Question:
Post-op Glucose Test... Has anyone done it???

My GP has asked me to do a 3 hr Glucose Tolerance Test ... Has anyone done it ... I have some medical issues post-op, for the past 2.5 years I usually saw the assistant however she no longer works there so I was seen by the GP who knows nothing about my issues ... She asked me if I have diabetes in the family, I said yes but I had Gastric Bypass, she said take this test... Asked my surgeon he said he did not recommend it but can't tell me to go against my GP... I am scared to take it ...    — gigi_c (posted on May 17, 2011)

June 20, 2011
Gigi, it's to your advantage to take the test, particularly if you have a family history of diabetes. In my own case, I was able to beat the weight but not the genes -- I lost well over 100 pounds with a VBG (an old version of the gastric sleeve, had my surgery in 2000) but was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in 2005 -- AFTER I lost the all the weight. My father and paternal grandmother had type II diabetes; I had severe gestational diabetes with my first son; I gave birth to two babies weighing more than 10 pounds -- so I lost the genetic lottery. My diabetes has been completely under control with medication since shortly after my diagnosis, and most of my readings and tests are within the range of normal normal, not diabetic normal. Having gastric bypass is no guarantee that Type II diabetes is going to go away, and the health risks associated with diabetes are worse than having to take the test. I won't lie and tell you it's pleasant, because it isn't, but it beats the heck out of having a stroke, losing a limb or going blind. I'm not really sure why your surgeon is against you having the test; perhaps you need some clarification from him. A three-hour glucose tolerance test involves drinking stuff that tastes like slightly carbonated orange Kool-AID with WAY too much sugar in it. Blood samples are taken before the test, at 1 hour after, at 1.5 hours after, at 2 hours after, and at 3 hours after. If I had one suggestion to make it easier it would be to request that when the lab tech draws the blood for the first sample they put one of those shunt things in like they use for an IV, so they can take the other samples out through the shunt and not have to jab your arm another four times. I have terrible veins that tend to collapse so this was very important to me. Also, take something with you to drink (like a protein shake or something like that) after the last sample is taken, as you might feel a touch ill because you have to fast for 12 hours before the test. It's uncomfortable, and slightly unpleasant, and that Kool-Aid stuff is gross, but it's really not that bad. Good luck!
   — Cheryl Denomy