feeling faint

I am 3 days out of the VSG surgery and just took my first shower alone, before I could even finish washing my hair I started to feel like I was going to faint. Now I am no stranger to fainting spells as I have PCOS and I have a tendency for my blood sugar to run a little low due to the overproduction of insulin. But usually, when I recognized my sugar is low I eat two crackers and a half a slice of cheese that is enough of a balance between protein and carbs to bring my sugar back to normal. Only three days out of surgery I'm still on the liquid diet and I don't know what to do. Has anyone else had this problem? I hate the feeling of passing out in general, but the idea of falling down while I have glue holding my incisions together scares the bajeezes out of me.

I'm hoping to hear from someone who went thru this... it is all so new and exciting and scary.

Thanks,
S

It's normal to feel faint after major surgery. Slow down. Take a bath.

Can't take a bath - too soon out!

Make sure you are getting in all your fluids - that can really impact your dizziness.  If it keeps up, call your surgeon.  

Take a plastic lawn chair in the shower and sit for the shower for safety if you need to. (Unless you have one of those handy dandy shower chairs!)

Take it easy!

 

If you feel it is your blood sugar that is low... Drink juice. Just a little to get your levels back up. Orange juice is the best option. But any 100% juice will do. 

For the first few days after surgery I didn't feel strong enough to get in the shower on my own.  I settled for sponge baths, and had my mother wash my hair for me in the kitchen sink (it felt heavenly!).  I was about a week out before I felt I could tackle the shower. 

Take it slow, your body has just been through a lot!

I experienced the same issue after my surgery.  I had no energy for a good month, and taking showers as it was kicked my butt for the longest time.  But then feeling dizzy on top of it?  No fun.  I learned to shower real quick, and made sure I never did while I was home along...just in case.

I had the exact same issue after surgery. Lasted about a week, to be honest. I ended up sitting on the side of the tub (shower/tub combo) to rinse my hair! Take it easy. You're taking SO few calories that you are bound to be weak. 

I'm 5 days out from surgery and I sit in the shower with a handle shower head. Take it easy. It hurts to do anything I get queasy, dizzy doing anything. Good luck to ya

If I remember correctly, my doctor suggested drinking Propel water or G2 Gatorade that has just a little bit of sugar in it if you have problems with dizziness or weakness from low blood sugar. You could also use some diluted juice, but I was on clear liquids for 10 days after surgery so I would suggest diluted apple juice, cranberry or white grape juice instead of orange juice this early out.

Thanks everyone, I feel better knowing that other people have the same problem and this isn't just me. This group is a lifesaver.