SOS...I feel like butt.

Okay, people, I've got something going on and I need advice. Everytime something new happens health wise I freak out because I'm a relatively healthy person and I never know if something is WLS related. Here's the problem, I've been getting very lightheaded when I stand up alot. This has been a reoccuring thing since before the surgery (I always thought it was blood pressure related). Now I have really low blood pressure and its still happening. The next issue is where I get worried. I'm sitting here and my chest starts hurting, like near my sternum. Note: They took my gallbladder so I know thats not related. My next thought is heartburn. I've never experienced that so I don't know what it feels like, but I read up about it and it said something about stomach acid. Someone told me we don't produce stomach acid anymore, how can I get heartburn if that is the case? If it's not heartburn, what the heck is it? I just started this plateau diet thing and I'm only eating major protein and low fat stuff (which was what was recommended to ease heartburn pain) I've been feeling a bit hot and a little sweaty as well and I'm in an air conditioned office, so I don't know if that is related. My shoulders and my lower back hurt as well. I'm sure its nothing serious, but I would like to identify but I don't want to go to the doctor and look like an idiot if its just indigestion or something. All I've had today is 20 oz of coffee, 16 oz of water, 6 oz of carb controlled yogurt, and 3 oz of LF Cottage Cheese. I'm supposed to eat lunch now, but I'm not hungry at all (for once in months). Anyone have any experience with this?

You're no butt... it may be your meds. Lightheadedness--is that a word?--and being hot and sweaty are side effects of a couple of the meds you and I are on. Also low bp could make you dizzy. Give your Doc who prescribed these meds a holler. I do remember reading some post by Cathy about acid reflux. Good luck. Jen

Gosh, Amber - I'm sorry you feel so bad. Thank goodness you don't look like butt ! I agree with what Jen said. Give your docs a call to see what they say. I have also heard that there is a flu bug going around lately. I hope it's not, but it could be early flu symptoms. Take care of yourself, girl! I hope you're feeling better soon! , Robin

Hey Amber. It is always better to check with your dr. One thing I thought of is maybe low blood sugar. The lightheaded, dizzy, hot, sweaty thing is what I experience when my blood sugar drops. Because you are cutting your calories & changing your diet (doesn't look like you have eaten much so far today) it could be that your blood sugar is down. I also get lightheaded and dizzy when I try to stand up if I am starting to get a little bit dehydrated, although your intake for that looks good. Keep and eye on things and let us know what is going on. Courtney

I am sorry you feel unwell. You really do need to go and see a doctor about both issues. Your blood pressure could be low and so could your blood sugar. Can you test both next time it happens or get up more slowly knowing this may happen? We do still have some stomach acid - nothing like the stomach juices we had before - but could burn very nastily if untreated.......and you need to find put quickly if this is the case because if it is acid it could be the start of an ulcer if untreated. So my suggestion is to stop talking to us and get to your doctor!! Both need to be looked at to check that you do not have medication issues - or your vitamins are hurting you because you have not eaten enough when taking them etc etc - it could be many things. Seriously I am only nagging because I care......... Jackie

Just a quick thank you and update. You guys are amazing as usual. I left work and went immediately to the docs. He looked me over, did an EKG and bloodwork. He got my blood pressure in many different ways and now I have to do a stress test at another facility. Everything looks pretty good for the most part, its not serious heart issues, its more stress than anything. I had good breath sounds and no tenderness in my chest walls. My heart beat was okay, but my rate was a bit weird. For those that know me outside of this board know I'm up to my ears in everything. They are going to call me with the blood work results. He showed me how I need to get up from now on to prevent passing out or losing my vision again. He wanted me to take baby aspirin every day until after my stress test, but I told him I couldn't have NSAIDS. I wanted to go to the support group tonight, but I'm beat. I'll be back in the morning, thanks again! ambe

I am glad you went to the drs. I hope all the blood work comes back ok. I hope you are feeling better. I take welbutrin and my surgeon said that my lightheadedness is most likely caused by the meds. It comes and goes. I just have to be careful standing up too quickly.Take it easy. Corinn

Wow Amber..Let me know what he says. I suffer from severe blood sugar drops when I eat carbs at times..usually a few hours later..and not the bad carbs either. Also, the orthostatic hypotension you are refering to happens to me also. Let me know whats going on. I hope you will be okay for you run !!! Sorry you feel like butt..but as long as you don't smell like one we are good !!!! HAHAHAHAHA..sorry too much coffee this am !! Dana

Hey Amber, Missed you last night, but I am glad you went to the doc. It's always better to be safe than sorry! I hope all turns out well. Keep me posted! Take Care of yourself! , Robin

Amber, I agree with a lot of the other replies, low blood sugar, med interaction etc... you said you're under a lot of stress, and have a lot going on... it could also be the physical symptoms of an anxiety attack. Something to think on... Glad you went to the doc! -Ross