Shortness of breath after Gastric Bypass?

[violetroyalty 25]

My friend had rnY gastric bypass last week and the weather here has been really humid, she said when she goes for her short walks she's always out of breath and get a little light headed. Is this normal? She also said she hasn't been able to take in all her liquids. Could it be dehydration? Or something more serious?

[James Marusek 5,244]

My concern would be that she might be having a pulmonary embolism. Some signs of a pulmonary embolism are shortness of breath and being lightheaded. This condition is life threatening. Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) and a gastric leak from the anastomosis are the primary major complications from bariatric surgery.

http://www.acphospitalist.org/archives/2013/12/bariatric.htm

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pe/signs

[Amylou 206]

I had shortness of breath for the first week to 10 days - and I believe it was a pocket of gas sitting under my sternum. It went away during the second week of recovery.

[dhrguru 1,238]

Was she given that breathing thingy (I forget what its called) to use to help expand/exercise her lungs? And is she using it a few times a day? Your lung capacity is 'normal' right after surgery-- its important that you use that to help get your lungs back to peak functioning.

[violetroyalty 25]

Thanks guys, Yes she was given the breathing thingy, I forgot the name too, I showed her your answers and she is going to the hospital to be sure and safe, thanks again for your answers!!

[Madtownsunshine17 42]

@@violetroyalty Good to get it checked out. I hope she is ok! I had a weird sensation too, but I thought I was just being overly anxious. Mine felt like I could "hear" my heartbeat more than usual and after the stairs I had a bit of SOB. I feel fine now 13 days out, but that first week it was different. Let us know if your friend is ok!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

She needs to keep using her spirometer. It wouldn't hurt to giver her surgeon a call.

Pneumonia is a big risk with any surgery.

[violetroyalty 25]

Hello everyone, thank you for your help! My friend went to the ER and they told her everything appeared fine, I'm glad she went though and now we can be sure. Thanks again!

[Dream4tc 192]

You made me laugh haha! I knew what you meant. It's called an Incentive Spirometer. I would have been worried for PE (pulmonary embolism), usually SOB (Shortness of Breath), and chest pain are common symptoms of a PE. Pneumonia would also be a concern if presenting with cough, sputum production, fever, SOB, and weakness. Glad she was checked out and she is ok.

[violetroyalty 25]

Yes she was worried about it too but we had different surgeries so I wasn't sure how many similarities there is, I'm so thankful for this forum and everybody in it thanks!

[QuilterGal 216]

Could be a few things. Lingering fatigue. Humidity. General weakness after surgery combined with lower food (energy) intake. Not on Vitamins yet. When I went back on my vitamins, especially my B-12 and Iron, my energy levels went up significantly.