Play video content Exclusive Details ABC

Kim Zolciak got booted off "Dancing with the Stars" Monday night, but she was totally caught off guard by producers' decision to cut her.

Sources closely involved tell us Kim was not given a heads up that she would be cut -- and was only told she needed to Skype in during the show to provide an update on her health.

As we reported ... Kim is still in Atlanta recovering from the mini-stroke (TIA) she suffered last week. We're told she really wanted to dance, and even practiced with her partner Tony Dovolani. Ultimately doctors wouldn't allow her to fly back to L.A.

But rules are rules ... and 'DWTS' says theirs say a competitor must withdraw if he/she has to skip a performance. Kim was hit with that bombshell while Skyping.

There's already a social media push to bring Kim and Tony back next week. We're told Kim is upset producers didn't use a video of her practice session to score her this week ... which they did in the past for Melissa Rycoft in season 8.