Guys, I went to the ER w/ pain and labored breathing.... pneumonia.

But in the blood work and all the doc came back in and said my potassium was way low. That normal was 3.5-5 and I was at 3.

He asked about my diet...and I shared with him my lapband story...how my eating has decreased so much over the months...but I was happy.

He said potassium is the first stage of malnutrition.

No worries though as it's easily fixed...

just FYI to everyone...keep up the fruit intake!

I stopped eating fruit as it's too fiberous and I slime it up. But word to the wise.... if you can't eat fruit...drink the juice.

So I'm forgoing Water and just sipping juice all day.

How long have you been banded?

I was banded in June...was restricted w/ my 2nd fill about 2 months ago...

so it's taken 2 months to get this way.

How much potassium are you suppose to get in a day?

Hope you feel better soon.

You can also just take a supplement. I've always had low potassium and have been taking supplements for about as long as I can remember. But do not take them if you do not need them, and never take more than advised on an OTC label unless you have medical orders to do so. Too much potassium is not a good thing.

Easy on the fruit juices, too, they can be full of sugar and empty calories...fyi

I have been noticing over the past couple of weeks a lot of leg cramping.....I am thinking it is due to potassium as well. How many of you have experienced this and do you take a supplement for it or just eat more foods rich in potassium. I have been eating bananna's but it doesn't seem to be helping.

Great advice Grace.

I have been putting one whole banana into my Protein shake in the mornings. I can't eat a banana, but I can drink one.

I have been noticing over the past couple of weeks a lot of leg cramping.....I am thinking it is due to potassium as well. How many of you have experienced this and do you take a supplement for it or just eat more foods rich in potassium. I have been eating bananna's but it doesn't seem to be helping.

I was having the same problem, I started eating a lot of zuccini - did you you that a zuchini has more potassium than a banana? I didn't know that but my doc told me that.

Anyhow, since then my leg cramping has gone away.

GraceUtah, you have done remarkably well with your lapband journey. I was banded in January and did great the first 5 months, but since then,I've hit a plateau, but working hard to break it.

Glad you are doing better.

Thanks sunshine2, I will give that a try and see if it helps

Great advice Grace.

I have been putting one whole banana into my Protein shake in the mornings. I can't eat a banana, but I can drink one.

I can't eat a bananna, either...just ate 1/2 and slimed it up. I'm weird because I can't eat mushy things...must be crisp/dry/thin...yeah, potato chips. hahaha

Anyways, I'll try blending it in something. Thanks for sharing.

graceutah, I don't know if you want to try banana baby food, there is 300 milligrams of potassium in one tray, not too bad to the taste, either. You have done exceptionaly well in your journey and you are a kind person for donating your clothes. I hope you feel better soon, seems like everyone is getting sick this fall. I had the flu and was miserable, I broke out in a cold sore as a result, yuck. you go, girl!

Don't ditch the water for juice. Remember juice is full of sugar and calories while water has zero calories and sugar. Have some juice in the morning with your breakfast.

I have to say it again, like I do all the time, I seriously think the Protein first thing is flawed.

I dont disagree with the principle of less carbs to lose weight and I dont disagree with protein being a very important nutrient. But I think to emphasise protein and to instruct protein first to a person with very limited stomach capacity is just bound to lead to a lot of people falling dangerously low on other nutrients. A piece of chicken and two or three Beans does not make dinner. You need two different fruits and five different veg every day and most of us would need to be very creative to get that in. A banana in the Protein shake is a good way to get in some potassium!

difinately try to get your potassium from food because if you need to get an injection at the hospital it hurts like hell, it feels like battery acid coursing through your veins, been there done that, and I seriously don't reccomend the experience