Poll about reactive hypoglycemia

added question!!
did you have any blood sugar problems prior to surgery?

i have always had blood sugar instability and hypoglycemic episodes.  even being very obese my aic was 3.2.  i normalised for a long time and then became insulin resistant and having big blood sugar drops after meals.  started taking metformin, aic 5.5.

everything was fine but i have lost about 65 pounds in the last few months and i am VERY sensitive to sugar and carbs. i cant handle sugar hardly at all, it makes me really sick.

I am on a pre op diet and i have been getting dizziness and nausea and low blood sugar.

i am scheduled for surgery on Nov 1st and i am really concerned about post op how this might translate!!

No, but it certainly may develop as I am only a year out.

Even though I don't have it I would say it's a minor problem because it does cause me some worry. 

And yes, I was advised that it could be a problem.  They didn't spend a lot of time on it, I think it was a paragraph somewhere in all the information they gave me, but yes, they did touch on it. 

On the books, no. Altho I've had some very defined blood sugar drops, they have not been often or consistent enough to call RHG. It's happened maybe four or five times in 3.5 years and ALWAYS after a succession of carbs (not just starch. Once I ate a some banana and apple together in a fruit salad and it happened).

So long as I always pair protein with my carbs, it seems like I am ok.

I’m just wondering what people’s experiences have been with regard to reactive hypoglycemia.

Do you have reactive hypoglycemia?
Have had 3 episodes, so I guess that means yes.

If you do, when did you start experiencing episodes?
Around 7 months post op. My latest episode was last night.

Would you say that reactive hypoglycemia is a minor problem for you, a big problem for you or somewhere in between?
Minor

Are you able to manage your RH pretty well with diet?
Yes, and I also keep lifesavers with me in case it happens when I'm not at home. I get a good 4-10 minute warning...I can feel the brain beginning to "fuzz" out, I know I need to take action then.

When you were advised about possible complications prior to your RNY, did your surgeon or anyone else mention RH as a potential problem after surgery?
Actually no, not that I remember...I first READ about RH here on OH forums and then did my own research...The very first time it happened I "thought" it was dumping, but none of the symptoms matched early or late dumping. Although I do know these last two times it happened was diet related (IE: ate to much of carbs/sugar at the same time) and then drank water 20 minutes later.
Then didn't eat anything with protein and did heavy duty exercise...About an hour later...Whammo.
So yeah, I guess the answer is diet can manage it. I just need to not be "****y" about carbs and sugar.

Warmly,
Jackie

Do you have reactive hypoglycemia? Yes. I dump as well. The difference for me is dumping I feel nauseous, like death and have to lay down. RH makes me feel weak, light headed and I start shaking. I got myself a meter and started testing during these episodes. The lowest number Ive seen was 60. That was the worst episode and was a little scary. Spoke with my surgeon about it and we agreed to limit carbs and always combine them with protein. That has helped. Someone asked about previous issues? No, I have never had any issues of this kind or diabetic issues before.

If you do, when did you start experiencing episodes? About 10 months post op

Would you say that reactive hypoglycemia is a minor problem for you, a big problem for you or somewhere in between? Minor. It does come on pretty fast and I have been stuck out on a hike in the rain. Luckily we were on our way back and I was able to grab some food. I always carry food with me now.

Are you able to manage your RH pretty well with diet? Yes

When you were advised about possible complications prior to your RNY, did your surgeon or anyone else mention RH as a potential problem after surgery? I did read about it in a list of complications I received. Im so thankful to have my OH family so it was easier for me to figure out what was going on, plus I can be an info junkie so I was prepared.