Question:
ELEVATED LIVER FUNCTION AFTER GBS

I am concerned because my 4 month post surgery labs came back indicating "elevated liver function". I have done some research and it could be related to fatty liver disease (not a good thing) but when I had my surgery I was told my liver looked great. My surgeon wants me to follow up with my PCP about this. Has anyone else had a similar experience or have any knowledge they can share. I can't get right in to see my PCP and I need some info. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks ! Michele    — ChelleBelle (posted on May 29, 2008)

May 29, 2008
the same thing happened to me. My GP took me off of my colesteral meds. Since my surgery I don't need the simvastatin any more, it was causing higher levels for liver functioning. Since being off they are leveling off. YEA, I can eat grapefruit again.
   — annieburnscookie

May 30, 2008
Extended use of Tylenol can do this too. Good idea to check with you M.D. Most meds are filtered in the body through the liver and/or the kidneys. Julia
   — Julia W.

May 30, 2008
Yep, I'm having the same issue. Here's how my surgeon explains it: after the bypass, your body starts losing weight rapidly. All that fat is processed through the liver, as well as your medications, and all your new supplements, but it's mostly the fat that's making the liver work overtime. And the more you lose, and the quicker you lose it, the harder your liver works. So the liver starts throwing off enzymes that indicate it's EXHAUSTED. :) My liver stats were up at my 6-week lab check. Then, I ended up in the hospital (unrelated - I was mini-perforated during a stricture dilation), and my GASTRO saw a liver panel that showed elevated liver stats. Naturally I was concerned - but it turned out that yes, while they were still elevated, they were lower than what I had at the 6-week check. I'm just shy of 6 months now, and I'm getting the full metabolic panel done AGAIN in 2 weeks, and I'll bet it'll be even lower. This is just something that can happen as a result of rapid, significant weight loss. Get labs done at regular intervals (every few months), just so you can be assured that the levels are tapering off and returning to normal, so you don't have to worry about it. But yes, hearing that diagnosis is cause to just keep an eye on it. Just so you can be aware of what's going on with your body.
   — crydecker

May 30, 2008
I had the same thing and my endocrinologist said it is because of the rapid weight loss. It is still a good idea to see your PCP and get it checked periodically.
   — Elizabeth C.