Question:
I'm almost 5 mos post-op (Open RNY-Distal) & just had bloodwork done...

...for the first time since before surgery. I was told everything was normal except my "liver enzymes are elevated." I had bloodwork done before surgery so obviously I didn't have this problem when I was pre-op. Is this a common occurence after having WLS? My PCP's ordered a "hepatitis profile & a liver function test." Should I be worried? I do sometimes @ night have a glass or two of red wine, but not every night. Could that have something to do w/ this? I always thought drinking wine in moderation was good for your heart, etc. I will limit that more but I've heard about other post-op's having wine once in a while w/ no problems. Thanks for your help... Jamie|WLS: 10/09/02|-72 lbs.    — j-bird333 (posted on March 1, 2003)

March 1, 2003
Jamie, I think is is common with WLS patients. Mine were elevated also and my WLS never said a thing about it. I found out through my plastic surgeon who got the same blood work results that my WL surgeon did. I was anemic and my WL surgeon had his nurse call and tell me to be vigilant with my iron supplements, so he obviously read my blood work results. He has been doing this for over 20 years, so I am going to trust that everything is ok and will talk with him about it on my next appointment. I researched it here and noticed there were others who spoke of having high liver enzymes. Some recommend milk thistle. You should talk to your WL surgeon about it. Also, all doctors are different when it comes to drinking alchol. I've heard some say two months, some say a year and some say never. However; since my liver enzymes are elevated, I've decided not to drink alcohol at least until they are normalized.
   — Lisa N M.

March 1, 2003
It's very common for liver enzymes to be elevated for a while following WLS. Mine were normal pre-op, a little high at 3 months post-op, and back to normal at 7 months post-op. I've read that it's not anything to be concerned about (though some PCPs freak out because they don't know to expect it), and that you just need to keep an eye on them. They will usually return to normal within the first six to twelve months (after the period of very rapid weight loss has passed).
   — Tally