Light headed EVERY time I stand up,

PS0705
on 8/26/16 8:13 am
VSG on 08/04/16

It's been getting worse since I had my surgery 3 weeks ago.  I've lost 22 pounds since my pre-op appointment (about a month).

These past few days, I can't go from reaching over to pick up something to standing back up without getting light headed, feeling dizzy, and sometimes needing to hang on to something because I feel like I will pass out.

I've always had low blood pressure and this used to be an occasional issue way back when I was normal weight in my 20's and 30's.

Does anyone else have this? Is it temporary?

Thanks 

Kudzu
on 8/26/16 8:28 am
VSG on 07/28/16

It IS temporary. I had it severely for about 3 weeks post VSG. Our caloric intake has been severely reduced, plus we have just gone through major surgery. Check your blood pressure. I had to cut my meds in half. This week, I feel much better. Hang in there. Drink, drink, drink. 

White Dove
on 8/26/16 8:39 am - Warren, OH

Your heart is a pump and had to work harder when you weighed more.  Now when you are sitting or lying down the blood will pool in your legs.

Before standing up or bending over pump your legs a few times to get the blood moving towards your head.

This is scary, but temporary.

Real life begins where your comfort zone ends

rachelp
on 8/26/16 8:51 am
VSG on 08/01/16

I was lightheaded on my pre-op liquid diet. It was such a drop in calories for me. I would feel my leg muscles seizing up while walking. It's so much better now!

Sleeved 8/1/16

HW 285 / SW 276 / GW 160

 

 

supershopper
on 8/26/16 9:12 am

I only get light headed now when I take yoga class and do quick upward moves. I'm 8 months out

HW 305 SW 278 Surgery weight 225 GW 160 LW: 118.8

RNY 12/15/2015,

GB removal 09/2016,

Twisted bowel/hernia repair 08/2017

M1 Dec 2015-13.0, M2-7.0, M3-14.5, M4-9.4, M5-7.1, M6 9.8, M7-7.6 ,M8- 7.6, M-9 5.5, M10-6.4, M11- 2.2, M12 Dec 2016- 5.8

emelar
on 8/26/16 9:52 am - TX
Ladytazz
on 8/27/16 12:59 am

I have very low blood pressure and for a long time I would get dizzy when I got up quickly.  Fortunately that hasn't happened for a while so it must have been some kind of adjusting thing.

WLS 10/28/2002 Revision 7/23/2010

High Weight  (2002) 240 Revision Weight (2010) 220 Current Weight 115.

Grim_Traveller
on 8/27/16 6:36 am
RNY on 08/21/12

As emelar said, it's orthostatic hypotension, also called positional hypotension. It's very common. Mine lasted several months.

It's easy to see if it's this or something else. They test you by taking your BP lying down, then right after sitting up, then right after standing.

If you are on any BP meds at all, look into getting off them. Ask your doctor.

You need to drink more. No matter how many ounces you are getting, double it. Get more electrolytes. Powerade Zero is good for that. Get more salt in your diet. And make sure you stand very slowly.

6'3" tall, male.

Highest weight was 475. RNY on 08/21/12. Current weight: 198.

M1 -24; M2 -21; M3 -19; M4 -21; M5 -13; M6 -21; M7 -10; M8 -16; M9 -10; M10 -8; M11 -6; M12 -5.

(deactivated member)
on 8/29/16 5:19 pm

It's common and can occur at different points in your weight loss journey. I had it pretty bad from 8 to 12 months out, and more recently at about 20 months.

You should:

  • Sit up, stand slowly and give your body a chance to adjust.
  • Drink more fluids
  • Increase salt
  • Monitor blood pressure

I would worry about it, just take some basic precautions and see your cardiologists if it becomes severe (highly unlikely).

tinacristina
on 9/5/16 8:21 am

Make sure you are well hydrated and taking your B12..Dehydration or low b12 can cause dizziness and low blood pressure. 

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