Question:
Has anyone taken the glucose test post-op for pregnancy??

I am desperate to find anyone who has taken the gestational diabetes (glucose test) post-op for pregnancy. My OB is having me take the test in 5 weeks and I would like to know from other women what their experience with this testing was. I am worried about the dumping syndrome and have received conflicting information from my gastic surgeon and my OB. I believe my best resource would be others who have been through it. PLEASE respond if you have any information. Thank you so much, Heidi [email protected]    — Heidi H. (posted on April 21, 2000)

April 21, 2000
DON'T TAKE IT!!!!! It is pure sugar! You will dump - big time!! Two people in support group claimed to have results of diarrea, vomitiong and fainting! Make sure you OB knows that may happen as a result of taking the test!
   — Tara D.

April 21, 2000
STOP!!!!!!!!! DO NOT TAKE THE TEST!!!!!!!!!! YOU WILL DUMP AND YOU WILL GET VERY SICK - YOU MIGHT EVEN FAINT RIGHT THERE!!!!! I am not trying to scare you - just warn you well in advance. A woman who had a very successful RNY just brought her infant son to our support group meeting, and she warned us all about NOT doing it. The liquid they make you drink is pure sugar and it will make you very sick. Another woman who had to take that test for another medical reason had the exact same experience. BEFORE you take this test, be sure your surgeon/doctor calls your OBGYN directly to talk about this. Do not rely on your OBGYN understanding why it makes you sick. In both instances I mentioned above, neither of their doctors took their concerns seriously, and as a result they got sick. I will try to get you the name and e-mail address of the woman who just had her baby a few months ago in the next few days so that you can talk directly.
   — Paula G.

April 22, 2000
I am not post-op but I can tell you that there is another way for the test to be taken. Its a blood test, the results are not as conclusive. I had it during my pregnancy and kept throwing it back up. I have no clue why other than the fact that I had a bit of the flu at the time. I am sure there is another way, it may cost more but from what I am reading I would look into it. God Bless-
   — Courtrina Amur W.

May 30, 2000
Thank you for responding to my concern about the glucose test. At the insistance of my OB, I went ahead and had the test done (50gram of glucose) I wanted to answer my own post and let anyone others know that I was very lucky and did not get ill from this test. I was a little light headed at first, but other than that, I was just fine. I should mention that I was allowed to eat prior to the test, which may have made a difference since I didn't have the sugar on an empty stomache. Good Luck to all!!!
   — Heidi H.

January 28, 2004
I just had the Glucose test about 1 month ago. I did kind of have Dumping. I got cramps in my stomache and got really hot and sweaty but it passed after about a half hour. If you want to talk e-mail me at [email protected]
   — Kelly T.

March 19, 2005
While I was pregnant I had a glucose tolerance test done. I voiced my concerns about the amount of drink compared to the pouch size and about the carbonation. My doctor came up with a great idea. I ate the equivalent amount of glucose in the form of jellybeans -- it came out to about 60 Jelly Bellys which are pretty small (based on the sugar content that I needed to injest according to the doctor) which was a small fistful size and was easy for me to ingest in the 10 minute period they give you. No dumping, no illness, I felt fine for the rest of the day.
   — Bonnie C.

March 20, 2005
I did it. I suggested alternatives to my OB b/c I do dump (not badly, but it happens) and I was afraid I would dump at her office. For me dumping=queasy, rapid heartbeat and the need to lay down and take a nap! She was pretty adamant about drinking the stuff. It wasn't a whole lot, maybe 6 oz, and it was the orange flavor. Tasted like Orange Crush soda. Anyway, I drank it, felt a little lightheaded for awhile, and then they took me back to do the test. By that time, I was ok, and I drove home and had a nap! I'm pregnant again, so I know I'll be going thru it again, I can only hope it's as easy on me as the last time. Good luck!
   — Ali M