Still very tired and low carbon dioxide in blood test

Has anyone else noticed low carbon dioxide levels since having a VSG?  I'm about 7 wks out and from week 3 to now... I am still exhausted, weak, tired.  My surgeon's nurse said my blood results all look good.  I asked for copies and got half of them.  What I do have shows that my carbon dioxide is low (17).  Could this be why I'm so tired??  I'm ready to give up on my gastric surgeon and make an appointment with my primary physician.  Any thoughts?
slm2b and tired

http://health.yahoo.com/respiratory-diagnosis/carbon-dioxide/healthwise--hw3895.html

that might help.  I bet they see alot of low carbon dioxide in WLS patients

Are you sure your CO2 is 17? Is there are range of normal given on your results? I'm in Australia and have to try and remember that maybe you use different measurements but I don't think I've ever seen a level quite so low in 20 years of nursing and about 70% of that time has been spent working in ICU. Our normal level is 35-45. Is your respiratory rate super fast? Do you have any other respiratory symptoms such as pain on inspiration, cough, etc? If it is way outside what is normal (in whatever measurments are used in the US) you are right to go and get this checked out more thoroughly.
Cheers
Leisa

Carbon Dioxide 17/low.  It says the range is 20-32.  The date of my blood draw was 1/17 and I had my VSG on 12/15.  I have no other respiratory symptoms.  My chief complaint is fatigue. 

Makes me feel much better to find out we are using different units of measurement. It is still a little low and maybe you are just breathing a little quicker than normal without being aware of it. As far as being fatigued are you managing to get your protein and water in in reasonable amounts and are you taking a B12 supplement? Remember that even though you have had a laproscopic procedure it is still major surgery and we all heal at different rates. One of my friends who had the procedure felt really tired for about 2 months and then it all just turned around. Come to think of it this same friend also had a pleural effusion (a collection of fluid around the lung not uncommon after surgery) in the post-op period and this effected her breathing somewhat. It did resolve itself. Be gentle with yourself- rest when you need to and try and hit your daily targets for water and protein even if you need to supplement a bit. Hope you feel better soon.  Hope I'm not scaring you as that is certainly not my intent. Just throwing some potential ideas out there. You should always consult a doctor you are comfortable with and trust if you are worried.
Cheers
Leisa

If everything else is okay....a CO2 of 17 may mean you are walking around dehydrated (ketosis may contribute as well).  You could try to boost your fluid intake and definitely keep your appointment with your primary care provider......Barb

I was very tired and doctor advised me to double my protein supplements and try to get all water in (hard for me to do).  I have felt better since.

More water, more protein and keep my appointment with my primary.  Thank you everyone, I really appreciate the support. 
slm2b

I just saw my primary MD last week and my carbon dioxide level was low also (19). Five days later I took the test again and it's now 24 (low normal).  She thought it might be due to ketosis.  I don't have any breathing problems and I'm not especailly tired.  I would probably go to the primary MD too.  (I had an RNY procedure on April 8).  sherrill21