Gastric sleeve surgery is a type of bariatric surgery that has a high success rate, yet it’s not without minor side effects like feeling dizzy and weak.
Your desire to eat will decrease post-gastric sleeve surgery, and as you continue to lose weight, you may encounter issues such as nutritional deficiencies, dumping syndrome (this occurs when food moves too quickly from the pouch into the small intestine, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) and dehydration. Another common complication of gastric sleeve surgery is dizziness.
Causes of Dizziness and Feeling Weak after Gastric Sleeve
Dizziness is a sensation that makes you feel lightheaded, weak, and/or off-balance. After undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, it’s important to be cognizant of the fact that you could experience episodes of dizziness. Dizziness can also accompany feelings of fatigue and weakness. It can be caused by several factors.
List of Causes of Dizziness:
- Dehydration
- Iron Deficiency
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Electrolyte Imbalances
- Lack of Protein
- Excessive Exercising
- Mental Health – Depression, Low Mood
Since gastric sleeve surgery involves the removal of a large portion of your stomach, your stomach now holds a lot less fluid than it did before the surgery. This can increase your risk of dehydration, which can induce dizziness.
Another common cause of dizziness? Anemia. Gastric sleeve surgery can lead to nutrient deficiencies and make it more difficult for your body to absorb iron. Anemia is a condition that indicates that your body is lacking the iron it needs to carry and then distribute oxygen throughout your body.
You may also feel dizzy following gastric sleeve surgery on account of electrolyte imbalances. Rapid weight loss can lead to electrolyte imbalances and when your electrolyte levels are disrupted, your nerve function and muscle control decreases; this makes dizziness more likely.
If you’re experiencing dizziness after gastric sleeve surgery, you should consider incorporating the following dizziness remedies into your daily routine.
Dizziness & Fatigue Remedies
Whether you experience it frequently or sporadically, dizziness and fatigue can be rather unpleasant. Here are some remedies that should help resolve the dizziness you’re experiencing following gastric sleeve surgery.
- Stay hydrated: Make a point to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, sip on water so you can stay hydrated and ensure that your body is receiving the electrolytes it needs to function at its best throughout your recovery.
- Take iron supplements: Consult with your doctor before you start taking any type of vitamin or supplement. Bloodwork can be ordered to determine if you have anemia; if that’s the case, your doctor can recommend not only recommend a specific iron supplement but also inform you of the proper dosage to take. Taking an iron supplement should help address nutritional deficiencies caused by gastric sleeve surgery.
- Eat a well-balanced diet: Post-gastric sleeve surgery, you should follow a strict diet to help ensure that you achieve your desired results. Once you transition from a liquid diet to soft and then solid foods, be sure to consume nutrient-dense foods so you can supply your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to prevent issues such as dizziness and fatigue. You could even work with a registered dietician to develop a meal plan that addresses all your dietary needs while taking into account any restrictions you may have.
- Establish a consistent eating schedule: Don’t allow too much time to go by in between meals. Remember, your stomach is much smaller now, and it’s up to you to nourish it regularly following your gastric sleeve surgery. Thirst and hunger cues may not be as strong or reliable as before, so listening to your body takes on a new meaning post-bariatric surgery.
- Rise slowly: Following your gastric sleeve surgery, you should be aware that you could experience temporary changes in blood pressure. Rising slowly from seated or lying positions will give your blood pressure the time it needs to adjust, which could go a long way in reducing the risk of feeling dizzy.
Again, dizziness after gastric sleeve surgery is not uncommon, but we advise you not to ignore it. If you are concerned about dizziness and the frequency with which you’re experiencing it during your gastric sleeve recovery, please implement the aforementioned remedies and consult your doctor. You’ll be glad that you took the steps necessary to reduce the frequency and severity of dizziness episodes so you can make progress on your gastric sleeve surgery recovery.
