Light Headed When I Stand Up

[franfaith 23]

I am almost 3 months out and doing great. I have noticed lately that when I stand up I get a bit light headed. I am getting tons of liquids in so I know I am not dehydrated. I am still on the blood pressure meds and wonder if maybe I don't need them anymore?? I have my 3 month check up this week and will find out. I just wondered if others had had the same experience?

[Looking Ahead 239]

I had my surgery in June...I almost black out every time I stand up. Sometimes have to sit back down and start again. Not sure what it is. I had a dr appt last week and forgot to ask.

[Mensch 150]

I had the same thing. I was sleeved 8/20 and within 2 weeks I was off of 1 of my 2 blood pressure medications....I go back in 3 weeks and I hope to be reduced some more!

[elibu 17]

It could be your BP. Orthostatic hypotension can be common if you have lost a lot of weight and are still on BP meds. Make sure until you see your MD you get up slowly at first...

Wouldn't it be awesome if you were taken off your meds ; )

[Aquaman3 0]

I'm 4 months. I had the same problem! My doc lowered my blood pressure medication dose. I haven't had that problem since.

[franfaith 23]

Thanks for the input. Yes, I am hoping I will be off my BP meds!

[Happy Camper 266]

My potassium was low...you might want to also talk to doctor about your levels...stay hydrated and yes watch the BP meds.

Low Potassium (Hypokalemia) Overview copied from "emedicine", I am not a nurse or doctor:

Low potassium levels (hypokalemia), can cause weakness as cellular processes are impaired.

Potassium is a mineral (electrolyte) in the body. Almost 98% of potassium is found inside the cells. Small changes in the level of potassium that is present outside the cells can have severe effects on the heart, nerves, and muscles.

Potassium is important to maintain several bodily functions:

Muscles need potassium to contract.

The heart muscle needs potassium to beat properly and regulate blood pressure.

The kidney is the main organ that controls the balance of potassium by removing excess potassium into the urine.

When potassium levels are low (hypokalemia), you can become weak as cellular processes are impaired.

The normal potassium level is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (mEq/L stand for milliequivalents per liter of blood and this is a measure used to evaluate the level). Low potassium is defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L.

Almost one out of five people hospitalized in the United States has a low potassium level.

People with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, patients with AIDS, alcoholics, and those who have had bariatric surgery have a higher incidence of hypokalemia than others.