Question:
Do you have increased episodes of very low blood sugar?

Several people in our support group have been experiencing bouts of very low blood sugar, which seemed to begin at about 11 months post-op. The dips do not seem to correspond with any particular foods and do not seem to always be responsive to glucose tablets. Endocrine work-ups have eliminated diabetes as a cause. Any one else experience this problem and found a cause?    — SteveColarossi (posted on April 28, 2005)

April 27, 2005
I am also anxious to hear responses from this question. I have bouts of very low blood sugar every once in a while. In fact, 18 months ago, I experienced a seizure at work due to low blood sugar. It was 38 which can be dangerous. I believe it is called hypoglycemia. My doctors have found no other cause for my seizure and I haven't had another one since. I have learned to recognize the signs and get something in me QUICK, such as apple or orange juice. And then I make sure that I eat something. Signs for me include feeling dizzy, general confusion, seeing spots in front of my eyes, blindness, racing heart, anxiety. It is scary. Anyone know how to combat this???
   — enjo4

April 27, 2005
I have been dealing with this, my doc called it hypoglycemia. Said I need to eat 4-6 small meals a day instead of three and just reacting to the dizzy/sweats/shakes when it happens. This should keep things level.
   — Dedicated

April 28, 2005
Steve, I have experienced this from early on. I was told Hypoglycemic "episodes". This is why we are encouraged to eat several small meals a day. When I feel them coming on I just eat a piece of hard candy and it goes away pretty quickly. Sometimes it CAN be food induced but will not always be the same food you may have eaten, in my experience. I will be 3 years postop Aug. 1st and continue to eat 6 to 8 mini meals a day along with protein drinks. It also corresponds with the rapid weightloss, for some reason. I am not a doctor but just giving my experience. Hope this helps some. Erika
   — Egyptianeyesdiva

April 28, 2005
Hi Guys: It's like you read my mind! This started happening to me last month (I will have my one-year anniversary in May) Very scary experience even for a diabetic like me! What really confused me was that it was happening about 1 1/2 hours after eating a good meal!!!! if it was occuring pre-surgery I could see why, but I am 80 pounds lighter, and eating sensibly now - (not skipping meals like before). All I can say is that it is a relief to hear that I am not alone, and please - keep some hard candy with you at all times....maybe this is a temporary phase, but I am seeing my nutritionist next week, and this will be my first question!
   — Lesli W.

April 28, 2005
Yes!! Unfortunately I have experienced this. I am 18 months post-op and about a month ago I realized I had a problem. Constant eating not because I was hungry, but because my sugar levels were very low. I was very tired and was having all the symptoms of hypoglycemia (fatigue, crying spells, dizziness, shakes) The problem is sugar. I started to read up and got some advice from my doctor. Also, there is what is called a late dumping syndrome, where you can eat sugar comfortably and feel the effects 2-3 hours later. It was a terrible feeling. After doing some research on glycemic index/ diet, I found that I was hypersensitive to sugar and I had to get rid of it. Staying away from sugar, including white bread, rice, potatoes has made the world of a difference. I didn't even realize how sick I was making myself, until I started feeling so much better. Peanuts have been a life saver for me and I'm not crazy about them, but they really help.
   — Natalie G.

April 29, 2005
Yes. It's called reactive hypoglycemia I believe. I read an article in Shape magazine that it is not uncommon after massive weight loss, whether from WLS or not. That had some techinical explanation that escapes me at the moment. It may have been something about your pancreas being use to releasing x amount of insulin for your body size, and then even after we're a normal weight, it still over produces? I experience it after a high carb meal. As long as I keep my protein levels up and watch the glycemic index of foods, I do better. I also add a small protein snack between meals. If it does hit, I use whole grain crackers w/ peanut butter which seem to help me.
   — mom2jtx3

April 30, 2005
We talk about reactive hypoglycemia on the Grad list regularly. It seems to come free with surgery. Many get 2 yrs free, but yeah, for some it's only one year. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
   — vitalady

February 18, 2008
I started having severe bouts of hypoglycemia a year post op, and it continued to get worse. I am now 18 mo post op. I have to carry a blood glucose meter and monitor my blood sugars often and carry glucose tabs with me. I am seeing an endocrinlogist who has diagnosed me with pancreas that are over producing insulin in dangerous amounts causing late dumping syndrome. My blood sugar drops severely after eating meals or anything high in carbs. I am scheduled to have more tests done, but he did state that although this is rare, it can happen to some after gastric bypass. It certainly warrants one to seek medical care to rule out anything serious.
   — [Deactivated Member]