Question:
Is it typical for females to have a low libido post-op?

I am now 10 months post-op Lap RNY, and have lost 90 ponds only 23 more to go. I thought for sure once the weight started coming off I would have had an increase in my sex drive. But the opposite is true. I love the new me, but when it's time for bed sex is the LAST thing I want to think about. My husband is becominmg frustrated. Should I see my Dr.? Is this noraml I am only 33 years old. HELP!    — Antoinette B. (posted on March 26, 2004)

March 25, 2004
I don't know if it's normal or typical, but you're certainly not alone. This has been a big problem for me, and I've seen plenty of others post about the same thing. Many attribute this to hormonal changes due to rapid weight loss. Some have said their libidos returned to normal after a time, and others say they have not. If this problem continues too much longer for me, I will talk to my ob-gyn about it to see if anything might help. I have seen some people post about using Avlimil, which is an herbal supplement, but others say it is a waste of money. There are also some creams available which are I believe are testosterone based, but I haven't tried any of those yet either. Please keep us posted if you find any good answers. Best wishes.
   — Carlita

March 26, 2004
I know what you mean! I am only 22 years old!! I have been with my boyfriend for 1.5 yrs and we met about 4months after my surgery and i had lost a majority of my weight. Prior to surgery i felt the urge about 3 times a week with my former boyfriend. And me and my new boyfriend, of course, in the beginning of the relationship was very active in the bedroom. But here lately.. i don't even get that urgency or desire. I pretty much have to force myself. It sux! i went to my OB/GYN for my yearly exam and brought the issue up to her. She said there was really nothing to be done except to try to use other methods of arousal, such as toys and videos. But thats not all the problem, i pretty much push my boyfriend away when he starts messing around... and I feel really bad! I asked about Avilimil, but the Dr said its not FDA approved, nothing is yet. And she has no statistics of its usage. She said I could try it, but its expensive & says you need to have at least 4weeks of it in your system before you may start to see results.. I dunno what to do either! I am only 22!!!! Anyone else with more info, let us know! :)
   — Sunny4x4chick

March 26, 2004
I've heard libido can go either way. Some say it increases while others say it decreases for a time. <p>I read recently that studies have shown Viagra works for women as well as men in the same way by increasing blood flow to the sex organ. Perhaps you should ask your doctor about it.
   — artistmama

March 26, 2004
Sorry, no good answers here either. I am 24 and feel the same way. Went to the OB/GYN where they practically interigated me, and still gave me no answers. I asked them if it could be a hormonal imbalance from dramtic weight loss, they said no. Then they basically claimed I was having relationship problems, without knowing anything about my relationship with my hubby! (I was offended personally.) There has to be some answers out there somewhere. It might take an obese ob/gyn, to have WLS them experiance a lack of libido, before some cares enough to help us out. The funny thing is, if I was still 262 pounds, they would have said its becuase I was fat, and to lose weight. Now they don't have that excuse. Let is know if you find anything out. 262/164/149
   — candylnd24

March 26, 2004
dido. went to dr. they took more blood and then called and said that it was fine. Nothing more and no more options it really made me mad. But this is the second time that they said something neg. about wls. So I will be going to a diff. doctor if it doesn't change fast. I am 31 and down 55lbs. good luck if you get an answer let me know.
   — stacy A.

March 26, 2004
I had WLS on 2-10-04. I have noticed a decrease in my sex drive as well and I am an OB/GYN nurse practitioner. I can see both sides of this. I can tell you that some of my patients have used Avelamil (sp?) and swear by it. The doctor I work with is on it and she states it helps her hot flashes and sex drive. One of my co-workers took it, who had zero sex drive and now she is pregnant. So, it's up to you. I believe it's about $30-40.mo and they give you a month for free. Viagra does NOT increase sex drive, only blood flow. It will not make you have a sex drive. Some patients are being treated with testosterone, but it has side effects (ie facial/body hair growth, weight gain and violent/depressed mood changes ect..) I can say that plenty of companies are doing research on this, the rush is on! There is a clinic I know of in CA, where research is being done. DRs. Berman and Berman out of UCLA have a clinic. For $2000, you too can have a work up. They do perscribe liquid testosterone and have had some success with it. Since it is their bread and butter, they will not share the dosing. Right now, there is nothing FDA approved for this treatmant. The hesitation you notice on behalf of you OB/GYN's is that we're afraid of being sued.I don't know if this helps but, I can feel your pain.
   — Kerijohnson

March 27, 2004
In the beginning I had an increase in my libido - now the opposite is happening. For me it turns out to be mental - the fear of pregancy, the fear of getting too much attention, and some old issues. Perhaps you needs to re-examine what is really going on and you might be ignoring it.
   — Anna M.

March 27, 2004
I was experiencing the same problem and thought it would improve when the weight came off but turns out it didnt. I talked to my gyn. and he said it was depression and gave me 50mg. zoloft to take daily. It took about a month to see a change but it really helps.I didnt believe him at first but guess it was depression. Talk to your dr. this surgery does have an effect on us emotionally.
   — loisph