Answer to my hypoglycemia

I finally have an answer to my hypoglycemia.  I have increased beta cell mass in the tail of my pancreas.  That part of my pancreas secretes 5x the amount of insulin it should.  No wonder I'm having problems.   So in 3 weeks, I'm having part of my pancreas removed.  The good news is that the rest of the pancreas seems to be behaving itself.  The bad news is that because it's the tail, the spleen must go also.  They use the same artery.  Plus the way my surgeon did my RNY is the least favorable route for the roux limb so it makes the surgery harder.  The surgeon at Mayo who is doing this has also had gastric bypass.  He said they are now following 50 patients with this and that may just be the tip of the iceberg.  He says most run of the mill WLS docs don't yet recognize this as a gastric bypass complication and almost none of the PCPs will.  So, be proactive and if you are having prolbems with hypoglycemia, be sure to have it researched.  It can lead to seizures.   I just want my life back and be able to eat "normally", whatever that is for a WLS patient.  I'm to the point where I can't eat any carbs without my sugar dropping drastically.  Yesterday I dropped to 40.  Not good.  If I eat only protein, I get foggy from lack of carbs.  If I eat some carbs, I get foggy because my sugar is whacko.  Can't win.  And I don't like this danged foggy feeling.  Not good when trying to research accounting problems.  

You poor thing!  I will be praying that your surgery is successful and you can go back to being "normal" ...I'm sorry to hear you aren't feeling better, but it looks like you'll be getting better soon.   Good luck!!   

I have had hypoglycemic issues since surgery as well and I have heard of some folks needing to have all or part of the pancreas removed.   I would love to hear more about how you went from having symptoms (what they were) and how you got the doctor to do the appropriate testing to find out about the pancreas issues. Rachael

The first thing you need to do is see an endocrinologist.  He/she should order an 18 hour fast to be sure your low sugars are after eating and not fasting.  If it's fasting, it's a whole other ballgame.  If your fasting labs are okay, you will need to prompt an attack and have labs drawn at that time.  It's best to do that at the doctor's office or have someone standing by to drive you.  They should draw a glucose, insulin, proinsulin, c-peptide and possibly anti-insulin antibody test if they have that capability.  At that point if you insulin, proinsulin and c-peptide are elevated, you need to be evaluated for increased beta cell mass.  Unfortunately, there are very few endo's that can do this adequately.  The main research is being done at Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN.  They are currently following 50 people with this that have had part of their pancreas removed.  I guess I'll be 51.   A calcium stimulation test needs to be done to determine if all parts of the pancreas are nutty or just part.  It's a very specialized test developed at Mayo.  Even there, they only do about 1 a month.   If anyone needs more info, I can send you a research paper from Mayo.  Just email me privately and I'll be glad to forward it to you so you can take it to your doctor.  [email protected] Lyn

Lyn I'm glad your dr is getting to the bottom of your hypoglycemia. Hope this brings you better health.

Hi,  I am 2 years post op last March and just joined this site about 15 minutes ago so I am very new to this - I have never belonged to a forum before but everyone seems so nice and informative! I have had problems with low blood sugars for about the last year and half.  I had to figure it out myself as my doc did not have any suggestions.  Was feeling very hot, sweaty and shaky one night and used my husbands glucose monitor (he is diabetic) and my blood sugar was 34.   I find I can control it most of the time if I make sure I get enough protein to counter the carbs that I may be eating, but sometimes it still sneaks up on me like when exercising.  It is a real bummer as it definitley takes you out of commission for a while.  I drink a glass of milk with Carnation No Sugar added Instant Breakfast - chocolate (I mix with ice in summer and heat up as hot chocolate in winter)  My blood sugar stabilizes the best following this "remedy".... I would also be curious as to what testing you did to identify the problem with the pancreas.   It is so nice to hear I am not alone in this!!!!    I hope everything goes well with your surgery and will keep you in thoughts and prayers!!! Kim

Hi Kim, Please see my response to Rachel.  If you would like more info, I'll send you the Mayo research paper.  Email me at [email protected]

I'm so glad that you have your problem identified and solution, Lyn.  Best wishes on your upcoming surgery.  I hope the recovery is swift and easy for you. Kathy

Hi, Lyn!  I'm sorry about your troubles.  Hopefully, all will be well after the surgery!! I am very interested to read this.  I have this problem, too - to a much lesser extent, though.  What kind of a doctor did you have to go to and what does the test involve?  I have an appointment w/my pcp on the 15th and I'm going to take this printout w/me!  Best of luck to you!!!!!

Hi Connie,

Please see my reply to Rachel and email me at [email protected] if you would like me to send you the research paper from Mayo.