WEIGHT LOSS

when I got my pacemaker I was 115 pounds. I had complete heart block for bradycardia. I got the pacemaker in April 2017. By November of that year people noticed that I lost a little weight. I never really noticed. But I weighed myself a few days ago after my friends told me I look too thin. I was shocked that I now weigh 101 pounds. I am 5’3. I haven’t deliberately tried to lose weight and am not on any medication. Any thoughts?

2 Comments

Two things

by Theknotguy - 2019-01-05 07:03:18

After you get your pacemaker you can have a minimum of two things that happen.  First is, they set your heart rate to (usually) 60 BPM. Prior to getting your pacemaker your heart rate could have been in the low 50's or even 40's.  So having your heart rate up to the  higher rate speeds up your metabolism.  i.e. faster heart rate, you burn off more fat.  

Second thing that can happen.  You feel better and start moving more.  Doesn't have to be much, just that little extra per day that starts to add up over time.  Since your heart rate is being stimulated artificially your body doesn't feel like it's moving more so you don't get as hungry as you would otherwise.  More activity, less eating, you lose weight. 

Of course, if you feel it's an alarming amount of weight you've lost, you can always discuss with your physician(s) to see if something else is going on.  It doesn't hurt to ask.  

Hope everything else is going well for you and you are adjusting to your pacemaker.  
 

feeling better

by Tracey_E - 2019-01-05 10:15:17

knotguy hit on my first thought, you're feeling better now so moving more. If in doubt, have a chat with your gp and get some basic blood work done. Try a free tracker like myfitnesspal.com and track your nutrition, make sure you're getting enough calories and a good mix of carbs/protein/fat.

 

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I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.