Question:
Any other post-ops having a problem with your sense of balance?

I'm alittle over 9 weeks post-op (distal RNY) and I'm STILL having a problem with my sence of balance. Usually it happens when I get up to fast or change direction suddenly when I'm walking. Then I sort of start falling to one side & I have to grab onto something like a wall to prevent from falling. Occasionally I'll get this feeling of a loss of balance, or unsteadiness, when I'm standing still. It's kind of like dizziness. I know that balance is controlled in the ears, so maybe the problem lies there. OR, is this a lingering side effect of the surgery? If so, when will this go back to normal?! It's kind of embarassing when I loose my balance in public. People are probably wondering what I REALLY have in my water bottle!!!    — lalasmommy (posted on July 25, 2001)

July 25, 2001
I don't know if it's from the surgery or not. I have very similar symptoms, but I had them prior to surgery. However, the syptoms seem to have worsened since my surgery (Lap RNY). I have seen a neurologist for this, but he couldn't seem to find anything wrong. I'm getting frustrated, becuse I'll just be walking down a hallway or doen the street and I'll suddenly have to grab onto something or someone to keep from falling. It sometimes seems like some invisible person pushes me while I'm walking. If you find out anything, keep us posted. Maria
   — Maria H.

July 25, 2001
I have read that b-12 could be the problem. Are you taking your b-12? My dr.recommends b-12 dots you put under your tongue, I notice when I forget these I have some balance problems.
   — [Anonymous]

July 25, 2001
Hi,You might have an ear- infection!I Have had 2 surgery's in the past few years,i got an ear- infection after each one.My daughter has had 22 operations.She has gotten an ear infecton after each surgery.It is worth checking into.Do your ears itch,hurt,feel pluged,have discharge,or lots of extra wax??I would get them checked:)
   — Wendy M.

July 25, 2001
Yes, we noticed that, too! It seems to be as we lose, we lose a hunk here, a hunk there. The weight is literally shifting from day to day! Is it any wonder we are off balance? And as we get closer & closer to goal wt, your "problem area" will become more pronounced. In my case, all of me got pretty small except my tummy, which was still enormous. And not just dangly, but sticky-outy! After my TT, it was better, but still took me awhile to adjust to THAT weight distribution! Kinda exciting when you think about it, huh?
   — vitalady

July 26, 2001
This is very likely from low blood pressure. Does it feel like the blood is ruching to your head? Worse if you squat or lean over? You will adjust in a few weeks. If you take BP meds, see your docotr ASAP, but don't stop them on your own.
   — M. A. B.