Question:
my blood-sugar level gets crazy at times

Recently, during the late morning at work, my level drops. I sweat and shake and have to take a time out. Today was after I had eaten: 1/2 c. plain yogurt mixed with a banana and almonds an hour later - a hard-boiled egg a few pretzels (shouldn't have I'll bet) I had surgery six years ago and it seems as though my blood-sugar level is getting more and more difficult to handle. What should I have had for breakfast instead??? I could understand if I had a donut and coffee!! Ithought I was doing everything right.    — Debbie N. (posted on May 19, 2011)

May 19, 2011
I am three years out and have the same problem. I was told it was reactive hypoglycemia, but it is hard to diagnose as you would have to be at a lab while you were having the problem. I get shakey, sweaty, and then im exhausted and need not only a time out - but a nap. I found the Labrada Rock and Roll bars help (they are really low in sugar), so I will eat a little of that when it happens, but mostly I just have to ride it out. I hope someone can help more than I did and come up with something that really works.
   — marksgirl

May 19, 2011
I have the same problem when I drink more coffee than usual. If I drink an extra cup or so, and then I eat a high carb meal or snack, my blood sugar will tank. I saw a specialist and she told me to make sure that I eat something high in protein if I drink extra coffee. She also called it reactive hypoglycemia. I was told to never have the glucose tolerance test. That was after I had it and my BS dropped to 35! Seriously, it's easier for me not to eat! Best of Luck!
   — Debbi S.

May 19, 2011
I've got the same problem and self diagnosed myself with reactive hypoglycemia. I'm one yr and 4 months out and down 142 lbs. My weight has leveled off but sometimes during the day and last week once in the morning, i was very low with my blood sugar when I woke up. I felt horrible.. tired, sweaty and shakey. I actually HAVE to have sugar when that happens. I've tried just going high protein and low carb but it doesn't fix it. I now have a small glass of OJ or (and dont' scream here) a handful of M&M's just to get me feeling human again. Once it passes i'm good (although tired for the rest of the day). It used to happen more often, but I find that the low sugar diet makes it happen more often. I try to eat more fruit to get the sugars in, than anything else. Now it doesn't happen more than once every couple of months (when previously it was happening every day and sometimes twice a day). Best of luck ...Karen
   — KQinNC

May 19, 2011
I have a similar issue, in December (12 mos out) I received a panic call from the Dr's office after fasting labs... blood sugar was 42, ooppsss! I was out shopping very, dizzy, visual issue etc. They told me to make sure I carry peanut butter crackers in my purse. Now that I know what the weird feeling is I grab a package of peanut butter crackers if it begins again. It works... it takes a protein/carb combo to maintain blood sugar. Yes I've done the M&M and OJ trick although it increases my blood sugar and tastes great it doesn't maintain my blood sugar and I find with the peanut butter crackers I'm not tired! Good Luck :)
   — fortywhat2

May 20, 2011
are you still taking med's for your sugar if so need to stop them but make sure to talk with your doctor my doctor took me off my med's the day of my surgery i was type 2
   — mrkbeatt

May 20, 2011
Debbie, you don't indicate whether you are a diabetic or not. I've had Type II Diabetes for years. Post-op I am off my meds and able to manage my blood glucose levels through diet alone. One thing I would suggest (aside from speaking with your doctors) is to replace the banana with berries. The banana is very high in sugar. Berries are one of the best fruit options for diabetics. They do not give us the up and down spikes like other fruits do.
   — Elizabeth T.

May 26, 2011
I too just started having sugar issues. I am 20 months out (down 120) there is a medicine that is out there for people like us but it can be controlled with diet as well. The nutritionist wants me to track everything I intake and take my sugar reading first thing in the AM and then after each meal. I too have gone very low and it is scary and a nasty feeling. Although we are bypass patients and dont want to gain the weight our bodies actually do need some carbs to maintain the blood level. They have suggested that I eat protein and a carb with each meal/snack. That of course takes some getting used to when we have not been eating carbs for a long time. Best of luck to all of you who are suffering the same issues and as weird as it sounds it feels good to know that I am not the ONLY one that is having this issue as well. Even with this issue and others I have had in this process this was still the best decision I EVER made!
   — elder1104