catfish87

My blood pressure is running 120/70-76 all the time now.....all the experts seem happy with that and the rest of my test results. I haven't been on BP med's for several years. However there were times when I was having issues, that my blood pressure was low....like 90/60 or so if my memory is correct. My symptoms ALWAYS.....ALWAYS, came on ater going from a seated/laying position to a standing position. And I have noticed less issues since I'm adding electrolytes in with exercising. Not sure if thats the reason.... Best wishes!! David

I had a previous concussion a couple of years back and yes, it kicked my butt. I haven't had any further significant dizzy spells in the last couple of months. I had so many test done....all to come back "normal". But my PCP told me the first time I seen him about this issue, "sometimes, we just don't know what causes these things.....even after running every test they can think of". I have made it a point to drink some sort of electrolyte drink in addition to Water if I'm sweating a lot, running/cycling, etc. I think the episodes are fewer since I've started doing this. And isn't it frustrating to have all these pro's do all these test's, and come up with "Syncope" (fainting).....we had that much figured out, lol. Take care! David

@@Leepers Nothing really ever determined as to the cause. I had many test ran. Blood test, Heart ultrasound, Brain MRI, Holter device, etc. Everyone just always suggest it's dehydration.....I can't hardly believe thats all it was. I haven't had any more serious issues, but will occasionally still get lightheaded when standing up after being seated for a while...and its USUALLY after I've been exercising quite a bit beforehand. My blood pressure is "normal" to low now. Last time I had it checked it was 116/70....so who knows. I can certainly be scary when it happens though. I hope you find what caused/is causing your issue. Take care of yourself!

Best wishes on a speedy recovery and much continued success!

@NewCyn I agree with the importance of following up with your surgical team....EVEN and ESPECIALLY if/when things aren't going good. Your post is a good reminder and wake up call to those who get a lapband that the followup care is so important. I always pay close attention to folks who have experienced complications as you describe, and try to learn from them to avoid similar problems. I do have a couple questions though to help understand what to look for or be aware of: Did they determine how your intestines "wrapped around your port"? How would they have caught this during a routine checkup with your surgeon? What is the treatment for this complication? Thanks for any info you can provide. I wish you a speedy recovery and best wishes in the future!!!!

I don't see any good Protein until 1 chicken thigh at 6:30pm.....I'd be hungry all day! Even with the one chicken thigh, that's no where near the amount of protein I "eat" per day. I usually start with 20-40 grams of protein within an hour of waking. Usually Protein shake or Liquid Protein. Keeps me satisified until lunch. Lunch is deli meat, grilled fish, tuna salad, or lentil Soup (homemade!). Maybe some cheese or cottage cheese and a few crackers. dinner is solid protein. Fish/chicken/occasionally crock pot pork or beef (rarely). Salad, green veggie, sometimes potato. I eat fish/seafood probably 10 times a week. My fav solid protein source by far. Lots of liquids.....coffee all morning, Water, crystal light lemonade, Powerade zero, etc.

A little update for those who may be interested or have similar issues.... Went to the neurologist today and the brain MRI showed no abnormalities. I mentioned the possiblity of the vagus nerve stimulation. He did NOT think this was the issue....due to the infrequency of the symptoms. So, the next thing is I'm going for an Echocardiogram (ultrasound) this afternoon, and they'll have me wear a Holter monitor to see if those detect anything. Haven't had any more issues/episode's since the first one. The Dr today mentioned again....a LOT of times they don't diagnose anything.......Lot's of $$$$ for no answers. Glad I have "good" insurance. At least we will rule out several things I suppose.

That's what I was thinking B-52....I've been told that often! I didn't know it was some fancy medical term.

I haven't had any more significant issues since the one time. My PCP looked over the brain MRI, and found "no active processes"....whatever that means. Now I'm scheduled for a consult with a neurologist on the 13th....they looked over the MRI as well and weren't in any hurry to schedule me. So I'm not sure what we will do next.....stress test maybe. Thanks for checking on me, my bestie!

My local support group meetings are a great way to meet up with other people who are either planning WLS or have been through it. I go often. ( work schedule doesn't always allow ) Usually its a NUT leading the discussions, talking about various topics related to food...as would be expected I suppose. Our meetings involve all types of WLS. Can be very interesting. Another thing I do occasionally is go to the PRE-op seminars....people just thinking about having the surgery. I sit in the back during the seminar....just watching and listening. Thinking that was me, back then. And I will stick around after the surgeon gets done with his presentation....just to chat. Seems like a lot of people enjoy talking to "alumni".

Hi Jackie, Yes...I have read some of what you put here, although not put together exactly like this. I'm not saying this is what's triggering my symptoms ( which had become extremely rare until this last episode ) but I'm gonna keep it in mind to discuss as a possibility with my PCP. I haven't had an adjustment to my band in several months, so it wasn't soon after a fill as I've read others describe over the years. It may have absolutly NOTHING to do with my band....just thought I'd re-post a topic about it to see if some of other folks have experienced or heard about it. Thanks

Thanks for the reply! Yes, my PCP is going to send me to a cardiologists if the results of the MRI don't show any concerns. "Just to be on the safe side." My BP is usually in the 110/70 - 120/80 range now. I have checked it AT HOME with one of those cheapo wrist things from walgreens at 80/50 a few times last year when this issue came up. My sister being an RN, suggested a tilt test....amongst every other test she could think of...gotta love your baby sister.

Thanks Lisa, Yes it is concerning to me for sure....although to be honest, my PCP didn't sound like its "that" unusual. I didn't even know what had happened.....I got told about it later.

Never really noticed that being a trigger. However, if I've been bent over tying shoes, gardening, etc, it is more often to happen. I've spoken with my pcp several times about this and he always said dehydration was the likely culprit. But I drink probably 2 GALLONS per day...at least. Prior to this last episode, I had been on sinus/cold med's ( ClaritinD and MucinexD ) for appx 2 weeks...and had stopped taking them about 24 hours prior. PS...no ear infection observed.