<p>I was banded on 5-23. I was aware that there would eventually need to be some adjustments done on my various meds, including the three (Toprol, Diovan, Aceon) taken for blood pressure. However, I figured it would be after a substantial weight loss. I was wrong. I began being light headed this weekend, my sight was "vivid" and strange, I had "speckles" like before you pass out...I didn't feel "right". I attributed it to being hungry, but it didn't go away after I ate...I made the MISTAKE of driving 34 miles to my house Sunday and I should NOT have. Nothing happened, but several times I thought I might have to pull over to the side of the road. Because I was not "quite right" I was only partially aware that I was taking a big chance. I took my BP when I got home and it was about 62/46 on my cuff (which I assumed was wrong). Took it several more times and it was always below 90/60. Got up yesterday to go to work, and instead took only my Toprol. Even THAT was too much. BP through the day was extremely low, I was dizzy, speckles in the vision, etc. Went to the company nurse for confirmation and I was 88/50. Called my doctor and they fit me in immediately. I was heavily overdosed on my meds. I was cut back from 3 pills a day (including 100mg Toprol) to 50mg Toprol ONLY... My doctor said that you can need an adjustment after only a ten pound weight loss. (I have only lost about 20). Word to the wise folks on BP meds....be very aware of your reaction to your meds and stay in close touch with your GP. My situation could have easily been a disaster...passing out in the car, passing out at home or work and falling, etc.</p>

Maybe you don't need one at bedtime. I was on twice a day, and the doctor backed me down to once a day. I cut out the night time one just for that reason.

I have since had to go back on my BP meds temporarily due to a gallbladder surgery. I had complications and had a second surgery two days later for stones. The second surgery did me in. I would have had a stroke in the hospital if my DH hadn't been watching my pressure soar out the roof. He called the nurses. When they came in I was at 250/150 !!!!!!! It took two months for it to slowly come back down, but I'm doing better now. It's not something you want to mess around with. I recommend that all bandsters invest in a good cuff for home use. You never know what will happen.

Maybe you don't need one at bedtime. I was on twice a day, and the doctor backed me down to once a day. I cut out the night time one just for that reason.

I have since had to go back on my BP meds temporarily due to a gallbladder surgery. I had complications and had a second surgery two days later for stones. The second surgery did me in. I would have had a stroke in the hospital if my DH hadn't been watching my pressure soar out the roof. He called the nurses. When they came in I was at 250/150 !!!!!!! It took two months for it to slowly come back down, but I'm doing better now. It's not something you want to mess around with. I recommend that all bandsters invest in a good cuff for home use. You never know what will happen.

250/150 is the stuff that gives you heart attacks and strokes. You are lucky, no permanent damage. I have two very good cuffs. One at each house I live in (Montana and New Mexico). Taking my BP medications in the daytime is a good idea. I just need to monitor my BP at night for a while after I change over.

Thank you so much for posting this. I'm on Diovan right now for my bp. I've noticed quite a few times lately that whenever I'm sitting down (or like today when I was on my knees in a filing cabinet drawer) that I get dizzy when I stand up. It seems to be getting more frequent. I think tomorrow I will take a trip down to the nurse at work and have her take my bp. I also have to call my doctor anyway because I'm due for some blood work. I was starting to wonder why I was getting so dizzy. Now I have a place to start. Thanks again!!!!!