Question:
Dizziness

Hi, I am 8 months post-op, and recently when I stand up suddenly, or even if I am standing, I have been getting dizzy spells. [Yes, I am blond. LOL].I am due to get my bloodwork done soon, however I am wondering what is causing this ? If it is low blood pressure what can be done to correct it ? I take all of my vitamins, and I eat very well. I drink all the water required. HELP.    — Sherry S. (posted on September 25, 2002)

September 25, 2002
I would get my blood pressure checked if I were you. That is definitely a symptom of low blood pressure. A member of my surgeon's support group suffered from it for several weeks and he told her to up her exercise as much as possible to raise it. If you blood pressure is normal, I would ask your doctor. You could have something wrong with your middle or inner ear.
   — Patty_Butler

September 25, 2002
Dizziness could also be a sign of dehydration. Increasing your water usually helps :-)
   — thumpiez

September 25, 2002
I had a similar problem last month, I went to my PCP and was told it could be an inner ear infection, lack of iron/low blood pressure or dehydration. My bloodwork came out normal and my bp was fine so they chalked it up to dehydration. Since i have had a cup of water by the bed at night and sip before falling asleep or if i wake up at night, this seems to have helped, the problem went away.
   — Tammy N.

September 25, 2002
Same here! 8 months out and all of a sudden I got the serious dizzies. I know that I drink enough water and my Dr. checked my blood and my blood pressure and I'm cool there. She thought that it might just be my body trying to get used to this skinnier body and not sure what it's supposed to be doing. She said to give it a couple of months. I haven't blacked out or fallen or anything so I'm not too freaked out. Good luck!
   — Carolynn J.

September 25, 2002
I was getting dizzy spells also but mine I believe was because my body was in starvation mode. I was only taking in about 400 calories. Since I have increased my calories between 400 - 700 I don't get them anymore. Plus I wasn't taking my iron pill. Good Luck on journey.
   — Chris9672

September 25, 2002
I was having the same problem.. I was even getting dizzy sitting down and my doctor did blood work and it ended up being my sugar level. It was only 49 so now I make sure to drink a glass or two of some kind of juice, mostly orange juice. This may help you.
   — Brandy H.

September 25, 2002
Hi There! I had the same problem from about month 6 to month 10.5. Everytime I got up quick, bent over, anything I was dizzy. I drink plenty of water, and my bp was excellent, all my blood work was great and my sugar was normal. So what was it? My PCP was stumped and now almost 12 months out it is gone....very strange!
   — Alli B.

September 25, 2002
Sherrie, I was having that same problem I am now 9 months post op, my dr orderd some blood work and also a gloclose tolerence test, which revieled that I have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), I have to eat every couple of hours to help it. You may want to mention to your dr on that one. Good luck
   — Deanna Wise

September 25, 2002
you most likely have what is called orthostatic hypotention. It is generally caused from a decreased fluid level. But here is the kicker....the more water/fluids you drink, the more you will lose. Try upping your salt intake just a little. It will help your body hold more fluid and stop this dizziness. Also, have your doc check you out. There could be other issues.
   — Vicki L.

September 26, 2002
Are you confusing "lightheadedness" with "dizy"? Since my WLS (almost 17 months ago) I get lightheaded when I get up quick. Lightheaded to the point that I see stars and feel as if I'm going to pass out. It does'nt get any better and no one knows why. However my blood pressure keeps getting lower. A few days ago, my doctor is NOW GETTING CONCERNED. I asked what they do for low blood pressure. She said there is'nt anything???? My blood pressure used to be around 139/96-102. Now it's 90/60. Anyway, I'm guessing it's because our blood presure drops.
   — Danmark

September 26, 2002
I'm 10 months out and have the same thing. It's low blood pressure. Sometimes I stand up and take a step and everything starts going black and I have to grab a wall to steady myself so I won't fall down. It's been happening to me since about month 5 and happens about once a week. I now try to stand up slower but occasionally I forget.
   — Patty H.

September 26, 2002
Hi, I have been going through this very thing as we speak. I have been to the dr. 3 times this week. My blood pressure has been 59/44 and my pulse rate at 38. I have been exercising a lot and it turns out I am dehydrated and my sodium is low. They said that although I am drinking a lot it isn't sufficent for the amount of execise that I am doing. I perspire a lot and my fluid out take is more than my fluid intake. When you stand up your blood goes to you feet and if your not hydrated properly it can't push the blood back up through your body giving you the dizzy feeling and can make you pass out. If you haven't been to your doctor you need to get in and have your labs taken. Dehydration can lead to your kidneys shutting down and it can throw off your electrolytes and can cause death if not taken care of. Don't want to scare anyone, but it can happen. Unfortunately I speak from experience. Anyway, get it taken care of and eveything will be fine. Take care.
   — Tracey W.

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