Question:
Getting dizzy spells

I am 7 weeks out from lap RYN and the last few days I have felt lightheaded. The last 2 days it was in the evening when I would bend over or lay down. Today it started at work after lunch. I didn't really eat anything out of the ordinary and was just sitting at my computer and started feeling it. Thankfully it wasn't to the point where I thought I would pass out. Anyone else have anything like that happen?    — juliebelle0402 (posted on November 1, 2007)

November 1, 2007
You didn't mention your fluid intake, but I had something similar happening to me and my doctor said I was dehydrated. It made sense, since I admitted I wasn't drinking but about 32 oz daily.
   — memom

November 1, 2007
Yep. Used to happen to me in the beginning. I thought it was just from lack of food. It will not last. I am 4 years post op and it has not happened since right after my surgery.
   — Carlyn M.

November 1, 2007
Unfortunately I am only getting about 32oz of fluid in. I am trying to work on it and say everyday, I WILL drink more but I get busy at work and just forget. I have also probably not been making the best food choices all the time. Today I had a chicken strip (1) BUT it was from KFC so I'm sure it was fried. SOO, I am probably doing this to myself. It may be a symptom of dumping syndrome. I didn't think about that until I was just reading up on it. Haven't had ANY problems with that so far. I guess I need to stick to grilled or baked chicken. :)
   — juliebelle0402

November 1, 2007
Yes, happened to me too about that time. I was told my iron was a little low so I started taking iron pills. Come to find out I don't need them. (i didn't need them when I was pregnant either). I had my PCP check my iron levels and they were normal, so I stopped taking my iron pills. I also increased my water intake to about 60 ounces or more at that time. It was super hard to do, but I did it and felt better within 2 days. I would most definately say you need to drink more water! If you're still worried or the dizziness won't go away, have a full and complete blood count done to check all your levels. Good luck, God bless and welcome to the losing side.
   — crystalsno

November 1, 2007
HI, IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU MIGHT BE DEHYDRATED. I'M SCHEDULED FOR RNY ON 11/9 BUT I HAVE BEEN DEHYDRATED BEFORE. I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR 3 DAYS BEFORE FROM BEING DEHYDRATED AND MY BLOOD PRESSURE DROPPING SO LOW. IF YOU ARE DEHYDRATED IT WILL DEFINATELY MAKE YOU DIZZY NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU'RE DOING. HOPE THIS HELPS. DEBI ROBINSON
   — DEBI R.

November 1, 2007
Julie, I am almost 4 years out, and I still get a little dizzy from time to time. You are only 7 weeks out, you can't be eating enough yet, and I would think hydration has more to do with this than nutrition, but it could be both. Don't try and eat a lot, but be sure your protein level is good, and bump up your drinking. I always feel like I am about 15 minutes from dehydration, especially during the summer. I have a hard time getting more than 30 oz of any fluid in each day unless I am on my treadmill. I can drink 32 oz while on my treadmill, but the rest of the day is difficult to sit and drink. Just keep working at it, and when you see those symptoms, bump up the water, and cut all other fluids. Pop and coffee/tea can't help you when you are dizzy. Also, please run this by your surgeon, you are took soon past surgery to not check in with them, even for minor things:). Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

November 2, 2007
Julie, I had the RNY done in 2003, and I too started having bouts of lightheadedness and feeling unbalanced, as if I might fall over. My doctor prescribed mecylzine, which if basically for vertigo or sea-sickness and I still take it. I have tried going without it but the feeling soon returns. Interestingly enough though, many members of my weight loss therapy group had the same sensations, while others did not. My RNY was done by Dr. James Madura of the Rush Medical Center in Chicago. He is a magician. I think you should check with your doctor about the lightheadedness. Good Luck on your journey.
   — siszsos1

November 2, 2007
I am 5 mos post lap band and had a full week of dizziness lately and my BP was down. The doc said more fluids and increase salt but I found the problem was not having breakfast of all things. I had been having enough fluids and sodium so tried eating breakfast and it stopped. Who knows what it was but that worked for me.
   — Stacey D.

November 2, 2007
For 2 days before my 1 month appointment I was feeling lightheaded and weak in the knees upon exertion. At my 1 month appontment on Wednesday my Blood pressure was was low, so my surgeon suggested I cut my B pills in half and call my PCP to have the medication adjusted or discontinued! Just cutting them in halfhas helped the problem. I am excited I may be taking one less medication very soon!
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 2, 2007
Julie, My doctor would always tell me to increase my water intake -- not just fluids; bit water and that appears to alleviate the dizziness. And when it happens to me again -- I drink water.
   — the7thdean

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