Question:
Hypo Glycmic

Anyone having problems with low sugar levels? I'm 3 years out and off all meds and have lost 100lbs and all of sudden I'm having hypo attacks. Last one sent me in a tail spin with being disoriented, My Internal Medicine dr just did a glucose work up on me. I would love to hear back from others.    — latinliving (posted on January 5, 2010)

January 5, 2010
Yes, I am two years out and have the same problem. I keep hard candy in my purse and have one or two, if I am going to be out, and will be a long time between meals. Otherwise, if I am home, I find that 4-5 small meals, with a little bit of natural starch, like a snack with cheese and wheat crackers, or a fruit, helps. In other words, eat more often. Three meals a day doesn't work for us. Have a snack in between and preferably one with some simple carbs! Hope this helped!
   — lesleigh07

January 5, 2010
I have the same problem when I don't get in enough protein and eat too many carbs. As long as I stay on my basic meal plan of meats, cheese, veggies, nuts, and berries I have no problems. But once I venture out in to the "carb world", look out....I can just count on an low sugar episode. My last one was a real doozie. I had eaten some carbs before betime. When I woke up I found myself in front of the refrigerator just standing there. My daughter is a diabetic so I use the advice from her diabetes dr. to help me thru which is to drink an 8 oz glass of milk. After I do, it usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes to get back to normal. If you are out, milk is not always available. So make sure you carry some peanut butter crackers or equivalent to get you thru. You may look at your meal plan again and have to make some adjustments to get more protein in. Remember 2 bites of protein to one bite of preferably veggies. You may have to limit your carbs. Hope this helps! Good Luck. Low blood sugars are no fun and right down scary.
   — Janet H.

January 5, 2010
I have been dealing with this off and on since I was about 4 months out - never had any blood sugar issues ever until post-op surgery, but I have very rapidly lost 100 lbs. I have to keep some cancy for extreme cases, but I found that I have to have a little bit of carb w/ my meals and somehow that helps, in addition to eating 4-6 small meals throughout the day (it's the only way I can get in enough protein). I rarely need to use the candy anymore, except in extreme cases. If you go the candy route, make sure that you follow it up with a nice shot of some kind of protein or you'll be back in the same boat 30-60 minutes later. It can be scarey when you have that disorientation, so it was smart to do some gucose work up - my doc also sent me homw wiht a glucose monitor so that I could check my blood sugar from time to time when I felt funny to help me learn how to feel the low blood sugar coming on so that I could do something about it before it gets so bad that I feel like I'm going to pass out. BIG HELP! Good luck!
   — stellarsan

January 5, 2010
I have had Hypoglycemia (also called low blood sugar) since the 1970's. The key is definitely to keep your food spread out and make sure to keep something with you at all times. I have to admit that my problem has increased since I had the surgery. Exercise is also a concern so don't be away from some crackers, milk, juice or something in case you have a spell while working out. I carry a small canister or pretzels in my car at all times. Sometimes I will just be walking through a store and I will get a spell. I have to make an instant beeline for some kind of food. Hope this helps.
   — katiecakes

January 5, 2010
I should also have mentioned that I have had the RNY. If low blood sugar is an issure with anyone I would reconsider having the RNY and go another surgical alternative for anyone planning weight loss surgery. My glucose levels have definately changed since the surgery and my problems with it has increased. I can live with it, but talk over the different types of surgery with your doc before doing a RNY. Good luck to you and anyone else having Weight Loss Surgery!
   — katiecakes

January 7, 2010
I am 5 years out and have alot of sugar issues. If I eat anything sweet or drink any juices like apple or orange, my sugar shoots to over 250 and then drops like a brick in water to around 40. the lowest it has gotten was 13 and I was in trouble. I haven't been to an endocrinologist because my regular doctor said that she doesn't believe that it is a problem, even though my dad died from complications from diabetes, and I need a referral from her to see a specialist. All I can do is to watch my sugar intake and if I happen to have an episode, I eat pnut butter crackers or a pnut butter sandwich. that seems to help more than anything. by the way, I lost 160 lbs. from a size 26w to a 4. I am happy with my new weight and energy, but for those of you who are having sugar issues, try eating 5 or 6 high protein meals a day. small portions of course. please email me if you want to talk more. [email protected] thanks cin from alabama
   — cynthia vanheiden

March 25, 2010
I developed hypoglycemia about 4 years ago -- I had WLS in 2001. Once they figured out what it was, my doctor put me on Glyset, taken after the first bite of my lunch. I've been fine unless stressed out unduly, including from exercise, and then I take a glucose tablet (chewables, available OTC from any pharmacy in various flavors). Since I went from 333 to 185 and feel WONDERFUL, this is a small thing indeed for me when I remember extender seat belts, acting involuntarily as stair speed monitor, terrible health, etc. The worst part was before the doctor diagnosed it -- I had to load up on protein when the lightheadedness would hit -- like eating a spoonful of peanut butter or beef jerky. YUCH. ANyway, check out the Glyset with your doctor. It was originally developed for diabetics but did not prove effective and turned out to work wonderfully with hypoglycemia!
   — cjtich