Question:
Any Ideas? I am 5 mo Post op - 105 lbs but my feet are swelling really bad

has anyone else experienced this? I swear they are bigger than they were before I lost weight. You can actually push them in and they stay they are so swelled. My surgeon said she had no idea, maybe try a protein pill but that does not sound likey to be the problem to me. She done and ultra sound of the legs and it showed no clots, etc. and says I am not dehydrated so I can't figure it out. If anyone has any ideas what may be causing me to swell like this please let me know I can't get my FAT foot in any of my cute new shoes:) THANKS!    — Lynda T. (posted on April 26, 2002)

April 26, 2002
I'm not sure that your swelling feet have anything to do with your WLS. Anytime you retain water such as what you are describing, you should immediately get to your regular M.D. who can check you out thoroughly. Your surgeon only knows you through your surgery, your regular M.D. knows all your previous history and can do different testing than what your surgeon has already done to check for other complications which might not be related to your WLS at all!
   — L. Brown

April 26, 2002
Are you diabetic?? I know my mom has been having that problem, possibly from her diabetes. Maybe you should check it out.
   — Dawn D.

April 26, 2002
Lynda, I feel for you. Edema in the lower legs and feet became an issue for me out of the blue in 1995...before I was diagnosed as diabetic. Even though I'm nearly 10 months post-op and down 125 lbs., I still have the problem. My GP keeps switching my diuretics as the body builds up tolerance very quickly. I drink 3-4 liters of water a day, so dehydration isn't the issue for me, either. I haven't used any table salt for ten years, and I take prescribed potassium supplements. When I questioned my GP as to why I wasn't seeing a reduction in the swelling, he'd suggested that since I have more "loose flesh" now in the lower extremities that the fluid buildup may, in fact, be worse as the fluid has more "space", if you will, in which to accumulate. My legs are so bad that commercial surgical stockings aren't even made in my size. Along with staying well-hydrated and trying to put my feet up as much as I can, I take the diuretics. What seems to help my feet the most, though, is wearing those "bootie" style slippers that come up to the ankle (made by Dearfoam, Laura Ashley, others.) I purposely buy them in a size smaller so that they are "tight." I wear them constantly at home, and when I take them off, the swelling is gone. I wish I could find something equivilant for my lower legs! = > And I agree with the previous posters who suggested speaking with your GP. All the best to you!
   — CaseyinLA