Question:
I am always cold after my surgery.

I just bought a electric matress cover for my bed and walk around with heavy clothes on. My labs were good and exerise on a daily basis doesn't seem to help. I am 7weeks post op. and doing well with everything else, can anyone help this problem?    — Montye A. (posted on November 8, 2001)

November 8, 2001
My doc said to expect this, although he didn't say why. I like Tammy's explanation. A hot bath warms me up for a good long time.
   — mom2jtx3

November 8, 2001
I'm three years postop and I still have problems with the cold. I really suffer in the winter (I'm in Mass.) and I can't tolerate airconditioning. Two years ago, my surgeon said that the theory (no one really knows) was that this occurs when we lose a lot of body fat over short amount of time. He said I would be back to normal by my third winter after surgery. That certainly didn't happen. Florida is looking real goooooooood these days.....
   — [Anonymous]

November 8, 2001
I certainly understand this problem. I particularly noticed it after losing 40 pounds. I thought "Okay, now I lost 40 pounds, but I'm certainly not thin!" so how cold I be this cold? Well, my dr. said it's because we are losing fat so rapidly, and the fat that goes first is the highly insulating outer fat cells. So...it's normal, and I think it happens to most. I have a heating blanket I've been using on my bed for like 3 weeks now! Best of luck.
   — Tracy L.

November 8, 2001
And we are actually BURNING a few calories, many of us for the first time in our lives! This is an excellent time to become a sockaholic. You get new socks for every 5# you lose.
   — vitalady

November 8, 2001
Well all I have to say is to enjoy this new found "coldness". Im sure prior to surgery you were usually warm or got warm so fast. I love being cold. I would imagine its because of the weight loss and not having the same "insulation" you had before. This was the first year I had to buy a winter jacket....*lol* That is a good thing!!!! Enjoy !!!!
   — Melissa S.

November 8, 2001
Socks for every #5? Thats hilarious! What a great idea! And a new sweater/sweatshirt for every 20#. I keep borowing my husbands, cause I don't have any! I didn't own many cause I was always too hot, what I did have is too big. An electric mattress is a godsend. I wear hats around the house, too. Good thing I can crochet. More socks for everyone!!!!
   — M. A. B.