Question:
Could being dizzy be caused by surgery?
I am 5 1/2 months post op, down 114 pounds. I have recently in the past few weeks been getting dizzy several times throughout the day. I sometimes have to stop and hold on to something to stop from falling. I just get really light headed. I feel like I am eating enough and at last check all my bloodwork was ok, but that was a couple months ago. Do you think this is related to the surgery. I see my surgeon in a couple weeks, but thought if someone else had gone through this I could give him that info. He is fairly new to this. Thanks in advance. — tulagirl (posted on January 7, 2003)
January 6, 2003
If you're not dumping from eating too much sweets or carbs, then it sounds
like it could be low blood sugar. Find someone with a Glucometer and test
your blood sugar before meals. If it is under 70, or if this doesn't clear
up soon, tell your surgeon.
— thumpiez
January 6, 2003
You definitely should call your PCP, but have you checked your blood
pressure? Low blood pressure can make you dizzy, too.
— Carolyn I.
January 6, 2003
Are you dizzy at any particular times? I am a pre op and I get dizzy
frequently when I stand up quickly. My dr said it is related to my blood
pressure medicine. If it is when you get up, try getting up slower and
stand still for a couple of seconds before you move. If that helps it
might be related to you blood pressure trying to adapt to your new weight.
By all means call your doctor, but try this if you get dizzy after standing
up.
— Karen G.
January 6, 2003
It sure is related to surgery. I never had this problem until after WLS.
I've complained to my doctor (not surgeon). I've had blood tests and my
blood pressure is rather low. No one knows what is causing this. So far
I've been able to keep from passing out. But one of these days.... I expect
I'll wink out. I have no idea what will happen then. Do you quit
breathing... or wake in an ambelance? I don't know and really don't want
to. But this happens alot and has only been since WLS. It does'nt get any
better ether.
— Danmark
January 6, 2003
Dehydration can do it too. Make sure you're getting in enough fluids. The
rapid weightloss does it too. I had a procedure done at 7 months post-op
and did the prep the night before and passed out. Consult your doctor in
the meantime too, can't hurt.
— Cinna G.
January 6, 2003
Wow, have I had a problem with this from time to time. My doctor told me
he thought it was low blood pressure, although mine's always normal in his
office. I notice that now that my weight has leveled off (only lost 3
pounds in the last month) I haven't felt it much at all.
— Michael N.
January 6, 2003
It happens to me ALL the time too. I called my DR and they told me it was
either low blood pressure or not enough water. There's not a lot that can
be done about it. He said it is very common in WLS patients. I guess we
eventually get over it. I have passed out once from it, for about 3
seconds. Otherwise, I have to stop and hold on to something until I get my
bearings straight again. Although it's not pleasant, I'm not sure there's a
lot that can be done about it. If you find something else out, let me know!
— Robby E.
January 6, 2003
Have your iron checked again too (plus everything else, just in case). It
could be low blood pressure, low blood surgar, or anemia - I get dizzy when
my iron levels are low. Good luck!!
— Patricia E.
January 6, 2003
I have been having dizzy spells too. I have lost 145 pounds in 8 months.
My doctor ran some test on me and found that I have Mei`ne`rs disease. He
thinks that because of having a major surgery and having a rapid weightloss
triggered it. He said there is no cure for it but they are trying
medication to make the dizzy spells less severe. The medicine helps a
little. In time it can go away on its own. I sure hope it does! God bless
you and I will pray for you. Lots of love and hugs, Amy
— Amy H.
January 7, 2003
I could have written this entry. I did actually pass out and hit the floor.
I went to my PCP and had a ct, ekg, eeg, holter monitor, labs, and an
echocardiagram. I was terrified I had a brain tumor, some type of epilepsy,
could it be hypoglycemia(though I get dizzy when I am eating sometimes).
Every test came back as normal. My PCP said that is must just be orthostatic hypotension. I have noticed
that it seems to be worse when I am exceptionally tired or when I have been
bending over. I feel so relieved to know that this apparently is a common
thing after wls.
— denaa
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