Tips for Orthostatic Hypotension/Low Blood Pressure

[sleeved102819 2]

Hello new friends!

This is so exciting to feel such support and know that I'm not alone.

I was just sleeved on 10/28 and have been having some issues - I was released on 10/31 and back in the hospital yesterday, 11/4. I feel like my body is completely shutting down. I had a really high heart rate when standing and walking and could not even brush my teeth without having to run to lay down. I have been getting my fluids (broth and water) but barely any Protein because the shakes made me sick (I started on yogurt and liquid Soups on Monday which has helped). They checked for blood clots and checked everything with my heart thinking that could be the cause of the shortness of breath, high heart rate and extreme fatigue. We concluded that my body is adjusting and my blood vessels have changed after surgery making it hard for me to retain electrolytes. My urine was clear though, so again Im not sure if I was dehydrated. Anyways, my blood pressure drops when I stand up and it's scaring me - the dr. said to drink more electrolytes, get more sodium, and wear compression socks. I'm hoping once I get on purees in a week that can help me get more nutrients in and more energy. Has anyone gone through this and have any tips? Any tips in general for helping the body to adjust? My body is in shock I think and trying to preserve energy for my big body while not eating enough food so maybe that's it.

[AZhiker 2,253]

I think it is not uncommon during the immediate post op period. I had it, as have others on this forum. You are doing all the right things. Be sure to get up very slowly - sit, then stand, then walk. It will get better. The high heart rate is from low blood pressure when you stand up. Keep up your fluids and really try to find a Protein supplement that works for you. Try mixing Protein Powder into your yogurt. Pea protein works well in Soups.

[Recidivist 1,141]

Hi, Sleeved. I had seriously low blood pressure for weeks after surgery. Like you, I got dizzy every time I stood up. I also passed out occasionally, had several seizures and ended up in the emergency room once. My surgeon and the doctor in emergency told me that I needed to get more Water. Nobody said that I needed more Protein, although I was falling short there. When I really started to focus on Fluid intake, it did improve.

[mousecat88 2,281]

10 hours ago, sleeved102819 said:

Hello new friends!

This is so exciting to feel such support and know that I'm not alone.

I was just sleeved on 10/28 and have been having some issues - I was released on 10/31 and back in the hospital yesterday, 11/4. I feel like my body is completely shutting down. I had a really high heart rate when standing and walking and could not even brush my teeth without having to run to lay down. I have been getting my fluids (broth and water) but barely any Protein because the shakes made me sick (I started on yogurt and liquid Soups on Monday which has helped). They checked for blood clots and checked everything with my heart thinking that could be the cause of the shortness of breath, high heart rate and extreme fatigue. We concluded that my body is adjusting and my blood vessels have changed after surgery making it hard for me to retain electrolytes. My urine was clear though, so again Im not sure if I was dehydrated. Anyways, my blood pressure drops when I stand up and it's scaring me - the dr. said to drink more electrolytes, get more sodium, and wear compression socks. I'm hoping once I get on purees in a week that can help me get more nutrients in and more energy. Has anyone gone through this and have any tips? Any tips in general for helping the body to adjust? My body is in shock I think and trying to preserve energy for my big body while not eating enough food so maybe that's it.

Woooo! Orthostatic hypotension! I developed it about 3 months out (found out when I passed out at work). I still have it. I was told it may never go away. For some people it is temporary. For some it stops when rapid weight loss ends. I take Midrodrine now three times a day; it is a God send. Midodrine is the only approved medicine for orthostatic hypotension. Without it, I black out constantly and have a hard time walking from jello-legs.

Edited November 6, 2019 by mousecat88

[LylaLovesCoffee 182]

Hi,

I too starting having problems with my blood pressure bottoming out on me 3 months after surgery. I was told this is normal and it will even out soon.. well it's been 2 yrs now and I'm still passing out.. I'm looking at decorative helmets to wear so I don't smack my head again. Yes I've been to the doctors.. the cardiologist has thrown up his hands with my bariatric doctor.. neither have any clue.. I'm now working with a neurologist. I personally have been doing some digging and found this:

POTS can be triggered by such as conditions as pregnancy, rapid weight loss, surgery, trauma, or a viral infection such as mononucleosis or Lyme disease. However, we don’t know why the autonomic nervous system malfunctions. Most people who experience these types of stressors do not develop POTS. http://www.lynnwebstermd.com/pots/

My heart rate speeds up to 120 to 130 bpm after standing up from a resting heart rate of 50 to 60 bpm. I'm trying to get my neurologist to give me a tilt table test to either rule out POTS or rule it in so I can get what I need done and move on with my almost skinny self.. (I still have 100 lbs to go but I feel better outside the fainting.)