Triglycerides up 5 months post-op?

[gpmed 623]

I just completed a biometric screening for work and while almost all of my numbers are trending down, my triglycerides are up to 172, which is borderline high according to the mayo Clinic website. When they were last tested in June 2014, they were at 115, which is in normal range. I'm really surprised to see this increase because at five months post-op I've lost close to 70 pounds. I've been following the diet and exercising more. I haven't stalled, so things seem to be "working."

I'm posting to see if anyone has any insight into this? Is there a reason a person's triglycerides might increase after surgery?

I have, of course, contacted my surgeon's office as well as my PCP. I'm waiting for answers and want to see, in the mean time, if you all have any helpful info.

[Waler 330]

well try to keep in mind genetics can play a part in cholesterol. That being said if it is not genetic perhaps take a look at the Protein or other supplements, some are high in cholesterol. If it is something that runs in your family weight and exercise my not be enough to help you manage it.

[amazon 579]

My lipids went a little crazy, that is up, during my first 6 months of weight loss. My statin was actually increased.

Then it came down and my levels are the best they've ever been. Especially my triglycerides. They've never been better.

Unless you can attribute it to your diet, I think it could be like other things we may store in our fat. For me, once I got rid of most of the weight, those stores were gone.

[James Marusek 5,244]

It might be due to your carbohydrate intake after surgery. You might be reducing your fatty acids but not your triglycerides if your body is producing too much glycerol. Glycerol is produced from carbohydrates. http://www.zoeharcombe.com/the-knowledge/weight-gain-is-about-fat-stored/

[needtorecover 574]

My partner is roughly 75 pounds lighter than me and she did an employee health screening (we get $100 just to participate). Her cholesterol came back as off the charts - literally, and her triglycerides were in the 300's. She was freaking out and the nurse who took her blood told her to make an appointment right away.

Well, she had a re-do and all her numbers came back perfect. There was something very wonky about that test. I'd encourage you to get a second opinion from your PCP.

[gpmed 623]

@@needtorecover Thanks for the info! When you guys did your screening, did they take your blood from a finger stick and run it in a little machine? That's the first time I've ever had a biometric screening done that way, so I wonder if it could have anything to do with the method.

[needtorecover 574]

@@needtorecover Thanks for the info! When you guys did your screening, did they take your blood from a finger stick and run it in a little machine? That's the first time I've ever had a biometric screening done that way, so I wonder if it could have anything to do with the method.

Yes, it was the finger stick test. I think it must be inaccurate because my numbers were abnormally high as well. Not as severe as my partner's but enough that it made me nervous since the results boosted me from "borderline" to "high." I plan to get my numbers re-tested sometime this summer at my doctor's office!

[gpmed 623]

@@needtorecover Good to know! Maybe my doctor can order a repeat with a regular blood draw.

[gpmed 623]

Update: I heard back from my surgeon, who said he suspects it's related to the weight loss. He asked me to remind him to recheck it at my next appointment, so I'll see how things look then. Thanks everyone for your replies and insight!

[HanSolo1977 261]

My partner is roughly 75 pounds lighter than me and she did an employee health screening (we get $100 just to participate). Her cholesterol came back as off the charts - literally, and her triglycerides were in the 300's. She was freaking out and the nurse who took her blood told her to make an appointment right away.

Well, she had a re-do and all her numbers came back perfect. There was something very wonky about that test. I'd encourage you to get a second opinion from your PCP.

This. My workplace also does the biometric screenings and if anything doesn't match what my PCP is telling me, I call in and get a test scheduled. Mobile labs are notorious for being inaccurate.

[DaisyAmy 561]

I was hoping my triglycerides would be under control (2 months out) and I could get off the Lipitor, but no luck. They have come down, but still higher than normal. ::sad trombone::

Edited February 20, 2016 by DaisyAmy