Dizzy ALOT lately

[kids05 4]

I got dizzy several times today with position change. It was really hot and I got sunburn...but I definitely drank all day, not dehydrated, so why all the dizziness??? Its not my BP or my glucose levels, they are all normal and eating is finally better, so what is going on with me? I can call the MD tomorrow but I hate to "alarm" anything and end up with more testing that goes no place. Any thoughts, oh wise ones, who are ahead of me??? xo

[kellyw74 258]

Have you had any blood work done post-op? I felt that exact way after surgery and went to see my primary dr.

I also was very tired, but the dizzyness was my primary concern. He did bloodwork and found that my anemia was really bad. I was slighly anemic before surgery and it got way worse afterward.

You may want to tell your dr. and they will know to test you for it!

Good luck!

Kelly

[NJMOMof2 17]

That happens to me if I am not getting enough fluids in. You have to be extra careful, especially in the hot weather. I was out in the heat today and made sure I had some Water and Gatorade (G2 is the diet version).

My doctor says he always has one or two 'newbie' wind up in the hospital each year once the weather chances, I'm making sure that's not me.

[ahoy 3]

Another thing that can cause dizziness when you change positions is a blood pressure drop, OR heart that starts racing inappropriately, being unable to adequately respond to the change in posture/blood pressure/etc. Both of these can be caused by mild sodium deficiency. Chances are if you've been sweating or sunburned, and not replenishing your salt stores, you would feel this way. It gets me all the time -- I lose sodium all the time cuz of a hormonal problem I have.

Remember that just drinking Water will not replenish your salt reserves.

If that's the reason, it can be cured by drinking a simple & cheap, safe salt Water mix: Oral Rehydration Salts: half a ilter of water, 1/4 tsp salt, 3 tsp sugar. (Unfortunately the sugar - real sugar - is required to aid absorption of the salt.)

Drinking this solution daily solved my absurdly racing heart, dizziness on standing, mild arrhythmia, and even muscle twitches.

It won't really hurt you if low salt stores are NOT your problem.

If you try the ORS and don't feel better in 24 hours, definitely get bloodwork.

[MRSKOUBiK 27]

I have this issue a lot!

[Amanda131 214]

It can also be completely unrelated to WLS... vertigo called Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). I went through it last year. Basically, a little "crystal" (what the doc called it) in the inner ear can become dislodged and cause major dizziness havoc. It will eventually self-correct. In severe situations, they'll even do phyisical therapy to correct.

Just another possibility.

[kids05 4]

Ok guys, called the doc today. Never heard back...guess he's not too worried...lol. Feel crappy tonight. No energy, tired...no motivation, so here I lay in bed with my laptop. Maybe I am getting sick??? Ehh, tomorrow is another day! I'll rest up and ROCK Thursday! Hope you guys have a great Wednesday night....xo

[anonynurse 13]

The dizziness combined with lethargy sounds like inadequate Protein intake / anemia to me. Make sure you are getting enough in and drink drink drink. Change positions slowly to avoid the positional hypotension that can cause the dizziness. Keep an eye on your sinuses and ears for any signs of infection also. It could simply be allergies or a brewing sinus or ear infection.

[Tiffykins 673]

Google : Positional or postural othostatic hypotension. I know you said your BP is normal, but it can drop quickly with changes in positions from sitting or reclining positions to standing, or bending at the waist. Your BP will return to normal rather quickly. The receptors for BP are in our neck so when we move too quickly especially after rapid weight loss, or bodies have trouble adjusting.

I was diagnosed with it last February, and still have episodes. Increased fluids, increased sodium, and increased activity is the typical recommendation. If it continued, I was on my way to the cardiologist

[kids05 4]

I know, Im a nurse....but I was thinking with my difficulty and slow healing...and gradual return to a whopping 800 calories, maybe Im deficient in something.....lol. Blood work was just a no brainer to me. I guess Ill move slower, drink more....and keep a pillow close...haha. Thanks guys, I appreciate all your ideas!

[Georgia 2,911]

I have had the same episodes. In the first 6 months or so after surgery I would literally hold on to the walls as I walked until my "blackout" would pass. Come to find out I was EXTREMELY low in potassium! So low, my doctor wanted to hospitalize me to run it in through IV. I convinced him otherwise and immediately started on liquid potassium by prescription. I was truly amazed at the difference in energy, etc I had after taking it. Might check this out.

[Lanette 124]

Did you ever find out what was causing this? I am having the same issues and we did blood work today. I am confused as to how it could be anemia if my Multivitamin has 100%DV of Iron. I hadn't thought about potassium and sodium. I hadn't felt like it was BP but if it can happen that quickly I guess it could be. Who knows?!?!

[KellyL 173]

There is another thread about potassium deficiency too. This should show up on bloodwork.