Question:
Which vitamin/mineral am I missing?????

For the last three days, I've been having dizzy spells-- there were two times yesterday when I stood up quickly, then woke up on the floor. I don't know if I'm passing out, or just getting dizzy and falling-- this is all new to me. I'm assuming that this isn't normal (call me Nancy Drew), so I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of which vitamin/mineral I might be deficient in? (I'm still taking the Flintstones chewables; I'm two months out, but can't swallow pills yet.) Thanks for your help!    — Stephanie M. (posted on May 10, 2004)

May 9, 2004
this is normal , its not a vitamin issue !!!! relax, it will pass, i promise, i talked to my personal doc, i had been on 4 different hbp meds pre op, so i was concerned that perhaps with my loss, i was getting too much meds, but my PCP, who also has 2 other post op rny patients besides me , told me this is a normal stage, he said , after my next menses it will subside, but in the meantime, if its seriously annoying, for a little while, eat some peanuts, or something a little high in salt, that will slightly elevate your bp , and help a bit on the dizziness , and he told me it would pass in a week or so and sure enough , it did, ! so , call your PCP, if youre really worried, otherwise, realize the dizzy spells will pass Good luck , and congrats ! Beth
   — bethlaf

May 9, 2004
I had the same problem about a month ago 9 months post op. Went to see my Dr. he told me it will pass. It has to do with losing the weight quickly and our bodies trying to catch up. He said our hearts are use to going uphill not going downhill.meaning not having to work as hard. It is very scary not knowing what is going on. It will pass but when in doubt call your DR. Coral Erwin/July 2003 315/175
   — Coral E.

May 9, 2004
I belive its a side effect of the RNY. Im over 3 threes post and still 'get dizzy' when I stand up. and my labs are normal.
   — star .

May 10, 2004
I'm almost 14 months post op. I still have this problem. I've always had a problem with low blood pressure, it's just gotten a bit worse since surgery. I believe it's a very normal thing for us post ops. My blood work is has been normal, therefore I don't believe it's a vitamin/mineral thing. If you have questions, I'd ask your doctor.
   — Renee B.

May 10, 2004
Please go see your PCP. While it may be somewhat common, based on the responses... You're right- it's not "normal" to be falling down when you get up. It's also not safe! Low blood pressure should be looked into by a professional, not self diagnosed. There may be something your PCP can do to help. Good luck to you.
   — LMCLILLY

May 10, 2004
I fainted once and had a bucnh of dizzy spells early on. My doc said it is common w/ quick weightloss. Good old fashoned H20 cured it.
   — mrsmyranow

May 10, 2004
Just the Flintstones are not enough, though they are a good base upon which to build a program. You might keep track of the incidents and take note for your doc. Are you looking at low blood sugar? Low BP? Or the iron & B12 issues? You need some calcium citrate, but doubt that has anything to do with this issue.
   — vitalady

May 11, 2004
Thanks, everyone! I saw my doc today, and was d/xed with low blood pressure-- just like y'all suggested (they did the lying-sitting-standing BPs, and it went from 112/76 to about 100/60). She's also running some labs to make sure that I'm not anemic or deficient in anything. Whee. So for the first time in my life, I've been told to eat more salt. :) That would've been great pre-op, but since my main staple right now seems to be Cream of Wheat, how icky does that sound??? :)
   — Stephanie M.