Strange dizzy spells

[Mly 15]

I was sleeved on 8/10/2017. I’m getting pretty close to 4 months out now. Recently (the last few weeks) I’ve been experiencing some worrying symptoms.

I’ve been having these strange dizzy/faint-feeling spells that come on for no rhyme or reason. I was shopping in the mall with my sister last weekend and felt a “spell” come on and had to quickly find a seat. My hearing seemed to “go” a little bit - everything sounded a bit muffled or distant. But no ringing like it does when you’re about to pass out.

My vision seems to be affected also. Like it seems like I’m watching what’s going on from a tv screen. That’s the best way I can describe it. Paired with a little loss of attention and I think you can understand why I’m concerned. It’s effecting my day to day functions.

I’ve been hoping the symptoms would subside but they seem to be worsening so of course I’ll be calling my doctor tomorrow. What I’m asking is: has anyone experienced this before? What was it and did it go away?

Thank you!

Sleeved 8/10/2017

SW: 292

CW: 236

[lindabalseca 373]

I've had similar issues...the dizzy spells and my vision...it's weird it's like I have to focus before it's clear kinda like when u take pictures and u wait for it to focus...I go to the dr on the 7th of December I'm going to ask then...possibly dehydration for the dizziness

[Mly 15]

Yes that’s exactly what it’s like for me too! I have an appointment with my GP Dec 7th also I’m going to ask him to do some blood work and see what that answers...if you find anything out I would appreciate an update!

[Gen17 92]

The same happened to me just the other day and I had my surgery 8/8/2017. I do to the doctor's December 11th and will have blood work too. I upped my Water intake a lot over the past few days and have been trying to eat more. I feel a bit better and haven't had a spell since-so I am thinking if was dehydrated related (I religiously take my vitamins.)

[BigViffer 3,544]

This sounds a lot like hypoglycemia or hypotension syncope. If you had high blood sugars or blood pressure pre-op it is not uncommon to go the other way post op. Happened to me.

[Mly 15]

This sounds a lot like hypoglycemia or hypotension syncope. If you had high blood sugars or blood pressure pre-op it is not uncommon to go the other way post op. Happened to me.

Yes, I was wondering if it had something to do with BP. I always ran low even before surgery (~90/50). So I guess that’s a possibility also! Did it go away for you as time progressed or did you have to intervene in some way?

[BigViffer 3,544]

I had to increase my sodium intake. You could have knocked me over with a feather when my doctor told me that. Since I was 13 I have had high blood pressure and made it a habit to avoid salt. Now I have to use it on food to keep from falling over! I still love the fact that I am off both BP meds and metformin. Totally worth the trade off.

[mylighthouse 782]

1 hour ago, BigViffer said:

This sounds a lot like hypoglycemia or hypotension syncope. If you had high blood sugars or blood pressure pre-op it is not uncommon to go the other way post op. Happened to me.

Agree. Not uncommon to go the other way at all. High blood pressure for years, but, since 6 months post op, low BP and have been experiencing dizzy spells for the past 6 months. I am making an effort to add salt to my food, but I don't always do it. Perhaps if I could remember to increase my sodium intake, it would help with the dizzy spells.

[imadethelist 226]

Same happened to me. I believe it was because at the time I wasn’t yet getting in all my Protein and calorie intake was only about 400-600 cal per day. Both not enough.

To resolve I focused on increasing my protein and it brought calories up some too. Which seem to resolve it. But I’m no Dr... always safe to ask your Dr.

[Berry78 4,261]

I've been having a lot of problems with suspected orthostatic hypotension lately. When I stand up, things go dim and I'm a bit light headed.. but after about 5-10 seconds it gets better. I know to go get a big drink when it happens. Preop I had high blood pressure. Not sure what it's running now. (I'm not on meds anymore).

In the past I've had that "tv screen" vision happen.. I don't know what caused it, but it happened in a place like a mall. A lot of walking and visual stimulus.

I have a checkup this week, so I'll let y'all know if I find out anything.

[Mly 15]

It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one this has happened to! I got blood work done this week and have a checkup with my primary, so I’ll have the opportunity to discuss it with him. [emoji16] it’s been a better week. berry, I noticed that it happens more when I’m in a busy place. Rarely at home. So odd!

[Berry78 4,261]

StartingFresh, you may want to get your thyroid levels checked. Hyperthyroidism can cause sweating and anxiety. (Many of us are on thyroid medications for low-thyroid levels, but with weight loss, we need to adjust our dose.) Even if you aren't on thyroid meds, it's worth taking a look.

[BigViffer 3,544]

Hmmm, changes within the inner ear would account for the dizziness, but not for the darkening of vision while standing. That is almost always related to blood pressure. Either hypo or hypertension can cause vision issues like the ones described.

[BigViffer 3,544]

I have always had high BP, that is until this surgery. It seems surreal to me that my doctor now tells me I need to start salting my food. It's amazing how quickly I feel better after salt hits the blood stream! Does an increase of sodium affect you that way?

[Mly 15]

This is me exactly! My doctor said not to worry, that sometimes upon losing weight there can be changes in the inner ear structure (we lose supporting fat or something like that) that with time should normalize.
It's been 6 months since my surgery. I drink plenty of Water and eat really well, but I get the dimming and slight dizziness pretty much EVERY time I get up ... Hope it goes away soon, is a health hazard because I keep forgetting.

I’m glad to hear that it should normalize! I went and saw my GP last week and we discussed my labs. I thought I had to be Vitamin deficient because it was the only explanation to me. Everything looked great except for folate and B12 was slightly low but I’m fixing that.

After a physical exam he said something along the lines of he thinks I have Fluid in my ears and it could be vertigo brought on by allergies. Gave me Flonase. He also wanted to rule out hypoglycemia, so I got a glucometer and am supposed to test whenever I feel weird but so far I have been normal.

So far feeling slightly better. I think I may be giving myself anxiety attacks also because I’m so scared I’ll pass out in front of everyone (like at the mall) so that probably further exacerbated things. [emoji23]