Question:
I have this Mucus discharge that just won't end

I apologize to the men who read this but I could use your input as well. Off and on since surgery I have had this Mucus discharge from my vaginal area. It at times is stringy when I notice it in the toilet. Lately it has been a lot and I have to wear protection. Could this be fat I'm losing? How do we lose the fat? I should be more educated but apparently I'm not. Thanks in advance.    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 14, 2002)

January 14, 2002
Oh my goodness, I had planned today to ask this very question!! I am 5 weeks postop and have the same mucus discharge that you speak of. There is no odor to speak of and no pain, and I, too, wonder if it is one of the ways fat leaves the body. I have heard that sometimes it can come through the incision, so maybe this is possible as well. Thanks so much for asking this; I'll be looking to see if it gets any answers right along with you.
   — [Anonymous]

January 14, 2002
This could be because of the increased amount of estrogen in your body right now. Many women have an odorless, colorless secretion at certain time throughout their cycle. (I think that it can stain, though, so protection would be a good idea). Actually, I think that the secretion comes before and/or during ovulation. Some people have learned to guage their fertility based upon these secretions. (Some even say that when it is "stringy" you are more apt to conceive a boy than a girl.) Just remember, fertility! Make sure that you are using more than hormonal methods to prevent conception (unless you are ready to become pregnant). Just my two cents worth. Also, I have found that the book, "The New Our Bodies, Ourselves" has lots of interesting information. Not specific to WLS, but specific to women. (that is where I learned some of the secretion stuff I was talking about). So, there you have it. I doubt that it is a byproduct of burning fat, more likely hormonal. :-)
   — Kierstin C.

January 14, 2002
Yep... it's hormonal. As you lose weight, you are releasing stored hormones that increase your chance of pregnancy. It's wonderful for your sex life, but be sure you are protected if you don't want to get pregnant!! Your periods may not be like they normally are, either. I know I was two weeks late after surgery.
   — Sharon H.

January 14, 2002
I am almost positive it is female related. Hormone wise. I always had trouble with periods. Unfortunately two days after Mother's Day 2001 I had to have a hysterectomy. I am blessed with 2 beautiful kids. Anyway, every month when it is time for ovulation (still have ovaries) I have the mucus stringy stuff. Doc says normal. Try not to worry. If it bothers you too much, call your O.B. or any O.B. and ask about it. Sounds perfectly normal. Happy Losing :)
   — Cinna G.

January 14, 2002
This is called cervical mucus and it starts about a few days BEFORE ovulation. It is there to coat the sperm and help it get through the cervix unharmed by the vagina's acidic condition. If you were previously on the pill or had problem cycles because of your weight, you would have never had that because you weren't ovulating. Cervical mucus is a SURE sign that you are ovulating. You may even feel some pain at this time as the egg erupts from the ovary there is sometimes a little blood that is shed...if it touches the peritonium (sp) or lining of the abdominal cavity it hurts! If children aren't desired at this time...be careful!
   — Karen B.