Question:
I'M A LITTLE OVER 4 MONTHS POST OP FRM OPEN RNY AND

I'VE STARTED GETTING DIZZY THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS WHEN I STAND UP OR TURN AROUND ETC. I HAVE LOST 55 PDS AND SOMEONE SUGGESTED MAYBE I'M NOT EATING ENOUGH. I'VE BEEN A SLOW LOSER (STARTED OUT AS A "LIGHTWEIGHT") COULD YOU PLEASE COMMENT ON THE AMT I'M EATING. FOR BREAKFAST I'LL HAVE 4-5 BITES OF SCRAMBLED EGGS AND ONE PIECE OF BACON. FOR LUNCH I'LL HAVE 6-7 BITES OF SALAD AND FOR DINNER A FEW BITES OF MEAT (MAINLY CHICKEN) OR ABOUT 1/2 CUP OF REFRIED BEANS W/CHEESE (AND THIS IS ALMOST EVERYDAY) DOES THIS SOUND ABOUT RIGHT?    — sandy V. (posted on June 26, 2003)

June 26, 2003
I am noticing dizzy spells also. I am 3 1/2 months post lap rny and eating a little less than you, but still regularly. Could this be a deficiency?
   — Carly B.

June 26, 2003
Are you on blood pressure meds? If so, you may need your dosage adjusted.
   — mom2jtx3

June 26, 2003
Hi, seems like you are not getting enough protein, do you have any protein with your salad?
   — Kriola

June 26, 2003
Water? Low water intake can make you feel like a wet rag. I did not see where in your day your protien supplement, vites & calcium are? We had such a different plan. We ate 1-2 oz every 2 hrs or so to keep blood sugars & appetite level. Might be the starve & stuff method is harder on the whole system?
   — vitalady

June 26, 2003
My Surgeon told all of her patients to watch for dizzy spells and let her know if we were having them so she could see why. She explained that there are many reasons you could have these, a big one is not enough fluids. Low blood sugar or even low blood pressure could also be the problem. We all grew up with people recommending that we "eat more" if we didn't feel well. I wouldn't eat more until I checked with the Doc. I just started my 4th month and you are eating more volume than I am, but everyone is different. I started at 283. According to my doc I am a slow loser, I am down to 238. I had dizzy spells last month and we learned that my blood pressure went down and my BP meds needed to be stopped.
   — M B.

June 26, 2003
You are not getting enough protein. Add a protein supplement mid morning and mid afternoon. A third one late in the day wouldn't hurt either. Looks like you need more water too. This will help keep your blood sugar steady and also jump start your weight loss. I don't think you are getting enough nutrition, period. Good luck! hugs, Ann rny 9/10/99 260/124
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 26, 2003
I wish I could give you an answer on this. I too was a lightweight (277, 43BMI). I am about 4 months and one week out, have lost 63lbs, but I do get dizzy if I am doing work in the yard (especially standing up after kneeling), hard exercising, and sometimes when driving I get spacey. I am going to ask my surgeon tomorrow. I will email you with what he says.
   — Carla M.

June 26, 2003
I forgot to comment that i am eating slightly more than you ( I probably get maybe 400 more calories a day than you)
   — Carla M.

June 26, 2003
I am 8 months post op and have been experiencing dizziness and weakness also. I eat about 800-900 calories per day on most days. I eat mostly fruit, cottage cheese, salads with chicken. I have found that I must eat often during the day to keep from experiencing weakness or dizziness. That is what I was told to do by Bariatric Treatment Centers where I had my surgery & I had stopped doing that because I rarely get hungry. I started doing it again and it works. It is something to do with your blood sugar getting to low and by eating 6-8 times a day (just little healthy snacks, like raisins, fruit, triscuit crackers, pretzels, etc) it REALLY helps keep your blood sugar levels normal. Hope this helps.
   — Peggy B

June 26, 2003
I dont know what causes this; cause i am over 2 1/2 years post and certain 'EAT' more than enough; and I still get them. I dont belive its food related. My bp is normal. everthing is 'normal' except low iron. Ive just come to the concusion its 'rny' related... I know about 3 or 4 people in our support group that has it too
   — star .

June 26, 2003
I just went to my PCP this wee because I feel like I am living in a dizzy spell. I am almost 9 months out. I started at 236 and I am currently at 156. His conclusion is that I am malnutrioned and dehydrated. I vomit a lot! Daily as a matter of fact! I think it is from all the ulcer meds so I agree with the dehydration. But is I am starving as he put it wouldn't I have lost more weight?!? He ran labs so it will be interesting to see if they support his theory.
   — Kristi T.

June 26, 2003
I have no idea if your dizziness is food related, therefore, it would probably be best for you to see your doctor!!! However, from what you listed that you are eating, it does not sound like you are getting nearly enough protein in everyday.
   — Ceil G.

June 27, 2003
Hi. Be sure to get your blood pressure checked. If you are on blood pressure meds, you may be experiencing "orthostatic hypotension"..which means your blood pressure drops when you rise from a sitting or lying position. It may be time to come off your meds, or at least get them adjusted! By all means, see your doctor about the episodes!
   — Linda S.

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