Connie Re: Weight Loss & Dizziness

July 29, 2005

Hi Connie, The weight loss is very individual. I lost about 7 lbs

which probably peaked at about 5-6 day mark. I just tried to keep

the calories up with Boost Plus and Ensure High Calcium, then I

supplemented with other items such as blenderized split pea soup.

When I finally got to day 12 I was allowed to take in scrambled

eggs, mashed potatoes, etc as long as I didn't chew them!! I'm

hoping next week (6 weeks post op) to get the ok to finally start

chewing again. It's important to keep the calories up. I try to

take in at least 1800 calories a day. Recommended by my dietician.

As far as the dizziness, your hemoglobin my be low and it will take

a while for your body to build it back up after surgery. That's why

they sometimes put you on iron & vitamin C (increases absorption)

before and after surgery. If the dizziness continues I would see

your doctor or OS to see if you're hemoglobin is too low.

I almost passed out after surgery (I never faint or pass out) and

had trouble breathing, heart was racing - so I had to have blood

transfusion. I had lost 2-3 units of blood in surgery (usually

borderline anemic & despite iron & vitamin C, I still was before

surgery). Most people don't lose that much blood in surgery. They

didn't transfuse in surgery as it was felt I would bounce back ok.

But after ending up in the ER twice with breathing problems, my

internist decided I probably needed a blood transfusion. As a

former blood banker, I knew the risks and agreed I probably did need

a transfusion. But I was the exception to the rule. Most jaw

surgeries don't require transfusion as blood loss is usually minimal

due the type of anesthesia they use and our bodies recuperate within

a few weeks.

Hang in there. Sending some hugs.

Shirley

(Lefort 1, BSSO, genio and turbinectomies on 6/23/05)

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