dizzyness

Hi,
I had my RNY on 5/27/09 and my gall bladder out on 7/15/09 and I am doing great with both surgeries.  I have  COPD/emphasema/and had borderline high blood pressure but my PCP didn't want to start meds for it prior to surgery, hoping surgery would take care of that.

Well, now I have been started on BP meds, and they are controlling my blood pressure well.  I get VERY dizzy upon standing, and this has been happening even BEFORE I started this medication.  I was just at my surgeon's office on Tuesday and saw the nut and exercise phy., I told both of them about the dizzyness.....and they said to stand up slower.

Has anyone else had this problem and any Ideas as what can be the cause.  I get at least 80gr of protein daily and at least 64oz fluids.  Most time s when I stand up, it actually feels like the room is getting dark and spinning.

I just called my PCP and left a message for her.  I'm afraid I'm gonna pass out and hurt myself one of these times....

Oh, I am also getting iron infusions weekly, had 2 and 3 more to go.

Thanks for listening...

jamie

Oh I remember those days!!

I had the same issues with getting dizzy when standing up.  I was told it was likely due to not getting in enough fluids.  I swore up and down that I was, but I increased and it seemed to go away.

This is what helped me.  Try getting in more water/fluids.  It should go away.  For me to this day if I get up too fast and have not had enough fluids, I still get a little dizzy, but it passes quickly.

I hope that this helps.

Michael.

thanks Michael, I will be like you and swear I'm getting in enough fluids, but I will try increasing them and see if that helps.

thanks,
jamie

 There are several things it could be related to and very poor on the part of your surgeon's office to not check it out. It could be any one or a combination of the following, in addition to something else, but more than likely one of the following and here is the list.

• Dehydration (common in RNY patients) especially with the heat and exercise

• Imbalance of your electrolytes - can be check with blood tests (also common in RNY patients)

• Drop in blood pressure, due to medication or other issue

• Medication

• Inner ear problem

• Iron deficiency anemia  (dizziness is a symptom of this too)

But like you've done, I'd recommend seeing your PCP, if your surgeon isn't going to be proactive and make sure everything is ok. I have had some dizziness myself and it's tended to be more towards dehydration. I've found if I'm bent over and stand up real quick  get dizzy and almost pass out. Like your surgeon's staff has said, until they figure out why and address it, be careful and use caution when standing up.

Good luck and let us know what they find out.

Hi Kenny,

Like I told Michael, I will try increasing my fluids, although I think I'm getting in plenty LOL.  I am being treated with IV Iron Infusions for anemia...so maybe that is it.

I will increase my fluids and see what my PCP recommends.

thanks,
jamie

This is from "Living After WLS Library":

Since weight loss surgery why do I get dizzy so often?

 Many gastric bypass and gastric lap-band patients report frequent spells of dizziness. In general they are using the word dizzy to describe everything from feeling faint or lightheaded to feeling weak or unsteady.

Research indicates a state of chemical imbalance can lead to temporary bouts of dizziness. When a bariatric patient feels dizzy it could very well be related to the restricted diet. Most commonly going too long between meals or not drinking enough water causes bariatric patients to become dizzy or have a mild electrolyte imbalance. Many patients self-treat dizziness by drinking water or little sips of a sports drink such as Gatorade.

Dizziness may occur when too much time passes between meals, or as an early warning sign of dehydration. Lack of food or loss of bodily fluid interrupts the body’s physiological process; the electrolytes get out of balance.

Rule #2: Drink lots of water

Potassium, sodium and chlorine are the three dominant electrolytes in the human body. Beneath our conscious awareness the electrolytes are very busy jumping in and out of cells making it possible for nerve impulses to travel from one nerve cell to the next. When we are eating correctly, staying hydrated and pursuing a healthy lifestyle it is likely the electrolytes will stay balanced and we can enjoy a dizzy-free existence.

thanks for the reply Bob. 

Increasing fluids seems to be indicated by everyone, so I will definately try that.  I will also try to increase my actual food intake, as most of my protein comes from my protein drinks, and I don't eat much food due to it not settleing well, and vomiting.  I usually eat a salad with beans/eggs or something...but I cannot tolerate meats other than shrimp, everything else comes up. 

Thanks again I'll let ya'll know what my pcp does.

jamie

Jamie,

I went thru that too....I'm sorry to hear that....

And believe it or not, i have had to practice getting up a little slower! lol it sounds weird but it works!

Also, keeping up more with my fluids has helped, too.

I wouldn't hesitate to call Krystal back!

So, do you still have the dizzyness if you don't get up like you practiced?  That is crazy.  I will call Krystal if my PCP can't get to the bottom of this.

Thanks,
jamie

Hello Jamie, We met at the support meeting at Fort Sanders pre-op.( I was the only Bander there)  I've been wondering how you are doing. The only info I have is that blood pressure either high or low can cause dizzyness so be careful and get to the bottom of the problem. Take care.
Lin