Debra G

In my last blog today I mention that I had a very low level of Potassium and was put into the hospital thinking I was having a heart attack. Come to find out it was Potassium Deficiency. So I did some reading on this and this is what I found out about it. What is Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia)? A medical condition in which our body fails to retain minimum necessary amount of Potassium required for its day to day functioning is called as Potassium deficiency or hypokalemia. Potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) can be fatal at times if not taken care of. A person may also develop Potassium deficiency due to extra excretion of Potassium or lower quantity of Potassium in daily diet. Here is a link to find out what foods has some or a lot of Potassium in them. High Potassium Foods Summary Table From the USDA Nutrient Database http://www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/food/potassium-foods.htm To read more about this subject, go to my earlier blog today entitled "Low Potassium Danger!" or see my blog called "Life After LAP-BAND" http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/

You are so right 1019Joanne. I never gave this a second though befor this happen to me. The link in this post I will be useing alot for now on. To have a daily intake of Potassium Foods. I will keep a very close eye on this for now on..

Yes I was thinking that very same thing Heather89. I will now make sure that I get enough potassium in me daily.

Thank you imaluckydog. For your kind wishes. All the best to you too.

You are most welcome sandradee0124. BON APPETITE! Take care all the best to you.

I have been doing very well with my weight loss - lost 102 pounds so far. I am working out - exercising so I can decrease the amount of extra skin sagging - so I try very hard to stay on track. However, for a few days, now I have been feeling a little weak and not quite myself. Friday morning, I was into my usual routine - I had just gotten dressed for the day, and I was going to walk my dog.Then I began to get some pains in my chest - at first I did not think much about it, until it started radiating down my left arm - my arm and fingers began to get numb. I sat down to relax, but the pain stayed with me for 10-15 minutes. After the pain passed, I took my dog out for a walk, but I still did not feel quite like myself so I came back home. About an hour later I went to the store, but the pain started again and I drove myself to the hospital emergency room - I thought I was having a heart attack. I was examined, and they admitted me to the hospital for tests. They found that my potassium level was way too low. It should have been 3.5 - mine was 2.5. So they gave me some potassium - I could not take the pills, of course, because they were too big for my LAP-BAND® to permit. The other choice was by IV, but I was told by both the doctors and the nurses that this would be very uncomfortable because it would burn. So I asked them if there were a 3rd choice, liquid, and they said yes. So I started taking this liquid potassium, which also burned going down and tasted terrible. I asked my doctor why the potassium level was so low, and what caused the problem that brought me into the hospital. He does not believe I had a heart attack, and he began telling me why potassium levels go down. As he was talking, a light bulb went off, and I realized what was happening. He mentioned that not enough food as well as vomiting could cause this potassium deficiency and numbness in the arm. I have been throwing up when I eat something that does not agree with my band, so this seems to be the problem. Also, I'm not eating enough food. All the tests I took in the hospital came back negative for a heart problem, fortunately. The answer for me is to increase my potassium intake - unfortunately, I hate bananas and orange juice does not agree with me because of the acid. So, I started my first banana in the hospital - making that face that children make when eating something they hate, and I ate 1/2! YEA! LOL. I ate 1/2 not because that was all I could eat, but because it was all I could stand! YUK. So what I am trying to say here is if anyone out there is throwing up a lot, and also not eating enough, have your potassium level checked. Potassium is called Natural Diuretic as it easily gets absorbed by our body and almost 85-90% of it is excreted from our bowels and kidneys (urine). Because of its alkaline property, it is a very important mineral which helps our body system to maintain of pH level balanced and also to maintain proper level of water inside body. The most important function of Potassium in human body is to keep blood pressure under control and help in intra-cellular nutrient transfer. It also helps in keeping acne, some type of allergies, fatigue, kidney stones etc. problems at bay. It is very important to take healthy and Potassium rich diet everyday in order to keep our body functioning properly and feel healthy. I'm ok - this is something I will have to deal with - I will start eating yucky banannas and drink diluted orange juice. Maybe one day bananas will grow on me and I will be able to tell you I love them.

Congrats on your 20 pounds lost Bklynike. You are doing great.. In know time you will be in your new tops. Plus with all your weight lost you will need new clothes every 2 months. And you are not going to feel nothing more then a tiny prick from the needle for your fill. It is so worth it... LOVE IT!

Thank you marw. Am sending out a link for all to have about the food list.

Yes this is a very seriou thing finallyncontrol. I had no idea until my hospital stay. You take care of your self, and eat lots of potassium rich foods..

You are so right anglov. Am Now sending a link with a list of foods that has some or alot of Potassium in them. Seeing How I do recipe of the day here every day. But yes you are 100% right on your list. Thank you so very much.. All the best to you...

Make your own protein drink this way you know what is going in and you can add all the things you like. Or try these, Boost -High protein, Pure Protein, or the Drug Store brand of protein shake. Good luck to you..

You very welcome suthrndelite. All the best to you have a wonderful day.

Delicious Mexican Fish Baja Tacos. A Easy Mexican Recipe for your next party. Share them with your friends and family they will thank you.. ENJOY! Makes 4 servings Active Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes 382 Calories Per Serving (382 for 2 tacos) Note: Recipe serving size is two tacos per person. CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/

This Asian inspire dish is a favorite in my home, make it a favorite in yours too. So rich in flavor and taste. I some times leave out the Bok Choy and substitute it for rice. ( Bok Choy may not work with everyones band so becareful pick around it or just leave it out.) ENJOY! Makes 4 servings Active Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes 363 Calories Per Serving CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:cool2: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/

Thank you sandradee0124. And you to, have a wonderful day. BON APPETITE

Want a new way to have a BLT. This healthy salad has it all, taste, flavor, and low in calories and easy to make. ENJOY! Makes 4 servings Active Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes 218 Calories Per Serving CHECK OUT MY BOLG FOR THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/

You are going to love this journey.. A whole new world is waiting for you.. Congrats and best wishes..

Great post. Keep up all the wonderful work. LOVE IT!

CONGRATS ON YOUR DEAL.. Hope it goes well. And yes the movie popcorn smell so much better. Am going to see that movie this weekend, good to know someone that saw it.. CLOSE THAT Commercial Real Estate Deal, it's a new you out there. LOVE IT!

You are doing so well, keep up all the great work.. CONGRATS. ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS

Congrats on second runner maggs79. That is something to be very proud of for sure am so happy for you. And have a safe drive and have as much fun as you can moving. Good luck . LOVE IT!

CONGRATS ON YOUR 14 LBS LOST. Way to go.. LOVE IT!

Hello AndreaKoontz. Wow you can eat bread and it does not swell up in your band lucky you smiles. Congrats on your 30 lbs lost great job. keep up the good work. LOVE IT!

Another guilt free dessert only 164 calories per slice. Looking for a nice dessert on a hot summer's day, I have just the one for you. Strawberry Cheesecake No-Baking will help keep your kitchen cool-no oven is needed. This cheesecake will be a big hit at your dinner partys, or outdoor Bar-BQ's. I am sure your friends and family will love it too. ENJOY! Makes 12 slices Active Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes 164 Calories Per Serving CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/

You are rockin your new look Bklynike. You look wonderful. WAY TO GO. LOVE IT!