Lightheadness due to lack of protein?

[BSquared 2]

I had my sleeve on 8/16. I'm a male, 6'6", and on that day I weighted 387. Today (8/25), I'm at 362. I'm obviously happy with the progress, but I'm battling lightheadness and I think it's related to lack of Protein. (If I drink half a shake or so, it clears up a bit later.)

I had the procedure done at UCLA & the post-op guidance was 80-100 grams of protein as tolerated, and 64oz of Water. This past week I haven't had any issue with either. In fact, I'm wondering if I should increase my protein intake to combat the lightheadness?

[Arabesque 7,459]

The lightheadedness can be from low blood pressure &/or low blood sugars. You’re also consuming very few calories at the moment. You’d have got a boost to your energy levels from the nutrients in the shake which is why you felt better afterwards. Keep your Protein intake up & get your fluids in. It will get better but don’t be surprised if you experience periods of low energy/light headedness as you progress especially at times you up your activity. Try adding some electrolytes to your Water for a boost too. I found doing this very helpful.

[Stalled 32]

I second the low blood sugar suggestion. My surgeon told us to not worry about sugar intake for the first couple of months after the surgery. I suspect that your Protein Shake is helping because of the sugar. To test this, next time you feel light-headed, have some apple or grape juice, see if it helps. If it does, it's because of low blood sugar.

[Tony B - NJ 643]

I experienced this last night. I am still on the preop diet and went for an 8 mile bike ride after dinner. After I got back I felt really dizzy and a little bit nauseous. I had checked my sugar earlier in the afternoon and it was 96.

[Maribelle76 82]

What about your blood pressure? Your probably drinking way less Fluid than before and eating less sodium. And I know a few tall men who have low blood pressure.

Edited August 26, 2021 by Maribelle76

[Tony B - NJ 643]

for me, I checked that too. It was 120/70 when I took it a few minutes later, so I guess it could have spike low for a little bit. It may have been the sugar being low and I just tested it at the wrong time.

[Maribelle76 82]

13 minutes ago, Tony B - NJ said:

for me, I checked that too. It was 120/70 when I took it a few minutes later, so I guess it could have spike low for a little bit. It may have been the sugar being low and I just tested it at the wrong time.

Actually I was just directing that at the original poster because of his height and the special requirements of the post-op diet. I think having lightheadedness during the pre-op diet is very common simply because of the dramatic shift in calories. I had that as well.

[Tony B - NJ 643]

Just now, Maribelle76 said:

Actually I was just directing that at the original poster because of his height and the special requirements of the post-op diet. I think having lightheadedness during the pre-op diet is very common simply because of the dramatic shift in calories. I had that as well.

sorry..

[Maribelle76 82]

13 minutes ago, Tony B - NJ said:

sorry..

Oh sorry if I sounded mean! I just wanted you to know that what your experiencing is probably very normal and par for the course with the pre-op diet. It's most likely not anything you have to worry about.

[catwoman7 11,221]

that's really common when you're early post-op. It eventually resolves for most people. sometimes it can be low blood sugar, and sometimes it's due to orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure - which makes you feel especially dizzy or light headed when you're going from sitting or lying down to standing up). If yours IS worse when changing positions, it's probably the latter. Getting up slowly helps a bit...

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/orthostatic-hypotension/symptoms-causes/syc-20352548

[catwoman7 11,221]

p.s. if it's low blood sugar (I have that issue...), having something to eat every 3-4 hours helps. Always a Protein - or if a fat or carb, be sure to eat a protein along with it.

[ShoppGirl 5,035]

Immediately post op I actually tested with low blood pressure while at the doctor and he told me to buy one for home and keep an eye on it. He said to make sure I was getting enough fluids. I told him I was getting 64 oz but I used to get twice that. He seemed to think this was my issue.

[BSquared 2]

I just wanted to say thank you for all the suggestions.

I think as my body adjusts, it's gotten better, but I also started to mix in a Gatorade Zero in the morning & that seemed to help.