I would wear a red sweater in the middle of
July. I gained and started sweating like someone had a water hose on my
head. After the surgery I have been freezing. I have a ton of sweaters
that I never wore. Every day I have one on. I look like a nut.
I live on Galveston Island.
— pettykash
January 27, 2006
4.5 years out and still freezing, its very common, you lost your 24/7
overcoat
— bob-haller
January 27, 2006
I won't say I'm freezing. I live in Hawaii and I used to sweat all the
time. I'm 3 month out and down 60 lbs and I hardly sweat any more. All I
know is I'm very happy now.
— hawaiigirl
January 27, 2006
Yes. I am always cold. It is partly because we lose the insulating fat we
are used to, and partly because we are not taking a lot of caolories in.
— Novashannon
January 28, 2006
At 2-1/2+ years out I am ALWAYS cold. Was told by my doctor, his nurse,
the nutritionist, and a WW leader that the insulation has been removed and
therefore you become cold much quicker and probably will remain this way
indefinitely. Mine has never gone away and it will be three years this
coming summer. I do agree with the other poster that it is better cold
than fat, a small price to pay for beauty. Having said that, I do remember
sweating like a pig when I was heavy and that was not a pretty sight. At
least I can look good now while I am chilly. Hugs, Missy.
— Missy H.
January 28, 2006
nearly 6 years post op, and still freeze. We keep the house at about 72
degrees, which before surgery, I'd die of heat prostration! But since
surgery, no matter what the season....I wear sweaters, sometimes even long
johns under my skirts or jeans.....and have at least 2 down comforters
lying over my legs, which seem to freeze more than anything. My feet are
always cold. I use my electric blanket even during the summer. I doubt
this will just go away if it hasn't by now.
— Statuesque
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