Question:
Surgically induced hypoglycemia?

I have been having problems (currently 8 months out) with weakness, dizziness, and passing out not too long after eating, along with feelings of hunger shortly after eating. The symptoms perfectly fit hypoglycemia, and I recently read an article (http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050724/NEWS06/507240399/1083/LIVING01) about surgically induced hypoglycemia. Has anyone else had issues with this, and what kind of solutions did you arrive at? I believe this is causing problems with my weight-loss. I'm seeing a doctor soon, but any information anyone might have would be helpful.    — seasicksquid (posted on August 15, 2005)

August 15, 2005
I believe it is pretty common. I started having problems with this shortly after I got a little careless with the protein first rule. For instance, I would eat oatmeal, or a piece of toast, or something non-protein for breakfast and two hours later, almost to the minute, I'd be in trouble. I've found that I never have any problem at all if I stick to the protein first rule and if I eat every two hours. Good luck on figuring it out for you.......it is a miserable feeling.
   — scbabe

August 15, 2005
Lauren- your question raises a number of issues. First, if you check the library here, you'll find that there exists among a number of post-ops a sensitivity to changes in the blood sugar levels: some people describe it as hypoglycemia because the symptoms are very similar. Secondly, the NEJM study that the newspaper article cited acknowledged that there was no control group for that study-- in fact, the shortcomings of that research were laid out. As a result, it is simply not conclusive that hypoglycemic like symptoms are caused by weight loss surgery. Anecdotally, there are many theories for this issue among a considerable number of post-ops. One theory is that the problem is most prevelant among a population that was probably pre-diabetic (which contributes to the body's inability to strictly control blood sugar levels after surgery). Another theory is that the post-operative diet (unless supplemented) is particularly low on certain minerals (such as chromium and magnesium, among others critical to the metabolism of sugar); therefore, given the infrequency with which carbohydrates are ingested, the body tends to over-produce insulin which causes blood sugar levels to drop. Still other theories suggest that the real culprit is simply an oversensitivity to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Despite the differences in opinion as to the precise cause of this issue among post-ops, few (if any) in the medical field attribute its prevalance to some change in the body that was created by surgery.
   — SteveColarossi

August 15, 2005
I have a problem with this. It's really bad if I eat refined carbs, and even some fruits... ie, anything that causes a steep rise and fall w/ blood sugar. To manage it, I start with protein at every meal, then veggies and maybe a smaller amount of whole grain carbs. I have a protein snack in between (mozerella sticks, hard boiled eggs, nuts). This seems to keep it under control. I read an article in shape magazine that it's related to massive weight loss (not necessarily the surgery).
   — mom2jtx3

August 16, 2005
I have the same thing..I'm a year and a half post op and it started about 8 months ago. My bloodwork is fine and I thought the same thing...a spike either way in the blood sugar. I recently read an article in a curves magazine about people being carb-sensitive and it lists the symptoms..down to a T. It suggests a high protein, low carb diet as suggested by a previous poster.
   — boonikki29

August 16, 2005
Hi, I would suggest going to see your doctor, because only a doctor can diagnose your problem. With that said, based on what you said, my guess would be that you are experiencing "reactive hypoglycemia" (also known as "idiopathic hypoglycemia")... The difference between regular hypoglycemia and reactive hypoglycemia is that regular hypoglycemia happens as a result of not eating enough (or frequently enough). Reactive hypoglycemia occurs *after* eating. As I understand it, reactive hypoglycemia happens when you eat and your body either releases too much insulin (for the amount of food you have eaten) or continues to release insulin after your food is processed. I was told I have reactive hypoglycemia.. as far as blood work, my fasting blood sugar and glucose tolerance tests come back normal. I was frustrated for a long time because I kept having these symptoms of hypoglycemia but the doctor would always say my blood work was normal and it couldn't be hypoglycemia.. I switched doctors and the new doc finally figured out/explained what was going on. Best wishes, Sid
   — mrsidknee

August 19, 2005
You're a little ahead of schedule but I'd say most of us do have bouts with this. We discuss it often on the Grad list. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG. The one thing we've learned not to do is to eat sugar to correct it as it leads to another plunge later.
   — vitalady