Lightheaded and Dizzy

[kellyw74 258]

Ever since surgery, May 9th, I experience lightheadness when I standup. I have been told this is normal and not to worry. I usually just stand still until the feeling passes and then carry on with what I am doing. I feel it the most when I get up in the morning and when I get up too fast. My dr. has a name for it, but I don't remember.

Well, today, just about 20 minutes ago, I got up off the couch from a sitting position to go get my Calcet chew off the bar. I felt that way when I got half way there and kinda shut my eyes and woke up on the floor to my husband asking me what was going on!?!?!?! I passed out I guess and hit my head really hard and now I have a headache!!

I have never passed out before from this and it was scary!! Should I be worried???

Thanks!

Kelly

[Raine 170]

Yes! Call your doc first thing Kelly. Are you on any BP meds? If so that may be the cause, low blood pressure. Please be careful and keep us updated.

[MeMeMEEE 206]

Yes, if you are on any meds that are for blood pressure or if they lower you blood pressure that could be a big cause!!

[kellyw74 258]

I was taken off my blood pressure meds a week after surgery, so about 4 months ago. I vagely remember being told in my orientation with Kaiser that this could happen, so I don't know if I should be worried or not.

They talk about the dizziness a lot and how you feel lightheaded upon standing, but that was just too weird for me and I don't want it to happen in public!! I would be mortified!!!!

Kelly

[Raine 170]

I think it happens to everyone in the begininning because of the limited food and calories but I have not read where someone passes out due to dizziness this far out. I could be wrong, but err on the side of caution, call your doc as soon as you can, especially since you passed out. Hope you feel better, Kelly. (((Hugs)))

[kellyw74 258]

Yeah, I am going to email my dr. and surgeon. They are off today because of the holiday, but hopefully, they will get back with me tomorrow.

I also am anemic and don't know if this has anything to do with it or not, but I will keep you posted on what they say!

Kelly

I think it happens to everyone in the begininning because of the limited food and calories but I have not read where someone passes out due to dizziness this far out. I could be wrong, but err on the side of caution, call your doc as soon as you can, especially since you passed out. Hope you feel better, Kelly. (((Hugs)))

[nowatgoal 77]

With the limited calories and salt intake, my blood pressure has dropped drastically and now I am very dizzy when I stand (everything goes black and I have to wait a minute till my sight clears). I usually get up very slowly and hold on to something and wait for it to pass. I have been trying to add salt to my diet here and there. There have been a few times that I have felt my knees starting to give out. I'll be curious to hear what your doctor tells you about it. Maybe you could pass the information along.

[kellyw74 258]

That is exactly how I feel and it is exactly like I can't see. Everything is dark, but usually just for a second and then I am fine. This time was different tho and I went down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will definatly let you all know what my dr. says. I just sent him an email and he is really good about answering within a day. So, I will update here when I get a response.

Kelly

With the limited calories and salt intake, my blood pressure has dropped drastically and now I am very dizzy when I stand (everything goes black and I have to wait a minute till my sight clears). I usually get up very slowly and hold on to something and wait for it to pass. I have been trying to add salt to my diet here and there. There have been a few times that I have felt my knees starting to give out. I'll be curious to hear what your doctor tells you about it. Maybe you could pass the information along.

[phillygirl 1]

Yes, call your doctor to make sure everything is fine.... leave a message on their answering service if that will make you feel better. I was getting dizzy when I stood up and it still happens, sometimes. My doctor told me that I needed to add some salt to my diet. It has helped a lot.

[Dawn 16]

I have actually been expereinceing this myself lately and I'm 9 months post-op. I just had labs pulled the other day so we'll see if it's anything there but my doc sure didn't seem to worried about it but it concerns me. I haven't actually passed out though and with that I would make sure you talk to the doc again! Good Luck!

[meggspeggs 0]

Anemia can definitely cause this...

[kellyw74 258]

So, I just heard from my dr. about this and this is what he said:

Usually this light headedness/faintness improves over time as your body adjusts to your new weights.

I suggest making certain you change position and posture slowly, especially early in the day.

I would also break up your exercise routine into shorter times for now and concentrate on staying hydrated. I don't think your blood count is necessarily causing or contributing to this.

So, I guess I will just get up slower, exercise shorter and drink more!! YAY!

Kelly

[nowatgoal 77]

Thank you for posting this, Kelly! My exercise routine doesn't involve much at this point (I'm exhausted by the time I walk out the door to the street) but this is all good to remember. I hope you are feeling better soon!

[lsereno 2,525]

Kelly,

Tiffykins has the same problem. The fancy name is Orthostatic hypotension. It's pretty common after WLS, but I think it's always best to check with your Dr. anyway. Glad you got the all clear from your Dr. !

Lynda

[kellyw74 258]

Thanks Lynda! That is what I was told it was called back in my visit a few months ago, but I couldn't remember the name of it.

I feel better knowing that I am o.k. and that hopefully it will go away soon! That is scary stuff!!

Kelly

Kelly,

Tiffykins has the same problem. The fancy name is Orthostatic hypotension. It's pretty common after WLS, but I think it's always best to check with your Dr. anyway. Glad you got the all clear from your Dr. !

Lynda