Question:
Does anyone have memory problems long term post-op?
I am right at 4 years post-op and I'm having trouble with my memory. I'm not for sure if it's my age or the surgery, but I'm only 32 so I'm thinking It's the surgery. Please help me if you can. I'm wanting to further my education, but don't think I can concentrate on much right now. I can't remember words to say, or what I'm talking about, so how can I go back to college? — jules_32 (posted on March 23, 2006)
March 23, 2006
Theres LOTS of reasons for poor memory. I have been that way most of my
life, like losing vehicle in parking lot. Read if you go there often always
park in same area. That helped tremendously. Now back to you. Have you seen
your surgeon and PCP? bloodwork done? You depressed or distracted for some
reason? things like family illness? divorce, etc etc can also cause this.
now call your pcp and get checked so physical troubles can be ruled out
— bob-haller
March 23, 2006
I heard at one point that B-12 has some sort of impact on your memory. You
should definitely check with your doc on this one and see if your b-12 is
on the low side.
— SJSlesnick
March 23, 2006
I cant stress strongly enough my suggestion that you have a thorough
work-up at your doctor's. At 4 years postop the surgery itself shouldnt be
causing it; but nutritional deficiencies could, or clinical depression, or
a number of other neurological problems. This is not a place to guess or
try things on your own. Hopefully you have a good doctor you can trust who
will listen to your concerns and set you up for some testing. Best of luck
to you-- Valerie Z.
— ValerieZ
March 23, 2006
Weight loss, and weight loss surgery, does not cause memory loss. In fact,
the improved cardio vascular health following weight loss, and the
improvement in hypertension, probably improves memory by increasing blood
flow in the body (and the brain).
B-12 is probably the easiest reason to suspect that someone who is four
years out is having recall problems. Of course, as the previous posters
have suggested, it could be any number of nutritional or emotional issues
as well.
Given your level of concern, and the fact that extreme memory loss could be
a sign of a medical problem, you should get a medical evaluation.
— SteveColarossi
March 23, 2006
Before surgery, years before I started to have issues with memory problems
and was putting myself through school. I literally thought I was going
crazy. At one point I stopped going to school because I couldn't
concentrate for the life of me. I continued to seek help in finding out
what was going on and was diagnosed with clinical depression once I
followed the doctor and therapists advise things turned around immediately.
This was me, and I had a lot of other symptoms of depression that I didn't
realize were symptoms until diagnosis and treatment. By the time, I was
diagnosed I was contemplating suicide. By all means get a work up because
it could be lead to something serious. I was on medication for approx. 13
years and since surgery and an 85 lb. weight loss I have discontinued them
and feel like the person I used to be years ago. Since I am on top of the
symptoms and made my doctor's aware of the surgery they said to call if
they return and a prescription will be called in to get back into
treatment. Don't wait to get a work up............
— 1968 Loser
March 23, 2006
I am 34 years old, and 4 years out as well. I too have noticed a problem
finding words at times, and problems with concentration, but I never
thought about it being related to the surgery. I am finishing a master's
degree right now, and I do have to spend a little more time concentrating
on the material, but I can do it. This is really interesting that you
posted this question - I think what the others are saying have some merit,
but I wonder if there are other factors?
— raye
March 23, 2006
There was a study in the UK on Alzheimer's patients for the effectiveness
of a new drug. The study had to be terminated part way through because it
was discovered that many of the patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's were
actually B-12 deficient and didn't have Alzheimer's at all. This shows
that B-12 does have a big impact on memory. I'm not saying this is your
problem, but I would definately get with your doctor and talk about your
memory problems.
— RebeccaP
March 23, 2006
Definatly see your Primary Doctor. I had the same problem 9 months post
gastric bypass. My doctor did some research and found that it was caused
from an anti-depressant (wellbutrin) that he had me on. He said it was a
rare side effect of the medication. He took me off the med and soon after I
was back to normal with my memory. Jen
— imgabbie
March 23, 2006
B-12 Plays a BIG BIG part in your memory. Just a little explanation. Your
stomach produces what they call Interistic factor. Interistic factor helps
the body break down B-12. With our stomach being reduced to more than 1/2
of its size the Interistic factor is comprimised, therefore B-12 can not be
processed as efficiently. I would check with your Dr. and have a blood
Pannel done. Hope this explained a little better... Your WLS Friend Jo
Michalko
— Jo_Michalko
March 23, 2006
Low thyroid can affect memory, until I was diagnosed with Hashimotos, my
memory loss was impacting my job.
Have blood work done.
Take Care
MaryLyn
— Kriola
March 23, 2006
I have the same thing it's bad I am 37 and almost 3 yrs. out. I was told
lack of sleep, and lack of food & I do low carbs. I don't really know
but if you find out let me know :)
— Janine Greenwood
March 23, 2006
Because of the malabsorptive component of your surgery (RNY and DS), you
need to have your blood tested to find out what's missing and then consult
with a nutritionist to figure out how to fix it. (It would be best to find
a nutritionist who works with WLS patients.) Everyone malabsorbs
differently so you may or may not need what the next patient needs. You
HAVE to get to your doctor and find out! It's probably just a matter or
tweeking your supplements. Good luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
March 24, 2006
I'm a lot older than you and I have not had surgery yet and its a concern
for me. I have asked my drs about it. They put me on thyroid, hormones,
diabetes medicines. I used to be good with words, but about 2 years ago, I
could not think of them. I did take wellbutrin for maybe a couple of years.
I dont know if my memory problems started before or after I stopped taking
it. I also have lost at least half of my hair.
— geneswife
March 24, 2006
I will support what some other posters are saying about the low B12 levels
being related to memory function. I have seen reports on some of the
studies that are being done. Definitely have your blood work done - ask to
have a complete panel on all the levels of B vitamins, if possible.
— Carlita
March 24, 2006
I'm with the B12 gang, BUT many of us with really excellent levels (not
just "fine") still have trouble focusing. You could also look at
B1 (thiamin), since we actually have our own SPECIALLY named deficiency:
bariatric beri beri, associated with it. But again, where us long termers
gather (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG), those of us who have
excellent levels of both (not marginal) and never had any deficiencies,
still have sleep and focus issues. I often wonder what they will find on
this in the future. Since there isn't much even OUT THERE on issues past 5
yrs, I'm following this with great interest (when I can focus! lol). If
it's nutritional, is it a deficiency we have not found (so cannot
compensate for)? Or is it something to do with the vagal nerve? Or one of
the chemicals in the stomach (like intrinsic factor) that can no longer
mate with its dietary source? My head has been chasing this around for
about 2 yrs. When I can remember (sigh)
— vitalady
March 26, 2006
This just screams at me that your blood levels aren't right. When was the
last time you had blood work done? I would be willing to bet that you are
deficient in something. Don't wait!!! I waited over two years to go in
for my annual exam and have any kind of bloodwork done and I was so anemic
I needed blood transfusions!!! I am slowly climbing out of my hole but it
will take a while. Hang in there.
— rinnchris
March 28, 2006
Have you had your levels checked lately? I have had problems with this off
and on and it is due to low levels of folic acid. BTW, I am 3 years
post-op.
— dl_roark
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