Is it normal to have mood swings post-metabolic surgery?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 36 and three months post-metabolic surgery. I have developed strange mood swings and difficulty concentrating at work. Could these be related to the surgery or the rapid weight loss? Also, I have noticed my hair getting thinner - will this stabilize or continue? The support group mentioned "dumping syndrome," but what exactly does this feel like? How common is this?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I understand that you are a little worried about post-bariatric surgery, which is not uncommon. Mood swings need to be assessed by a psychologist to better understand their root cause - it may or may not be related to the surgery that you have had.

As with everything else, there are side effects involved with this type of surgery as well, but the odds of it are rare. Your brittle nails and thinned-out hair may very well be a sign of nutritional deficiency. Get in touch with a qualified surgeon to discuss this in person. You may need some vitamin supplements for this. "Dumping syndrome" is the result of your body excreting out the food, without much absorbing it, as a part of your bowel has been bypassed.

I may be able to help you better if I have more of your details, like the type of metabolic surgery that you had, your pre-procedure BMI (body mass index), and your current BMI, as well as your current meds and prior comorbidities.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.