The Struggle is Real

Linda,

I haven't heard of reactive hypoglycemia so glad you brought it up. Were you diabetic previous to surgery?

thanks for sharing your experience!

Julie B

yes, I was diabetic. Reactive Hypoglycemia is a direct result of the internal restructuring from RNY, and happens to quite a few of us. It's a drastic drop in blood sugar resulting from eating something that causes the pancreas to push out insulin. Because the body is used to a digestive system that has a valve at the bottom of the stomach, it assumes that more will be following simply because that is how it's supposed to work. But with RNY, there isn't always more coming. It all hits the intestines at once, creating the insulin response and the subsequent response of more insulin that isn't needed. That causes the sudden drop in blood sugar. this is a really simplified explanation, for the full story search the article database here on OH. There is an excellent explanation on this, that really cleared up for me exactly what was happening. It isn't dumping, that is completely another story.

Wow, you could be speaking for me regarding the RH. I wake up after about 2 hours in a pool of sweat and have to get up and get to the kitchen and eat something quick....my go-to is usually peanut butter sandwich crackers (the mix of sugar/carbs and fat) but then sometimes I will have a protein bar with it or something else just to feel better. During this time I can't think straight, I am sweating profusely and am usually very agitated and really don't want anyone near me and my hubby always wants to be right there to make sure I don't fall or anything. Sorry for the ramble!