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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Low Potassium Levels?

I am a 32 year old female, s/p roux-en-y gastric bypass in Dec 2013. In August, my potassium became very low (2.9). I was started on klor-con 20mEq and initially took 1 tab daily. I have since had that increased to 60mEq daily because my body is not maintaining potassium levels (3.3 and under on 40mEq). I have seen my pcp and an endocrinologist and we have so far been unable to find the cause of potassium dumping. The endo believes it might be related to the RNY. I ran out of my Rx and had difficulty getting it refilled because of provider vacations, etc. I have been very symptomatic. I resumed taking it today but I was wondering how long it takes for the klor-con to start taking effect? I know it is different for everyone, and it s hard to guess because of the dosage I have to take + my history, but I am just looking for a more typical timeline.
posted on Sat, 1 Nov 2014
Twitter Thu, 19 Feb 2015 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 20 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
HI
IN YOUR CASE IT LOOKS QUITE CLEAR THAT LOW POTASSIUM IS RELATED TO MALABSORPTION SECONDARY TO RNY. BUT YOU MAY UNDERGO 24 HR URINE POTASSIUM TEST TO SEE IF U ARE LOSING POTASSIUM FROM KIDNEY WHICH NEEDS DETAILED EVALUATION.
IF IT IS JUST RELATED TO DECREASED ABSORPTION I WILL ADVISE U TO INCREASE DIETARY INTAKE OF POTASSIUM LIKE TENDER COCONUT WATER,CITRUS FRUITS,BANANAS, APPLES ETC.
HOPE NY ANSWER HAS MADE SOME DIFFERENCE
THANKS
DR PRANAY BUDKULE
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What Causes Low Potassium Levels?

HI IN YOUR CASE IT LOOKS QUITE CLEAR THAT LOW POTASSIUM IS RELATED TO MALABSORPTION SECONDARY TO RNY. BUT YOU MAY UNDERGO 24 HR URINE POTASSIUM TEST TO SEE IF U ARE LOSING POTASSIUM FROM KIDNEY WHICH NEEDS DETAILED EVALUATION. IF IT IS JUST RELATED TO DECREASED ABSORPTION I WILL ADVISE U TO INCREASE DIETARY INTAKE OF POTASSIUM LIKE TENDER COCONUT WATER,CITRUS FRUITS,BANANAS, APPLES ETC. HOPE NY ANSWER HAS MADE SOME DIFFERENCE THANKS DR PRANAY BUDKULE