"Dumping syndrome" in connection with low blood sugars.

I have been diabetic for 40 years. I hope to have bypass surgery by February or sooner. I am scared because I thought I understood that you can't put "sugar" in the new "stomach" because you will suffer the "dumping syndrome." If you "dump" the sugar, how does the sugar get into your system when you need it immediately? I have read other posted notes and they say to take glucose tablets, isn't that the same as sugar. This issue is the only one that would hold me back from getting the surgery, I don't want to end up in the emergency room. Thanks for your help.

Margie, Not everyone that has RNY will have dumping syndrome, as every WLS patient can eat different foods without being affected. You shouldn't base your decision on this issue, health is much more important. You may have similiar symtoms of low blood sugar as dumping syndrome, but you won't end up in the ER because of it, I assure you. Most of the PO's I've talked with have different tolerances to sugar, some can have no more than 14 grams at a time, and others may dump on dairy or high fat foods. I hope that helps, and congratulations for your upcoming surgery. Take care, Wendy Type 1 Diabetic 288/188/150

Thank you for your quick reply. Yes, I was very worried about that aspect of the surgery. I won't worry now. I am still a little confused on how you don't keep losing weight after you get the new "stomach" the size of an egg, or smaller. How could you not keep loosing weight? Does it strech after a while? Thank you again for your response. Margie

Margie, The first year after RNY, in my journey, I lost the bulk of my weight, which is very typical. The first year, yes you're stomach is the size of an egg, or 2-3oz, therefore you can't eat as much, and with me, I didn't eat much carbs. As time goes on, you're able to tolerate more, and your body starts to stabilize and absorb more, especially sugar and carbs. As everyone has said before, this surgery is a tool, and the head hunger is very power, and sometimes can defeat our goals. Sometimes bad habits are hard to break....but it doesn't have to happen. Everyone diets & loses differently, as well as personal metabalisms. I believe the pouch stretches some, but no where near the original size. I asked my surgeon and he said, mine is probably able to handle 8-9 oz at a time now. I have actually gained 12 lbs back. However,I knew, from support groups, that some, after 12-18 months PO, there is a 10% bounce back of weight. SO I know what I need to do to get it off........more exercise, and get back to basics. If you'd like to e-mail me personally, I'd love to help! Take care, Wendy

Hi Margie! I asked my doctor about this as I crash more than I'd like to . He said I could use 15 g. cho (a small juice box) to bring my sugar up to normal levels when I'm post-op. My fear was that if I have to chew tablets slowly, it'll take a long time for me to function. (I've had it 37 yrs and can't feel a low blood sugar until I'm under 50 mg/dl) I would ask your doc and see what they recommend.