Question:
8 Months Post Op, down 90 lbs., but still have to get up to pee at night.

Pre-op, I was getting up 4-5 times a night to urinate and it HAS gotten better. I'm only getting up twice in the middle of the night now. Is there anyone who has gotten to the point where they can sleep right thru the night w/o getting up to pee? I would love that, but don't want to take any medication for control. I want to be OFF all the meds possible. Thanks    — Annie H. (posted on July 29, 2002)

July 29, 2002
It must be a small bladder thing:~) I have never had to get up in the middle of the night. Even when I was pregnant it was a rare occurance. But I am in the big bladder club. My daughter is a member also. My husband and son are in your club, and boy are those car trips take forever when we are traveling!! Of course, it may be something that requires medication for you. I have a friend that is a 'once an hour' bladder person and she is a normal weight. She keeps talking about being seen for that urgency medication. I would mention the prob to your doc the next time you see him.
   — Cheri M.

July 29, 2002
Thats what I get for not proof-reading. That is 'do those'.
   — Cheri M.

July 29, 2002
Hi. One of the reasons that some people have to get up in the middle of the night to urinate is becuse their kidneys are hard at work while they sleep. Actually, sleep has nothing to do with it, but the recumbent body position does. During the day, when we're sitting and standing, gravity works against our circulation. But when we are lying down, circulation really improves. Blood gets around easier, and that means better perfusion everywhere, including the kidneys. So, while we're flat, more blood is better able to move through the kidneys where they can filter out the excess fluid in that blood. Result is that you're making lots more urine than during the day, and you've got to pee! The reason it may be getting better for you as you loose weight is that the weight loss itself is improving your circulation during the day, so that your body doesn't have to do as much work during the night as it used to. JK, RN
   — Joya K.