Question:
How to boost blood sugar post RNY. Will I dump??

I have occasional low blood sugar (no diabetes). When I feel it, I simply eat something for a quick boost (fruit, small amount of candy, soft drink). After an RNY, with the dumping problem, what can I do for a quick boost? It doesn't happen often, but I get real weak when it happens, until I get something "sugary" into me. Suggestions??    — kelly D. (posted on November 30, 2002)

November 30, 2002
I've had that problem, too, from time to time, especially when dieting. There are a couple things I have learned. To maintain proper blood sugar levels, protein is very important. Sugar will bring your bloodsugar up, but protein keeps it there. Soft drinks and candy will not be an option post op due to dumping. Raw fruit or 100% fruit juice followed by protein is your best bet, but consuming a lot of protein will prevent the problem in the first place, hopefully! Post op, I haven't had a problem with my blood sugar running either too high OR too low. Just follow your post op instructions and let your dietician know that your blood sugar can drop sometimes. See if he/she has any other suggestions! Good luck and God bless!! Laura (4 mos post op, down 72 lbs)
   — Laura S.

November 30, 2002
You know, this problem has been discussed on the Grad list recently. Post-op, it's a little different, I think. Because of thaty sugar issue. Reactive hypoglycemia seems to be fairly common. You might want to look at the archives for the last week or so, and see how people are handling it posite. (hint; most of us use carb + peanut butter). Grads is for people one or more years out to POST. Anyone can lurk and I highly recommend it. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
   — vitalady

November 30, 2002
The trick will be to making sure you get your meals in regularly. NO SKIPPING luch or breakfast...even if you are not hungry. If you know there is a time during the day..like between luch and dinner or in the am between breakfast and lunch, have a high protein snck. Keep a protein bar at your desk at work. Proetein stays with you much longer than sugar. even if you could tolerate the sugars. It brings your blood sugar up briefly then goes down again. So make sure you are eating good proteins 3x a day (at least) and try and acheive a steady state so you wont be bothered by the glucose fluctuations....good luck ; Keniki
   — Keniki B.

December 1, 2002
Dumping seems to affect the majority of RNY post-ops, but not all. I had open RNY in January 2002 and have never dumped. I eat sugar with no problem except that it slightly irritates my pouch. Go figure. I'm just saying that this may or may not be a problem for you post-op; unfortunately, you'll just have to wait and see. Good luck.
   — Roxanne M.

December 1, 2002
Orange juice, fruit, 100% juices are safe ideas and shouldn't make you dump. As little as 4 oz. of OJ should do the trick, but you can always check your blood sugar before and again about 20 minutes after to be sure it's OK.
   — Lynette B.

December 1, 2002
I keep a container of glucose tabs in my purse since my low blood sugar seems to hit while out and about. Although I haven't had surgery yet, I do have a strong intolerance to sugar, and these don't bother me in the least, they simply just keep me from falling on my face :o) Good luck, Jeanette
   — Jeanette M.