Question:
How can I lose weight safely with severe hypoglaucemia?

Since my bypass I have developed severe hypoglaucemia, I am on medications and am told to eat small meals very often. I had my surgery in 2002 and still am unable to eat more then a few bites at a time,I have difficulty with most foods so I tend to eat what will go down easy,usualy bready things and we all know carbs are the wrong road to travel but I eat now to survive, but I have gained considerable amount of weight and when I increase my exercise my sugar level drops very fast. I wonder if any one has this to this extreme and if maybe protein drinks could possibly help me as I have so much difficulty with solid food?    — stephanie P. (posted on December 30, 2007)

December 30, 2007
have you seen your surgeon for a complete evaluation? weight gain is pretty common long term but everyone should be able to eat solid food. have you been scoped? whats your surgeon have to say? we are here to help.
   — bob-haller

December 30, 2007
I too have hypoglaucemia I had surgery in 2006 and have lost over 230 pounds. my problem is that I have lost to much weight my doctor tells me, he wants me to eat what ever sticks with me and to gain some weight back. It's not quite the same problem you have except for the low blood sugar as i crash all the time I have tried the protein shkes they seem to help some.
   — Michael Moody

December 31, 2007
From my experience I have less trouble with my blood sugars since i have had surgery .. the only time I really have trouble with my sugars dropping too much is when I don't follow the rules. Protein may not raise your sugars as fast as simple carbs but they will keep them leveled much longer as you don't have to worry about the big crash later like you would if you had eaten anything starchy or sugary. Yes i have to eat small amounts more often through the day though I knew that going into this. Yes i know carbs go down easier but they arent even the least bit beneficial to you. I would suggest getting back to basics more protein, and veggies cutting out the sugars and simple carbs small amounts continuously through out the day and you will do soo much better.
   — NavyNukeWife

December 31, 2007
I have hypoglycemia. I have found that protein shakes keep me stable for the most part. Protein shakes made with water, not milk. I try to take one every two hours. If hunger crops up, I will eat a bit of food..in meat/cheese/veggies/fruit.whole grains. I try to eat at least one food meal per day...Because crashing is just not for me...the protein shakes are my salvation. I dip into the 30's before I know it...so I carry glucose tabs with me...then use a protein shake a soon as possible after the glucose. It's a life saver. Literally. If someone has never experienced a hypoglycemic crash...they should not judge how another gets his or her nourishment. We do what we HAVE to do. I'm 7 1/2 years post and have been maintaining my weight loss. Regards~ Jacque
   — Statuesque

December 31, 2007
I use protein shakes made with water. I now avoid white things. Always did avoid milk, but now bread & potatoes, as well. The protein helps hold me steady, but I started seeing a pattern of a huge BS drop about 1-2 hrs afte ranything white. Mind you, I've eaten bread & potatoes with impunity for most of my post-op life, 13 yrs. I've learned to eat a very low sugar protein bar or protein food every 2-3 hrs, and I do 6 whey + water protein drinks per day. The ONLY low BS I've had is following "white food" since April.
   — vitalady

December 31, 2007
I suggest that you look up a Non-Surgical Bariatric Doctor. They specialize in nutrition and are usually familiar with weight loss surgeries. I know that my Bariatric Surgeon has sent me to one because of an Irom and a Glucose problem that I have and I swear by her. I am 4 years out. I hope you find a sulution soon. I don't think that bread products is the answer. I wonder if you don't have some kind of stricture as you haven't ever been able to eat normal for a WLS Patient. I am with the person that said to check with your surgeon. You should be able to eat anything at this point. By now it should be a lifestyle, not because you can't eat. Hope this helps, Good luck, Judy
   — jk_harris

January 2, 2008
Since you are only able to eat a few bite at a time, it's even more important to be aware of what you are eating. If you are having problem with blood sugar, bread is probably not your best food choice. Stick to protein and make sure you carbs come from fruit and veggie. Eating mostly meat, nuts, eggs, fish, cheese and other protein rich foods will help keep you blood sugar stable. If you go for protein drinks or supplements, make sure they are low carb/low sugar. Good luck.
   — mrsidknee