MESSAGE FROM MY DOCTOR

Hi friends...sorry I've been so absent, just been terribly busy. Wanted to let you know I saw my doctor this evening and had a terrific chat about the low blood sugar issues. I have a great doctor; he takes time with me, he emails me when a script has been called in, he calls me at home to check up on me when I'm not feeling well, he is just a rare breed...anyway, we talked about these low BS episodes I've posted about, to which many of you have said you're experiencing similar symptoms. Here's the scoop...basically, my system is very confused. I spent a lifetime being so overweight that anytime I so much as looked at food, my pancreas flooded my system with insulin. For a while after surgery, my body was on hiatus, living the good life of stable glucose responses. Then, when I hit a normal BMI range, my body--particularly the organs--started wondering what was up and began questioning everything I was eating. The interesting thing is that every cell in our body can subsist on any one, single food source -- all protein, or all carbs, or all fats...except the brain. The brain can ONLY subsist on blood sugar. So, when we go too long between meals without eating anything, and our blood sugar level takes a dive, it's like we're starving our brain, cutting off all nutrition - then the brain goes into panic mode and makes the pancreas produce insulin whether it wants to or not - and that's when we get really light headed and confused. I can't explain it like my doc explained this to me but the bottom line is this: we need to treat the low blood sugar issue very much like we would (or have) treated our diabetes -- with an eating plan that is consistent throughout the day (5 or 6 mini meals every 3 hours is better than 3 meals a day every 4 or 5 hours), moderate portions and healthy food choices. This is the only way to curb these LBS episodes and to ensure that we maintain good health on behalf of our organs, particularly the pancreas, kidneys and liver -- and the brain. My doc wants me to log what I eat for a week and especially write down what I have eaten just before one of these attacks, or episodes as I call them. It was a good talk and I feel better and more resolved than ever to take good care of my body. Please do likewise, take good care of you because where would I be without you??? Love, Maureen

Maureen - Thanks so much for posting this because it really makes sense and is good to know. I have had occasional problem with this but not as frequent as you. Good to pay attention to this... Dina

Thanks Maureen, That is what I thought. I am so glad you shared this with us. Although I have not posted, I have experienced this as well.

Hey Maureen, Your doctor sounds terrific. Thank you for sharing his explanation, it makes great sense and it will go a long way towards reassuring my relatives about what is going on with me when my sugar drops. I had drop issues before surgery too. Always so great to see a post from you. Love, Jen

Hi, Maureen!! This does make A LOT of sense. My surgeon was very strict about the 3 meal a day rule with no snacking, but the further out I got the harder this became. I tried to stick to it, but it wasn't working for me, thus the episodes. I actually feel more comfortable on the mini meal plan. Usually, my between meal meal (?) consists of a protein bar (sorry Mike!). But sometimes it's a piece of cheese or a hand full of crackers. Well, I made a decision. No more "Curves" for me. I want to go to a 'real' gym...have someone show me what I'm supposed to do, how heavy it's supposed to be and how many I'm supposed to do. I've decided to change my attitude about exercise. As I posted before, I always hated it. I've gained about 7 pounds since I've been out of work, and it won't come off. Originally I wanted to lose about 20 pounds, and I am determined to do this before my March appointment with the surgeon. Since I am not working, there is NO REASON I can't be in the gym every day. There's just no excuse at all. So, tomorrow, I am going to a gym that has all kinds of equipment and spin classes, body sculpting and all that good stuff. I'm going to take a tour and sign on the dotted line. It is no longer an option, and should have never been an option. It is something I MUST do and I am just going to DO IT!!! Again, Maureen, thanks for taking the time to share that info with us. Like you, it is extremely valuable!! Joanie

Thanks Maureen; That's some excellent information. It makes lots of sense and helps ease what for me was a troublesome situation. I think that I'll try spreading out my food intake a bit and see what happens. CHEERS! Mike

AHA!! I knew it. From the very get go, my surgeon and I have disagreed about the 3 vs 6 meals a day. She considers the 6 meals grazing and really stressed sticking with 3 meals. I never felt good when I was eating just 3 meals. She's a brilliant surgeon, but I know how I feel. Thanks for the info, Maureenie. It validates what I've thought all along. Big Hugs to you and your doc, Connie

Hey!! This is me all over with capital exclamation points!!! The 3 meals a day has never worked. Mini meals 5 to 6 times a day is the only way I can keep my "engine" running. Otherwise I looking for a place to take a siesta...along with serious brain fog. Thanks Maureen...this explanation makes perfect sense!! Ya did good!! Va