CindyLS's Journal

My Story:

I've been very sick the last few weeks and I know it's my fault for not following the vitamin regeim that is prescribed for WLS patients.   For those of you that have followed my journal, you'll know that in the beginning I had some minor complications and had to have 2 EGDs to stretch the opening between my pouch and intestine.   The blockages were caused by scar tissue from the surgery.  Because of these blockages, literally everything I put in my mouth, including my vitamins, made me sick.   Even after the blockage was opened, I was afraid to eat... afraid of getting sick again and vomitting until my nose blead. 

Well...... 6 months post op and 120 lbs lighter, I've developed a rare side effect caused by vitamin definency.  The parts of my body that still have major fatty areas (thighs, butt, stomach, under arms) are numb.  My feet and legs have hardly any mobility.   I can't walk or stand from a sitting position without assistance.  I can't shower or go to the toilet without assistance.

My GBS ran all kinds of tests and other than low vitamin B, he said all other levels were low but "within range".   He referred me to a Cardio Pulminary Critical Care specialist who took one look at me and referred me to a Neurologist.   The Neurologist read all the reports from the other doctors and did a few small tests and determined that it was a VITAMIN DEFIENCY that was causing my problems.   Basically, the lack of vitamins is causing my bodily functions to shut down. 

They put me on a strict vitamin regeim and basically doubled my vitamin intake knowing that not all the vitamins will be absorbed, but hoping to get my levels at normal range the quickest way possible.    It's been one week since I saw the Neurologist, and I'm now doing a little better.   I'm taking my vitamins now and eating better.  Thank you God for my parents that are preparing special meals for me, making sure I'm taking my vitamins, and making me walk and excerise as much as possible.  The good news is that this is reversable and I will get my mobility back, the bad news is that it will take just as long to get back to normal as it did for me to get where I'm at.... about 6 months.

The moral to my story:  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take your vitamins!  Even if your not eating what you should be, your vitamins are a must!