Seizures aft gastric bypass - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

melmarlem · 01-21-2009, 09:18 PM

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this site and am considering gastric bypass surgery. I have been doing a lot of research about this surgery and have stumbled upon some scary information. One thing that concerns me that I have been told is that people who were not epileptics before gastric bypass experience seizures after the surgery. Have any of you that have had gastric bypass ever experienced this? Any information related to seizures after gastric bypass would be helpful.

Phoenixfire · 01-21-2009, 09:42 PM

Welcome to the forum, the best spot on the web for WLS support!

I haven't had seizures and I have never read that it is a complication. I've been on the forum for over a year and haven't read of members having this side effect either. But if you haven't already done a search then type the word in the white box at the top and you can see if it's been something others have had or know about.

But if you can do it, then get ahold of your surgeon and go over all the potential complications postop so it can answer your worries.

A New Life · 01-21-2009, 09:52 PM

Haven't heard of that as a complication. I am almost 6 weeks out and having to problems to speak of, unless I don't chew my food well enough!

melmarlem · 01-21-2009, 09:58 PM

Thanks to both of you for your replies. I am hoping that the information I found was just "unreliable" and not fact, it sure would make me feel better!

Urbrat2 · 01-21-2009, 10:07 PM

I have not experienced any but Im only 4 months post op. I did read a post, I thinkon OH, where a girl had experienced seizures postop, but I dont know if there is a connection. Other than that post I havent heard of anyone else

Paula

MiladyB · 01-21-2009, 11:22 PM

I am almost 3 years postop and have never had any neurological complications. I have heard of the potential, though. It isn't a common complication but because of the malabsorption of certain vitamins after GBP there is that risk. Insufficient levels of Thiamine (B-1) and B-12 can cause neurological complications, seizures being one of them. So, yes the potential is there but you can decrease that potential by faithfully taking your vitamins and having your labs checked FOR LIFE! I also feel it is very important to make sure you are taking a complete vitamin that has been developed for the bariatric patient.

I also think it is important to go with a surgeon who has the classification of "A Center of Excellence". You need a surgeon who will be there for life, someone who knows bariatric patients. You need a practice that treats the WHOLE package, so to speak.

Risks are there because of the malabsorption. Those risks are real but you can do things to decrease those risks but you have to be ready to do those things for life.

Melissah · 01-22-2009, 07:17 AM

I was doing research and came upon that too. I found some stuff on sites as well as youtube....but as Milady says...taking your vitamins are important to getting your nutrients in.

Julia_N · 01-23-2009, 05:57 PM

I've read for months and have not come across any warnings about seizures. The vitamins are really important, as others have said. Lack of certain vitamins can cause odd symptoms. Be sure to take all the vitamins your doctor orders.

Julia_N · 01-23-2009, 05:58 PM

Oh, and welcome to the site! We were all new at one point.

melmarlem · 01-24-2009, 12:10 PM

Thanks to all of you for replying. The surgeon I have chosen-Dr. Schumacher is board certified and his practice has the title "Bariatric Center of Excellence", so I feel confident in chosing him. I agree that it is important to take the required vitamins...not just for a little while..but for life, and that is something that I will be committed to!