Question:
Anyone have severe dizzyness, fainting, lightheaded episodes?
I am almost 4 months out, and lately I have had severe episodes of being dizzy, lightheaded. Some times fainting. A lot of times I would fall if I don't grab on to something or someone. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I know its not dehydration, I get anywhere from 80-100oz a day of water. — justbecause916 (posted on May 14, 2007)
May 14, 2007
You tend to be weak the first couple of months. I even felt dizzy and weak
after my first year. Take it easy and don't over do it.
— lavonya25
May 14, 2007
PLEASE tell me you have spoken to/seen a doctor about this. Because a
quick reminder - we aren't doctors here. Fainting and the type of
dizziness you're describing is NOT NORMAL. How much protein are you
getting in each day? The absolute bare minimum is 40-50 grams. If you
can't do it with food, then supplement. I make fruit smoothies for
breakfast and add protein powder. Some people eat protein bars. I would
suggest browsing www.bariatriceating.com. I know it's hard to change your
thinking after surgery because for most of us, prior to surgery, we lost
weight by starving ourselves. But post-op - you have to eat! You have to
take your vitamins too. Vits are non-negotiable and are for life. Please
call your doctor ASAP - you need labs drawn because you sound like you
could be severely anemic or something. Best wishes, Sarah in VA
— platypus
May 14, 2007
Yes, (I am one and a half months post op) lightheaded only TWICE and it
wasn't but for 2 seconds and it wasn't to the point of fainting! Go to yr
doc ASAP! Yours is NOT normal.
— crystalsno
May 14, 2007
Sounds like low blood sugar level to me. I have it now that I don't have
diabetes anymore. Everything you mentioned sounds like what I have. Of
course you did not mention anxiety which I feel as well when having a
hypoglocemic attack. Best Wishes, you can reach me at [email protected] if
you want to chat. Hugs Mickey..................
— MCraig3
May 14, 2007
You know, I have the same issues and I am almost 2 years post-op. I
fainted in the hospital 1 year post-op, after having major back surgery.
However, I was having dizzy spells months before that. I have had blood
taken every month and I am perfectly healthy. I just deal with them. Some
times I do find that if I eat a bit more sugar then I am fine. Let me know
if you find anything else out.
Malena 329/148 (2lbs below goal)
— *Malena* M.
May 14, 2007
This past Friday and other times I get these feelings of being off balance
-- freaky feeling. But no fainting -- watch the amount of intake of water
too -- that can do you just as much harm as not enough.
— the7thdean
May 14, 2007
I would check with your PCP or surgeon first and foremost. I am 3 months
tomorrow and there are times I am dizzy; sometimes I can be sitting and
feel like the world is spinning or moving under me. I had my 3-month
bloodwork done and I am PERFECT!! I have cataloged the last few episodes
and I think it is has to do with low blood sugar. Good luck.
— jammerz
May 14, 2007
check your blood pressure. I had the same thing for months and finally I
saw my doctor. I was having episodes of SYNCOPE, which is when everything
would turn black when I stood up from sitting at my desk. I was often very
lightheaded and dizzy as well. I learned that my blood pressure had
dropped significantly, to 65/45, called HYPOTENSION.. I saw a cardiologist
and he said, EAT MORE SALT. But I wouldnt recommend it until you see your
doctor. Go to the drug store or fire department and get your blood
pressure taken. It is actually a sign of longevity. I didn't start having
it until after my surgery. Pre-op, my blood pressure ran about 120/80.
Now, normally it is 90/60 and I am 6+ years post-op. Good luck!
— JGDugar
May 14, 2007
call and make an appt with your surgeon. The symptoms that you are
describing are NOT normal, as was said already. It could be several
things... it could be low blood sugar, it could be thyroid problems, it
could be anemia.... you need to get some blood work done.. be assertive and
don't take an answer of "this is normal and it will get better"
it isn't normal and could get worse.... be well... call your MD
— Kari_K
May 14, 2007
Im 4 months out and I experience dizzyness and lightheaded. Sometimes I
have to grab something in order not to fall. I have never faint. I think
you need to call your doctor and see what they say. The fainting dont
sound good.
— barfiep01
May 15, 2007
Hi! I am 4 years out but what comes to mind is perhaps your blood pressure
dropping and/or sometimes getting up to fast will cause this as well. If
this continues though I would get in touch with your physician for advice.
— Deborah F.
May 15, 2007
I agree with the go to the doctor for help. I am over 3 years post op and
we found out last year that my body does not hold onto the water I drink.
i was drinking 80- 100 oz a day, but my body was not keeping it in my
system. I had a lot of the same symptoms. I had to take a test called the
tilt table test and and it was positive. I cannot remember the name of the
condition because it is a very long name, but the cardiologist who gave it
to me said that it can be common in people post bariatric surgery, even
though no on I talked to had ever heard of it. I have to increase the salt
in my diet, drink plenty of water of course and cut out caffeine. I was
already doing the water and caffeine part. I ended up on pills called
flourinef to keep sodium in my body since I could not eat enough. I do not
like salt much at all. So please go see your Dr. These symptoms are
common for a couple different issues, like anemia also. If you ever have
any questions, please feel free to email me.
Anjonette
— AjAngelll
May 21, 2007
Get a blood test done. Thyroid included. Test iron....I had the same
probelm. My iron level kept going up and down. Your body is telling you
something.
— Oldsoul
May 29, 2007
I am almost 5 years out now and still have this trouble. What I have found
is that it is due to sugar lows. Usually after I have eaten something that
spikes my sugar up it then slams me down so very very hard. I have passed
out, I usually roll sweat and get all shaky and quite disoriented. After
it is over I then freeze to death. I have to use milk to bring it up but
when they happened in the beginning and I couldnt drink milk I used some
sort of ensure or something like that. Good luck to you!!!!
— peggster
June 7, 2007
Since WLS I have this problem. Sometimes my blood pressure has actually
been 80/40! So when I get up and my blood pressure drops I immediatly sit
down if I can. If I can not then I lean against the wall and drop my head
as low as I can. You need to get blood back in your head as soon as you
can. That is if you have the problem I have. ;) PS. I'm six years out and
still have this happen sometimes.
— Kittypup
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