Potassium deficiency

[maggie409 765]

I am wondering if anyone has had problems with potassium deficiency? I am two weeks post.op. I have done well with my Proteins (getting 60-90 per day), getting liquids in (getting 70-90 oz a day). I take all of my supplements (which obviously don't include potassium). Since starting full liquids and adding creamed Soups to my diet I am getting between 600-850 calories per day. I am healing well and no nausea. However, I have been very weak and no energy to walk or do much. In the evenings I have heart palpitations. I noticed on MyFitnessPal that I am only getting between 550-850 mg per day in potassium and wondering if it could be a deficiency. I read that the average person should get around 4700 mg per day. Has anyone else experienced this issue?

[roundisashape 712]

I worried about that too, especially with some leg heaviness. The surgeon's office doesn't seem terribly concerned about it, though. I was about 5 months out when I talked to my PCP and she suggested adding a small orange or banana or some kind of fruit every day since potassium supplements can be hard on the tummy. I do eat a piece of fruit every day now, and still come nowhere near the level we're supposed to hit, but I feel better. You're still so early out, that won't work for you and it might not be what's happening anyway.

It's worth asking to be tested when you go in for your next round of labs just to see how it shakes out. In the meantime, bring up those palpitations - it could be just about anything, and if it's something bad you want to know earlier rather than later. It's PROBABLY not a big deal, but better safe than sorry!

FWIW, I had them really badly before surgery. None of the testing they put me through was painful, except where the lady pushed the doppler wand too hard. That, and the insurance not covering the monitor they had me wear for a month, lol. Mine wound up being mostly anxiety related and resolved with a low dose SSRI.

[Djmohr 6,965]

I was originally shocked at how long they waited before doing labs post surgery to check for deficiencies but my surgeons office kept reassuring me that it would take some time before your body actually depleted the sources you already had prior to surgery. I thought they were a little crazy but went with the plan.

When they checked am. My labs at 6 months post op, everything was perfect! I was shocked and so happy and of course it helped me to provide even more trust to my team.

I will say that my nut requires a very balanced diet where some push Protein and veggies only with no fruits. Mine has had me eating fruit since week 4 as a part of my diet. Some nuts will say eat all your Protein first and then if there is room have veggies and fruit. Mine has drilled it into my head that I should have 2 bites of protein then 1 bite of fruit or vegetables.

I have had some recent spine surgery with complications and of course being a bariatric patient the first thing they check is your Vitamin levels, potassium and electylights. All my labs at nine months post op are perfect still. My diet was impacted by my spine surgery (I have a hard time swallowing). My bariatric team will monitor my labs a little more closely and has asked to see me more often.

Stick to your plan and follow up with your bariatric team if you are worried. But it sounds like you are doing terrific on your protein intake already.

It just takes a while to get your energy back WLS. For me I was feeling pretty much myself by week 8. Prior to that, I was still taking naps and had low energy.

Good luck!

[maggie409 765]

Thanks for the responses! I sent an email to my NUT. I will stop worrying

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

My potassium was normal for my pre-op bloodwork and I had my first labs 6 weeks post op. I never tracked my potassium since I was on multi-Vitamins 2x's a day during that period. However my bloodwork had been normal for potassium. If you are concerned check your multi and/or call your nutritionist. chances are you are getting enough in through other means.

FYI- If you are concerned but don't want the added sugar that comes with bananas (or like me hate them) try coconut Water. It's high in potassium and more natural than gatorade.

[pink dahlia 2,513]

I just recently started having horrible muscle cramps, for no reason other than I have a hard time getting in my Water. I was lucky if I could get a 32 oz,of water plus 1-2 cups of tea a day. I started taking Potassium pills from the drugstore (for cramps) and added coconut water or a low cal Gatorade every day. No more cramps ! (midnight ! sleeping ! During exercise class !) The bonus ? I have lots more energy now ! Dont know why, but Im not complaining !!! Maybe talk to your Nut. ? Good luck !!

[maggie409 765]

Well I think I have found a solution. I bought a can of large butter Beans and puréed them. 1/2 a cup has 360 mg of potassium and 5 gr of Protein and 100 calories. It will definitely help.