Question:
Has anyone ever developed femoral neuropathy after WLS?

I have been having incredible pain in my right leg for the past couple of months. Finally had my appointment with a neurologist and he said I had femoral neuropathy. He said it is quite common in people who experience rapid weight loss. He said it may go away on its own in time or it may just be something I have to live with. He put me on amitriptyline(sp?) for the pain, which feels like a really intense burn. Anyone else experience this? Did it go away with time? If so, how long did it take? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.    — kathyb (posted on December 11, 2003)

December 11, 2003
There is a guy who goes to our group that has this, I am not sure if he had it before his WLS, but he still has it and I think he is at least a year out and the way he talks it is something he will live with the rest of his life. He says it is very painful! I hope yours goes away, take car & good luck!
   — Saxbyd

December 11, 2003
When I woke up after WLS, I had an intense burning pain in my right thigh on the outside. It kind of felt numb along with the burning. It was very intense at first and very slowly dissipated. It is still here (I am 14 months post op), but it only tingles from time to time. Not what you'd call painful. My PCP diagnosed it as some type of neuropathy. Like what people with diabetes experience in their feet and legs. I am not diabetic. Have no idea how this happened. Open RNY 10/02 405/168/150
   — Ginger M.

December 11, 2003
Yes I have experienced the pain and numbness. The damage to the nerve was done when the OR staff strapped me to the table for WLS surgery. When I asked about it they said they always sprap people in. My doctor said he couldn't be sure if it would go away or not depending on the amount of damage to the nerve but said that nerves take a very long time to heal. Hope this helps.
   — V B.

December 11, 2003
I had that too! My neurologist I regularly see for my diabetic neuropathy said it was cuz I cross my legs all the time now and with the fat cells shrinking it exposed nerves that were previously cushioned by fat. He asked about ways that i sit and what i was doing when it first started ( I even had a foot drop from it) and I had ebbn sitting with my feet up on the computer chair with one leg draped over the other hence compressing that nerve. I stopeed the contortioning and it went away ! I was petrified that it was the DN manifesting in another spot. I try not to cross my legs for too ong at one time. Best wishes, Lesley
   — Lesley T.