Question:
What could be causing this?

Hi. I'm 17 months post op and have begun having a peculiar problem almost every day. I eat normally - no excessive foods like high sugar or fat - just normally like I've been doing for the last several months. But, every day I have a hypoglycemic or low sugar type episode. I feel trembly inside (but I don't actually tremble on the outside), I get a little dizzy, feel hot or flushed, and even have trouble thinking clearly - I just feel really strange. Usually I eat a little bit and I'm better. The whole episode generally lasts only a very few minutes. I'm eating well every day, around 1500 - 1800 calories. I've had these episodes all along but only like once every few months. Maybe a total of 5 times since surgery. Since about a week ago they are happening every day. My sugar is not low. I've had them happen during the day while at work, they've awakened me in the middle of the night, they even happen at the mall. It's wierd. Nothing in particular seems to bring it on - no stressful incident, no out of the ordinary eating, no excessive activity, etc. Occasionally when it happens I'm so shaky that I have to literally walk along the wall to the kitchen for fear I'll fall out. My recent labs were perfect. I'm going to ask the doctor about it this week but I thought I'd see if any of you had ever had similar symptoms and what caused it. Any ideas? Thanks!    — ronascott (posted on April 9, 2002)

April 8, 2002
Rona, I had the same thing happen to me last week. I was at the WLS support group meeting and I was feeling fine. Then within a couple of seconds, I got really hot and started to feel like I was going to pass out. I made my way out of the room and then REALLY almost blacked out. Once I stumbled outside into the air, I started to feel better. However, I felt like I couldn't think clearly even the next day. I called my surgeon and he said to see my PCP. I still feel it's related to the surgery since I've never had this happen before. I've seen numerous people post on here the same type of symptoms. Unfortunately, no one seems to be able to come up with what the solution is.
   — Patty H.

April 8, 2002
Hi Rona, as a diabetic (or former, since surgery I am off all meds..., normal blood sugars! WOO HOO) I have experienced many a hypoglycemic episode due to insulin reactions. I can tell you that my symptoms are exactly what you are experiencing. The shakiness from the inside, but not necessarily being seen on the outside, yes! Do you feel like if someone is talking to you at the time that you can't really understand what they are saying, and can't really respond? Also, do you get sweaty? If it is hypoglycemia, and to me it sounds like it could be, you need to find out why this is happening. Even though your labs may have come out normal, they could have been normal at the time of testing. You may need to have a hemoglobin A1C test, which is a 3 month check of your cumulative blood sugars. This will show if they have been low throughout the last 3 months, and if they have dropped at times, the test should show signs of it. Don't let the doctor poo-poo your symptoms as they often do, as hypoglecemia can be serious. Carry with you at all times some candy that is easy to chew, as it can be hard to chew when potentially passing out!) or always carry with you a juice box, preferably O.J. (Minute Maid makes OJ juice boxes). At least for now you will be safeguarding any potential hazards from these episodes until you get some answers. Best of luck and let us know how you are doing!
   — Vicki K.

April 9, 2002
Hi Rona! I agree with Vicki it sounds like hypoglycemia to me. I used to have these occassionally before WLS and have them every few months now, usually when I wait too long to eat. A little bit of sugar will relieve you of the feeling in short order--last time I was picking my daughter up from her Easter party at school and a single SweetTart was enough to snap me out of it. But then you need to eat a little something more substantial afterwards! I used to have problems before WLS if I had coffee and carbs for breakfast. Now that I usually have protein for breakfast, it doesn't seem to be a problem anymore. =) This is one of the times it is OK to have sugar! Good luck!
   — ctyst

April 9, 2002
Rona, How do you know your sugar is not low? Do you have a glucose meter and check it when you feel like this? If you do have a meter and check it and find that it is normal, then something else may be going on. You would then need to see your doctor to find out what's going on.
   — garw

April 9, 2002
I will be two years out the 26th of this month. I have been having these episodes. Turns out I was consuming too much caffeine and was nearing dehydration. Increased my water and have been fine. Good luck from another Bama babe!
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 9, 2002
I'm 10 months post op and beginning to have the same problem. Yesterday and the day before were horrible. I just saw the post below and can't believe caffeine could be one of the problems. I'm going to cut down on the caffeine. THANKS!
   — dolphins94

April 9, 2002
How much exercise are you getting in? I too am suffering from the same thing. I had my labs done last week, low blood sugar was the culprit. The way my DR explained it was that I am actually burning more calories than I am taking in so my body reacts with low blood sugar. I am now eating 5-6 small portions per day instead of 3. So far, no more of the episodes like you described....
   — Ginger J.