passing out / carbs,protein and calorie amounts

Hi All I called my Dr.'s office today. I explained the episode that I had with passing out. I also let them know what I was eating and how I was trying to break the plateau that I was on. They are sending me tomorrow to confirm what they believe it is, but they told me that it was because my sodium level was to low. One of the things that sodium is used for in the body is to balance and stabilize your blood pressure. Your blood pressure if to low can cause you to pass out. When you lose a lot of weight quickly i.e. the 6 lbs. I lost this week, the fat you are losing is literally peed out. In that fluid is also the sodium. If it is not replaced this can cause an imbalance and down you will go. I actually had a problem with this about 4 months out and was told to add sodium to my diet. Although I never passed out that time, only felt dizzy. Ok ha ha I guess you do have to tell me twice. I am not likely to forget again after butting heads with the wall. I fought the wall and the wall won. I also asked them about how much protein/carb/calories I should be eating. I was told that I needed to have 60+ grams of protein and 64 + oz of water. After watching the protein first, I don't really need to keep track of the carbs and calories for 2 reasons. 1. after eating all the protein I will not feel as hungry and 2. As long as 60+ grams of protein is consumed a day the body will know that it has what it needs and will not go into starvation mode. I will still try to watch my carbs and keep them low, but it is nice not to worry about the calories. If the protein and carbs are low I shouldn't be getting out of control with my calories. I will give it a try starting tomorrow to see how it goes. I did so well the first week of the challenge and lost 6 lbs. initially, adding back in 2lbs after upping my carbs yesterday. I want to get rid of the last 23 lbs. and get to my goal weight!! I hope this helps someone if they are having a similar experience. As always check with your own Dr. as well since they have you on a particular program and know you much better. Take care, Tara Surgery 04/18/05 289/173/150

Tara, Keep us posted after your test. It makes sence to me what they say. See you lighter. Joanne

Hi Tara I hope you feel better and thanks for the info. hugs from down under Helen

Tara - If you find out it is sodium consider taking a couple grains of sea salt and adding it to your water. I do this when I've done a lot of cardio. That or I do some watered down gatorade.

Thanks Stacey, those are two very good ideas. Thanks for your help! Tara surgery 4/18/05 289/173/150