Low Blood Sugar

Hey Michelle:

You said "And I think each person has to find out what exactly your "line" is. I know that Mayo has removed hunks of pancreas of many... 20? and yet, they are still overproducing insulin in response to any carb."  What does this mean? I went to my doc today and he told me that I am not getting enough carbs. He wasnt listening b/c I told him that I had eliminated almost all refined sugar and was going very low on carbs and so he thought I wasnt gettting enough. I kept saying this was AFTER I was eating too many carbs. I think he finally got it so he told me to keep doing what I have been lately, and to keep a food log and take my blood sugar upon rising each day. I am terrified that I have a serious problem w/ my pancreas. I acutally had an anxiety attack while I was there and had to calm down in the car. I fear I broght this on myself from eating carbs and having alocohol. He is sending me to his dietician but I dont know if she knows about this reactive hypoglycemia. He told me to have fruit and veggies but I am leary since I had a reaction after v8 Juice the other day.

i don't think many actually grasp the hypoglycemia. They often think we mean dumping, and don't know our words. Very different things, tho the common denominator is MISERY.

Dumping happens within 15-20 minutes and while miserable, is not life threatening (unless someone who hears you begging to be shot, actually does it!). The hypoglycemia is usually 1-3 hrs later and can be, if the blood sugar drops way too low, too fast.

Do your doc and nutritionist think you can control this w/ diet successfully long term. Have they done any testing of your pancreas? Ugh!

Are you talking to me or the other poster?

My doc is a huge fan of no white carbs. He is, well, never has been, a fan of dietetic professionals because they tend not to treat as a physical disease, but more as a mental illness. Not to his way of thinking.

I don't mind this not having lousy blood sugar, but since bread & potatoes are my fave foods, sometimes not eating them is hard. And they never made me fat! (only sugar, as sugar) does that.

Reasonable fruit portions do not give me issues. Just not as much fruit as I WANT!

Hello:

Thanks for your responses. Over the past few weeks, I took your advice and upped the protein and tried to be conscious to eat more frequently. I also cut out most all refined sugar and all white carbs. The only exception is the bit of sugar 6 to 9 grams, in some high protein/high fiber  desserts I have been having from Nutrisystem. It is getting better but I just experinced a few times a drop after a really balanced meal which freaks me out. How have you been doing. How often do you get symptoms or reactions since you have been "good" (for lack of a better word). I can live with the symptoms as they have not been as severe, but I tend to get really scared that something bad will happen or I have a more serious condition. It is good to hear that other people are in the same boat. I go to see my surgeon on Friday. Hopefully he will be reassuring and have sound advice to follow. I assume some of your meals are snacks. Would you mind listing a typical days food and protein for me so I could get an idea of what that looks like. Perhaps I could try it. Thanks!

Maryann

Thank you so much for the information!!  I am 3 1/2 years out and it has been happening for a while.  I really noticed it after eating at steak house and picked on a yeast roll before the meal and drank tea throughout the meal.  This week I did the 5 day pouch test, just to make sure everything was still good and to get back on track and remember all the rules.  *Drink water, water, water up to 30 minutes before the meal *Eat until satisfied  (within in 15 minutes) and leave the table - stop picking  *Wait atleast 30 minutes before drinking  *Carbs are my enemy - have been for 38 years - I know and have them under control During the 5 day test I lost 6 pounds, which is good because I was at the top of my confort zone for weight. Thanks again!! Diane