post opers, I need your input

[makemyownluck 785]

So I'm in my 2 wk preop diet, Day 5. Yesterday I started feeling lightheaded any time I stood up. Not unbearable, but noticeable. Today, that has continued and I also feel tired/sore all over. As if I exercised a lot (as in lifting weights), but I haven't had the energy to do much exercise except a few quick walks with the dogs. No weight lifting in over a week.

Now, I'm worried because I'm having these issues when I'm consuming plenty of calories and Protein. I've also been on a low carb/high protein diet for 6+ months, and "weened" myself into the liquid diet for 4 days prior to the actual start date of the liquid only diet, so this shouldn't really be some shock to my system.

Is this how I can expect to feel after I've been sleeved? How long does it last? This is starting to make me question if this is the right thing for me to do. I'm worried.

[Lissa 2,631]

My experience has been that I have tons more energy now than I ever had pre-op. That energy boost began immediately after surgery and has continued non-stop for 20+ months. I'm not sure what to attribute this to: weight loss, regularly taking Vitamins, getting enough Protein and Water, or exercise. I started walking right after surgery and have amped up my workouts continuously ever since. The pre-op diet is the absolute hardest part of this journey, IMO, at least physically. You will get through it...but it may just be a case of you "have to" do it rather than enjoying this part of the ride. Good luck!

[pantala 125]

I am a little over 3 weeks post op and I have to say the pre-op diet was the most unpleasant part of this journey so far. And I was already a lo carb eater. I would say cut back on work-outs, walking is enough for you right now. Stay hydrated.

I also experienced an energy high right after surgery until this last weekend; I worked 12 hour days last week and it just caught up with me. So post-op you will need to pay attention to your body signals. But yeah, it gets better!

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Dizzy from standing up is likely related to much lower sodium intake, typical during the preop diet....otherwise known as hell week. You will feel much better after being sleeved. For me it was the 3rd week post op, I started feeling like Superman and have felt great every since.

[makemyownluck 785]

Hell week - so appropriate. Hell twoweeks is more like it.

I appreciate the feedback. Can't wait to feel like Superwoman, Bean!

I called my PCP and I'm going to see him tomorrow afternoon just to be sure it's not my blood pressure. I am on a med and I've lost a bit of weight in the past few months, so it's possible that it's getting too low. I was doing okay with the lightheadedness over the weekend, but today at work there was about a 10-20 second period where I really felt like I was going to pass out. It was kinda scary, I won't lie.

I just really hope it's not something that will delay my surgery... but I don't know if I can deal with this for another week and a half, especially if it gets worse like it did today. Then again, if my doc tells me to stop my bp med and my bp is too high the day of surgery, that could be a problem. I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I just want to feel right.

[Butterthebean 8,146]

Hell week - so appropriate. Hell twoweeks is more like it.

I appreciate the feedback. Can't wait to feel like Superwoman' date=' Bean!

I called my PCP and I'm going to see him tomorrow afternoon just to be sure it's not my blood pressure. I am on a med and I've lost a bit of weight in the past few months, so it's possible that it's getting too low. I was doing okay with the lightheadedness over the weekend, but today at work there was about a 10-20 second period where I really felt like I was going to pass out. It was kinda scary, I won't lie.

I just really hope it's not something that will delay my surgery... but I don't know if I can deal with this for another week and a half, especially if it gets worse like it did today. Then again, if my doc tells me to stop my bp med and my bp is too high the day of surgery, that could be a problem. I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I just want to feel right. [/quote']

I should have explained in more detailed but I was on my phone and rushing....but yes, suddenly lowering your sodium CAN lower blood pressure, or cause orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up). I had this too. Went away once I started eating normally. Had it again at month 8 because I suddenly quit eating beef and my sodium went down again. Plus I had lost so much weight my BP was much lower. Now I add sodium (propel) to my Water and stand up more slowly.

Are you allowed beef broth? If so it's usually higher in sodium which may help you. Protein Shakes have very little so when we go on a straight Protein Shake diet our sodium level plummets.

But yes, get checked by your doc.