Low blood sugar anyone???

Had blood work last thursday, doc called on Friday blood sugar is a bit low, I do not know the exact number... I am going in again this thursday for more blood work... I do know at times my blood sugar drops and I will eat fruit etc to bring it back up, generally if I am not eating correctly this will happen and I get the shakes, sweaty etc. I have been home on medical leave and just have not paid attention to what I have been eating so that may have caused the drop. I am going back to my 5 - 6 small meals a day... Opinions, experiences welcome. MaryLyn

I have this problem maybe once or twice a month. I'd like to say that it bothers me but considering that pre-WLS my average reading was around 300 (after fasting) that I like to know my sugar level is lower! Anyway, If you know when it's happening, then just take the appropriate action and eat something. Most foods will bring it up some. I would mention it to your PCP and make sure he/she is aware that it's happening. My level hits me when it drops below 70. Be sure to take a reading (assuming you have a machine) when you feel bad to report the readings to your PCP. Dave

Hi Dave, it was my PCP who called abotu the low blood sugar, I need to get back on track with my 5-6 meals low carb higher protein... I should be ok then,I hope...I see the surgeon tomorrow, my PCP faxed him a copy of the blood work... I think part of my problem was eating chocolate last week, I have since placed all of it in the garbage... Never had a problem pre-op w/sugar... Hopefully this is just a fluke. thanks for the answer. MaryLyn

About 5% of people who have GBS develop Reactive Hypoglycemia. When we were overweight and, most likely, insulin resistant, many of us developed an excess of the cells in the pancreas (islands of Langerhans) that produce insulin to combat our bodies resistance to it. Now, when we eat carbohydrates, which metabolizes into glucose really fast, these cells still go into overdrive producing insulin, not realizing that we are consuming a much smaller amount than before. Therefore, there is too much insulin in our systems in ratio to the glucose, hence the low blood sugar. The way to combat this problem is to eat a steady diet of protein every 2-3 hours and DO NOT consume carbohydrates alone. Always eat them with a protein, meat & veggies, peanut butter crackers, meat & potatoes, etc. Your best bet is to limit simple carbs, like white rice, potatoes, white bread, pasta, etc. Instead, when you eat carbs, focus on complex carbs, like whole grains, brown rice, veggies, etc. I hope this helps. Good luck. XOXOXO, Sharyn

Thanks Sharyn, Just got back from the surgeon...he said the same exact thing...I need to do what I am supposed to do and that is it. I know what it is just can't be lazy.

MaryLyn, Sharyn said it all! I've only had 2 incidents since surgery and they were months ago. I was on insulin pre-WLS so I know what lows feel like if my meals got delayed. I think the reason I haven't had problems lately is that I do eat every 3 hours and focus on protein and I eliminated the simple carbs. I eat vegie and fruit carbs with protein. Good luck and let us know what the doctor says! Kathy

Kathy, I need to get on the ball and "behave". It is a horrible feeling when your levels get low... Thanks MLR

Thank you Sharyn for the EXCELLENT info!!!!! I do have some additional questions for the group. How long after surgery have others started having hypoglycemia symptoms? I am 3 years post surgery. I was diagnosed hypoglycemic about 30 yrs ago (wayyy before the weight gain). 8 yrs ago (pre-surgery) I was diagnosed T2 diabetic, mostly controlled with meds - occasional insulin). Post-surgery (as with many folks), my diabetes symptoms have disappeared. About 8 months ago, I started having hypoglycemic episodes which have continued with increasing occurance (now occurring 2+ times per week). I've been tracking blood-sugar for some time now & have been seeing an endocrinologist for the past 3 months. Just got out of the hospital from a 72 hr fast with labs & 2 hr blood-draws. While waiting for labwork to confirm it's not insulinitis, the Dr is pretty sure that this is reactive hypoglycemia & directly caused by the bypass surgery (he specifically has related this to "dumping" - my blood-sugar goes into the 200+ ranges during a dump & symptoms are more symptomatic to hypERglycemia than hypO). We may be talking symantics, but I still continue to "graze" all day long, still drink 2 protein shakes daily PLUS!!! I will admit that I over-indulge in high-carb foods periodically - and can easily cause myself to "dump". WHY would a procedure done 3 yrs ago start "causing" these symptoms now????? And if this is NOT insulinitis, then what should I do? There ARE no bariatric docs in the area that I now live in ... should I go back to the surgeon {Atlanta, GA} who performed the surgery?

I was a type 2 diabetic taking 3 diabetic pills a day before wls. After surgery I came off the medication and everything was fine until recently. Suddenly at 32 months out from surgery I had low blood sugar episodes twice in one week. I'd read enough on the boards to know what was happening so I quickly changed my eating routine to eating small meals/snacks every 2-3 hours (daily calories averaged 1019 last month). Like you it seems strange that I'd be this far out and suddenly have problems. My weight has been stable since month 16, I haven't increased my carbs, etc. I like to remind myself that this is a small price to pay for all the wonderful benefits wls has brought into my life. Have a great day!

I know my surgeon is experimenting with the surgery on people who are not overweight, but have diabetes. They're not exactly sure why the surgery cures diabetes but it seems to most of the time. I wonder if most people who have this problem with low blood sugar (me included) DID NOT have diabetes before hand, and that makes our sugars go even lower. So here's my question.... if you have blood sugar problems now, did you have diabetes before? If so, were you borderline or full blown diabetes? Just curious. The advice of eating protein every few hours and not eating carbs without protein is right on target. That's what my surgeon has advised me. I especially have to watch it early morning, if I ate oatmeal for breakfast. I have to keep a protein drink handy, just in case. Joni