Question:
Why do post-ops shrink in height?

I've read in people's postings that some post-op people shrink in height after their weight loss? One woman shrank 3inches! Is it from bone loss/calcium deficiencies? I would think that after losing all that weight, that your height my increase a little as your spine no longer has to support all that weight and you find it easier to hold yourself up?    — Lisa B. (posted on September 8, 2003)

September 8, 2003
I haven't shrunk any except in size, not height.
   — Beverly S.

September 8, 2003
Hi Lisa, I don't remember ever seeing this but I think it is only likely to happen years out and as the result of getting osteoporosis. I guess it would be possible if there were some major disc problems etc., but it would have happened anyway. I find I stand up much taller and straighter and actually push slightly above 5'9. I feel like I am about 2-3 inches taller because I stand up straight better. I guess anything is possible but I would not consider it the norm.
   — zoedogcbr

September 8, 2003
You loose fat from your feet, affecting width and padding on the bottom of your feet. I've lost height and wear a size smaller shoe, after I just bought 3 new pairs of shoes in early spring. They all fall off my feet now.
   — Gail O.

September 8, 2003
Lisa - I'm one of those that posted in the past regarding losing height. I went from a weight of 230 to 120 and a height of 5'0 to 4'11. The reason for the height change was due to the loss of my fat feet. I used to wear a size 7W in women's shoes, but now I wear a size 3-4 in little kids.......I even have shoes that flash!!
   — trtorrey

September 8, 2003
If you have lost height you must insist your Dr check you for osteoporosis. Loss of height is one of the signs a good dr will look for in any woman as a red flag warning for osteoporosis. get a dexascan asap!
   — **willow**

September 8, 2003
It also depends on what time of day your height is measured! The spongy discs in your spine are less compressed early in the morning,(if you have been sleeping at night) and more compressed later in the day, so you will measure shorter later in the day.
   — koogy