Question:
Has anyone else had peroneal (leg) nerve damage after losing weight?

I had been suffering with a "dropped" foot for several weeks, frequently falling & eventually sprining my ankle twice. Yesterday I went to the Dr. & they determined I have peroneal nerve damage whih is causing this. He stated that this is occasionally seen in anorexia patients & we discussed my WLS & my loss of nearly 150 lbs in less than 19 months. He discussed this with the person who will be making my new, beautiful brace that I get to wear now stated that he had seen a few patients that have underwent massive weight loss who have had this problem due to the fat around the nerve deteriorating/disenigrating. I am scheduled for more tesing next week to determine the extent of the damage. Regardless, I feel that even if this is caused by my weight loss, it is less than the cost of staying overweight. Becky RNY 10/08/02 292---143    — Becky C. (posted on May 7, 2004)

May 7, 2004
Becky, What are your B12 levels like? I know that nerve damage can occur if your B12 level gets too low.
   — Pamela B.

May 9, 2004
Becky I too had drop foot caused by weight loss. I fortunately was able to resolve it rapidly as I see a neurologist for diabetic neuropathy and he was aware of my weight loss and picked it up immediately. I do taek a medication for the DN so he thought hat helps limit the damage. I also was told that since losing weight we cross our legs more often so I dont do that anymore. This is apparently a very common occurance. Best Wishes, Lesley
   — Lesley T.

May 9, 2004
I am going through exactly the same thing. I have lost 112 lbs to date, and this past March devoloped "foot drop" with numbness and tingling on my left leg. I had a MRI, and finally an EMG that determined I had peroneal nerve damage to the nerve behind the fibula(knee). There is a direct cause from the rapid weight loss, and my neurogolist says that the excess skin you carry can cause it to worsen. Luckily for me I have been going to a physical therapist and the exercises she gave me are working on the strength of the "foot drop", however I have been told it can take up to a year for the numbness to go away if it even does. I feel lucky just to be getting my strength back. (tired of tripping over my foot) Good luck to you!! Tammy DS 07/15/03 250/138/135
   — tamster513

May 11, 2004
I had this happen as well. It did resolve itself however. I think that exercise helps. Do get your B12 levels checked though.
   — Carla B.