To Shirley: Re: Weight Loss & Dizziness

[Guest guest]

Thanks,

I got on some vitamins today and will also keep an eye on my iron

intake. Vitamins with iron make me vomit, so I have to have regular

all around vitamins. I have carnation instant breakfast though,

I'll check and see if that has iron, if not back to the cookbook.

Connie

> 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)