Complications?

Ok, I am going to tell my story.... I am 24 years old. Going to be 3 years post op on August 23rd, 2007 I have lost over 100 pounds. I currently weigh 162, per doctor's office. I do not eat that GOOD. I can eat meat, I can eat most of anything. However I have changed my eating habits. I do get shakes, let me give you an example If I eat a meal, let's say a chicken breast mashed potatoes and brocoli. 30-45 mins later I start to sweat and get shaky, though this doesnt happen alllll the time it does happen. I feel ill and scarf down something, if I am out an about its fast food (which is bad i Know) but if I am at home I try and eat peanut butter or cheese. It takes a while but it kicks in. Does anyone else have this??? I drink coffee, and sometimes I know that if I wait to eat I shake, well thats because "duh" i have not eaten, so I do know that some of this is self expanitory. My mother had VBG surgery 13 years ago and her weight has stayed off, but she can eat sugary stuff and not much meat, I am a total opposite. I can eat almost a whole hamburger. Weird!!!! I had RNY. Another problem, I am always TIRED. I take monthly b-12 injections, and I have had my blood tested for low iron, but I am constantly tired!!!! AGGRAVATING AS I HAVE A 5 YEAR OLD!!! Problem 3, I sometimes get very lightheaded when I get up...could any of my problems be low blood sugar or diabetes? Can our surgery cause me to become diabetic? Can you all share your insight???? Miss Rachael Morgan Http://www.myspace.com/rachaelrb

Rachael, hypoglycemia is very common from 1-5 years post-op. Everything you describe points to hypoglycemia; essentially, the body recognizes anything that is highly refined and processed as sugar and this causes a very fast spike in blood sugar levels, with an equally fast decline in those levels. This causes the shaking, sweating, sick-to-your-stomache feelings, and the light headedness. Not good. To alleviate these symptoms, you must stay away from processed foods (white breads, crackers, white rice, processed cereals) and eat COMPLEX carbs - oatmeal, 100% stone ground wheat breads and pastas - otherwise, just veggies and fruit. Try this - log your food intake for 2 or 3 days and really honestly assess what you're eating. This will help you assess the risk of hypoglycemia, which is very, very common so far out of surgery - why? Because we're able to test the waters, otherwise known as eating the crap food. No other way to put it. And if we're eating the crap food, we're at risk for hypoglycemia, and weight regain. Period. End of story. Try taking a good, solid, honest, look at what you're eating - and why. Best of luck with this! M.

Thanks for the reply, I am going to ask to be set up with a nutristionist.

What comes to mind is: *Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)...common in post ops *Dehydration (are you getting in enough water/calorie free liquids a day?) *Not enough protein vs carbs...are you getting in all of your protein in a day? And a good amount of "good" carbs, also? *Vitamin deficiency (my surgeon has me take b12 daily, or b12 nasal spray weekly) (do you take multi vitamins?) *our pouches stretch over time, that's why keeping portions small is key and grazing is a no, no (hard to do, I know) *have you been to an office visit with your surgeon lately? Maybe you need some blood work done to see what's going on. I've been getting the shakes and dizziness and sweats lately, too. It's low blood sugar or dehydration, I know, cause as soon as I hydrate and eat some protein and a good carb, I feel better. Hang in there... paula ps.. I grew up in Bristol!