Question:
I am post op and experiencing shortness of breath. Is this normal?
I had RNY by Lap on December 7th and still having shortness of breath and light headedness. I will admit that I'm not getting in all the water that I should but am taking in 65 grms of protien a day. Any suggestions? — Christi_T (posted on December 13, 2006)
December 13, 2006
you need to see a doctor asap, because shortness of breath is nothing to
play around with! it could be one of many different things and could be
life threatening. ex. pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, dehydration, atrial
fibrilation, high or low blood pressure. please check it out asap...
holly
— RNlvnCARSON
December 13, 2006
Hi, Congrats on yoursurgery. Now, if the Shortness of breath is new since
surgery, CALL your doctor, this could be a blood clot.
— cathy41tired
December 13, 2006
Definitely contact your doc about the breathing and lightheadedness issue,
but about the other problem, water-- I had the same problem, and got tired
of people telling me this, but it is true; it gets better. :) It took
about 6 weeks for everything to calm down, work itself out, and 'play nice'
with each other. Now it's fine, and I just passed my 2 month mark. Good
luck with your problem, and keep up the good work!
— vosh
December 13, 2006
AMOS MOD chimes in! Call your surgeon or go IMMEDIATELY to the ER!!! RIGHT
NOW!!! Better safe than sorry this can be serious and must be checked by
health care professionals!! GO TO THE ER RIGHT NOW!!
— bob-haller
December 13, 2006
i agree
— babs810
December 13, 2006
i agree you need to go to the ER NOW. DONT PLAY AROUND...Best of Luck
— babs810
December 13, 2006
You are just barely a week out of surgery, give yourself some time to
adjust! You should check with your doctor if these symptons persist, but
you can be having some residual affects from the anisthesia, those affects
can last upto 6 months. Just keep working at the water and protein, and
don't forget to exercise, that is very important, don't let yourself put
that off. I was walking 2 miles a day (from doing nothing prior to
surgery) in two weeks, you can get up and move. The shortness of breath
could be that you need to use the "breather" that is usually
given in the hospital to help prevent fluid in the lungs. I had a minor
fever for several weeks and had to use that to prevent getting sick. Use
your breather, drink, eat and exercise. You body will be going through a
lot of changes, and your head will struggle with these changes and even be
scared. Learn to determine the difference from a "head" issue
and a real body issue. Head issues you can wait out and fight mentally,
body issues, you need to contact your doctor. It can be scary actually
losing weight. I hope you do well. Obesity is a head issue with a body
consequence. Do you have a good support group to attend? These are really
important. The work you put into your surgery, tool and weight loss will
give you the result you will have. It is the old Biblical principle
"You reap what you sow". Sow all those good things you have
learned to now lose weight, and reap those benefits. But make no mistake,
it will be work and a challenge. There is nothing easy about wls :) But
it is worth it. I am almost 3 years out, and lost 120 pounds. I am so
thankful for my surgery and for The Lord Jesus Christ, who walked me
through every step. Take care, and best to you!
Patricia P
— Patricia P
December 15, 2006
GO TO THE ER RIGHT NOW! I had my VSG surg. on Nov 29, 2006 and developed
shortness of breath 3 days after returning home. Mom rushed me to the ER
last Tues. I was having a Pulmonary Embolism. Subsequently, I spent 8
days in the hospital and just got out two days ago. It's nothing to play
around with. Listen to my very recent experience and go to the ER right
away.
— dejavooodooo
December 15, 2006
I've been told it's normal...at least that far out. They say it's a mixture
of the anesthesia still in your system & pain meds. Both can affect
your breathing. I had problems for almost 3 weeks after my surgery, but it
mostly only happened when I was sleeping. I never had problems breathing
when I was asleep before, but after the surgery, I would wake up gasping
for breathing several times an hour. At one point, my breathing got so bad
during the day, that my doc sent me to the ER b/c of a possible Pulmonary
Embolism. Thank God everything turned out OK, but it was still very scary.
I say, if your breathing gets so bad that it scares you, it's definitely
time for an ER visit!! Good Luck & Congrats!!!!
— byHizgrc
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