Question:
Do you have increased episodes of very low blood sugar?
Several people in our support group have been experiencing bouts of very low blood sugar, which seemed to begin at about 11 months post-op. The dips do not seem to correspond with any particular foods and do not seem to always be responsive to glucose tablets. Endocrine work-ups have eliminated diabetes as a cause. Any one else experience this problem and found a cause? — SteveColarossi (posted on April 28, 2005)
April 27, 2005
I am also anxious to hear responses from this question. I have bouts of
very low blood sugar every once in a while. In fact, 18 months ago, I
experienced a seizure at work due to low blood sugar. It was 38 which can
be dangerous. I believe it is called hypoglycemia. My doctors have found
no other cause for my seizure and I haven't had another one since. I have
learned to recognize the signs and get something in me QUICK, such as apple
or orange juice. And then I make sure that I eat something. Signs for me
include feeling dizzy, general confusion, seeing spots in front of my eyes,
blindness, racing heart, anxiety. It is scary. Anyone know how to combat
this???
— enjo4
April 27, 2005
I have been dealing with this, my doc called it hypoglycemia. Said I need
to eat 4-6 small meals a day instead of three and just reacting to the
dizzy/sweats/shakes when it happens. This should keep things level.
— Dedicated
April 28, 2005
Steve, I have experienced this from early on. I was told Hypoglycemic
"episodes". This is why we are encouraged to eat several small
meals a day. When I feel them coming on I just eat a piece of hard candy
and it goes away pretty quickly. Sometimes it CAN be food induced but will
not always be the same food you may have eaten, in my experience. I will
be 3 years postop Aug. 1st and continue to eat 6 to 8 mini meals a day
along with protein drinks. It also corresponds with the rapid weightloss,
for some reason. I am not a doctor but just giving my experience. Hope
this helps some. Erika
— Egyptianeyesdiva
April 28, 2005
Hi Guys:
It's like you read my mind! This started happening to me last month (I
will have my one-year anniversary in May) Very scary experience even for a
diabetic like me! What really confused me was that it was happening about
1 1/2 hours after eating a good meal!!!! if it was occuring pre-surgery I
could see why, but I am 80 pounds lighter, and eating sensibly now - (not
skipping meals like before). All I can say is that it is a relief to hear
that I am not alone, and please - keep some hard candy with you at all
times....maybe this is a temporary phase, but I am seeing my nutritionist
next week, and this will be my first question!
— Lesli W.
April 28, 2005
Yes!! Unfortunately I have experienced this. I am 18 months post-op and
about a month ago I realized I had a problem. Constant eating not because
I was hungry, but because my sugar levels were very low. I was very tired
and was having all the symptoms of hypoglycemia (fatigue, crying spells,
dizziness, shakes) The problem is sugar. I started to read up and got
some advice from my doctor. Also, there is what is called a late dumping
syndrome, where you can eat sugar comfortably and feel the effects 2-3
hours later. It was a terrible feeling. After doing some research on
glycemic index/ diet, I found that I was hypersensitive to sugar and I had
to get rid of it. Staying away from sugar, including white bread, rice,
potatoes has made the world of a difference. I didn't even realize how
sick I was making myself, until I started feeling so much better. Peanuts
have been a life saver for me and I'm not crazy about them, but they really
help.
— Natalie G.
April 29, 2005
Yes. It's called reactive hypoglycemia I believe. I read an article in
Shape magazine that it is not uncommon after massive weight loss, whether
from WLS or not. That had some techinical explanation that escapes me at
the moment. It may have been something about your pancreas being use to
releasing x amount of insulin for your body size, and then even after we're
a normal weight, it still over produces? I experience it after a high
carb meal. As long as I keep my protein levels up and watch the glycemic
index of foods, I do better. I also add a small protein snack between
meals. If it does hit, I use whole grain crackers w/ peanut butter which
seem to help me.
— mom2jtx3
April 30, 2005
We talk about reactive hypoglycemia on the Grad list regularly. It seems to
come free with surgery. Many get 2 yrs free, but yeah, for some it's only
one year.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
— vitalady
February 18, 2008
I started having severe bouts of hypoglycemia a year post op, and it
continued to get worse. I am now 18 mo post op. I have to carry a blood
glucose meter and monitor my blood sugars often and carry glucose tabs with
me. I am seeing an endocrinlogist who has diagnosed me with pancreas that
are over producing insulin in dangerous amounts causing late dumping
syndrome. My blood sugar drops severely after eating meals or anything high
in carbs. I am scheduled to have more tests done, but he did state that
although this is rare, it can happen to some after gastric bypass. It
certainly warrants one to seek medical care to rule out anything serious.
— [Deactivated Member]
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