NIGHTLINE SEGMENT ON WLS

Hi all -- did anyone happen to catch this last night? If so, what was the scope of the presentation, pro-, anti-, or neutral-WLS perspective? I am starting to have some real concerns about health ramifications of this surgery, particularly as we get further out -- I am experiencing some pretty serious bouts of low-blood sugar (hypoglycemia) episodes, even after ingesting only "good" carbs - veggies, fruits, whole grains, and in very limited quantities. Any thoughts on this is greatly appreciated. Maureen

MauReenie, I didn't see Nightline, but I'm having the same low blood sugar issues. I can usually manage to keep the plummeting to a minimum if I eat 6 times a day instead of 3. There are days when I'm running around like a nut case and don't eat for a while, that's when I run into problems. The funny thing about it is that when I'm in one of the low blood sugar episodes, I can eat sugar with impunity and in fact, feel better when I do. The last attack took an apple and 1/2 a candy bar to pull me out of it. If I try to eat more than say 10 to 13 grams at a time otherwise, it's dump city. I've taken Mike's cue and carry cheese sticks everywhere I go. I don't wait for hunger, but just make sure I put something in my mouth every few hours. What are the ramifications of the hypoglycemic attacks? If unaddressed do they do any kind of long term damage or are you in danger of passing out? I know I feel like I'm going to hit the floor, but I haven't yet. Hugs, Connie

I, too, have had bouts like this. The only thing that helps me get over it is a protein bar (this my need for them). I also agree with what you say about having more than 10 to 13 grams of sugar. It makes me feel horrible. I try to eat a protein bar between meals and it seems to keep the low sugar attacks away. But it is an issue and perhaps we should all try to look a little deeper into it. Joanie

I am in the low blood sugar club too. I also eat about 6 meals a day. at least thats what it seems like. Its about every 2 hours. Sometimes I can go longer but there doesn't seem to be any ryme or reason as to why or how for that. It seems like i can eat an awful lot but if i add it all up its about 1400 to 1500 calories a day. i'm getting all my protein in and then some. i dont' pig out on bad things. to me a pig out is having an extra cheese stick or eating 3 of the sugar free cookies. Today I had one of the low blood sugar spells. Thats all I can think of how to discribe it as a "spell". I had had my afternoon snack and was heading back into work. I will say my job is extremely stressful and I have found if I'm stressed out I can have an attack hit. So I"m driving back into the office when I could feel my energy just draining out of me. I was on the cell (yes had a headset on) with a co-worker and she asked if I was ok cause I sounded foggy. I didnt feel like I was going to pass out I just felt drained. I pulled over and got out my emergency cashews and prunes. What a combonation huh??? But for me it works. The sweetness and sugars in the 3 prunes give me the boost and the protein in the cashews holds it all together. At least thats what I think but i'm no doctor! after a half hour i had some water too. sometimes i get that drained feeling if i've not had a good amount of water in the day too. when i had my blood levels done a few months back dr A said to add more carbs to my diet becasue my sugar levels were low. I dont' remember anything being said at any of the support group meetings before my surger about low blood sugar but I could have missed that. I have read soemthing about it again it seems like what i've read is limited about the low blood sugar. Maureen where have you gotten the info? could you send the addrresses along?

I tend to have these bouts when I get careless and go too long without eating. Hence the cheese sticks which Connie mentioned. I find that even un-refrigerated, they don't go bad very quickly and one of them seems to tide me over until my next meal. It's a scarey situation when these attacks occur and I agree with Joanie that we need to get more info on this subject. Mike