Question:
How do you keep your potasium level up?

I had my surgery 6/16 and have lost 27 lbs. However, at my post op doc appt they found my potasium level dangerously low. You should be at a minimum of 3.5, and I have a level of only 2.2. They admited me to the hospital, again... : ( I am now out w/ a level of 3.6. I know that bananas have potasium. But what other foods have potasium in them so I do not have to go back to the world of doctors, nurses, and wearing that nasty gown again. Also, I have just moved on to the world of pureed foods. :) This is a joy, since I have been so sick and tired of just liquids. Any ideas for me besides mashed potatoes, applesauce, yogurt, etc..... Thanks in advance!    — K D S. (posted on July 5, 2003)

July 5, 2003
From http://alternativehealing.org/food_high_in_potassium.htm <p> HIGH potassium (more than 225 milligrams per serving) <p> Apricots, avocado, banana, cantaloupe, fish, honeydew, kiwi, lima beans, meat, milk, oranges and orange juice, potatoes (can be reduced to moderate by soaking peeled, sliced potatoes overnight before cooking), poultry, prunes, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, vegetable juice, winter squash, yams. <p> MODERATE potassium (125 - 225 mg per serving) <p> Apple juice, asparagus, beets, blackberries, broccoli, carrots, cherries, corn, eggplant, grapefruit, green peas, loose-leaf lettuce, mushrooms, fresh onions, peach, pears, pineapple, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, summer squash, including zucchini, tangerines, watermelon <p> LOW potassium (less than 125 mg per serving) <p> Apples, bell peppers, blueberries, cabbage, cranberries, cranberry juice, young cucumber, fruit cocktail, grapes, green beans, iceberg lettuce, canned mandarin oranges, mushrooms, peaches, canned, fresh pineapple, plums <p> One serving is 1/2 a cup.
   — John Rushton

July 5, 2003
My surgeon told me that if we are low on potassium, we should take a potassium pill - that we can't eat enough food to raise it. Talk to your doctor.
   — Patty_Butler

July 5, 2003
My surgeon has given me a perscription for Potassium, 10 meq with instruction to take one twice a day. I've learned to put out all my vitamins in the morning when I take my first ones, then with working 3-11 shift, I carry a little tupperware thingy that holds medications in my pocket. I take it to work with me or with me when I'm not working, thay way I don't forget to take the potassium.
   — Frossie D.

July 5, 2003
I was in the ER a few times having potassium by IV as mine dropped dangerously too. I got a couple different scripts for potassium, but they never helped. Come to find out they were TIME RELEASE. Finally got a script that is'nt and it helps. However they are big pills. :( Anyway, here is the information: KLOR-CON M20 TAB UPSHIRE-SM QTY 30. These help. Thankfully, after about 6 months post op, my potassium seemed to not drop so much. (But I'm extremly careful in hot weather as it seems to drop faster then). However, should I get numbness in my hands, or fingers (which soon moves to my head, face, chest and stomach areas) then I know it is dropping and I quickly take one or two pills. OJ is good to drink then too. Anyway, these potassium pills (to my knowledge) are NOT time release. They have helped me. Also someone mentioned the No Salt. I have some, but it is'nt made by Mortons. In my opinion it tastes terrible, however I use it some. (Should use it more- lol). Often I put it in Chili or spicy foods as I don't taste it in them. It's another good way to add some potassium.
   — Danmark

July 5, 2003
mine was low also and my pcp Rx MICRO-K 10 MEQ CR caps. They are big but the pharmicist said I could open them and add them to something and swollow them but not to chew. Im due to get my levels checked this week, So I hope their ok.
   — wizz46

July 5, 2003
My surgeon put me on potassium while in the hospital after surgery. I'm surprised that yours didn't. You can't eat enough to keep it up.
   — Delores S.

July 6, 2003
I also take the Klor-con tablets. My potassium bottomed out following surgery and I have taken these ever since. My doctor agrees that most posties with potassium problems can't eat enough potassium to keep us healthy. As potassium is one of the minerals that help to regulate your heart beat, it is very important to keep it in a normal range. Talk to your doctor about this. It is nothing to mess with. Best of luck.
   — Pam S.

July 6, 2003
About the 3rd week after surgery, I learned that my potassium was low (so was my energy). I started drinking 6oz of Low-Sodium V-8 juice every other day, after 4 days my potassium level was back to normal and I felt a whole lot better.
   — M B.