XP: Reactive Hypoglycemia - How to change eating?

I've had several RH episodes this week.  I don't eat refined carbs (white flour, white sugar, pasta, rice, fast food, etc.)  I eat meat, cheese, eggs, organic fresh vegs, organic fresh fruits and some whole grains (mostly gluten free).

I don't know what is causing low blood sugars.  Dietician hasn't answered my calls yet.  Endocronologist told me to eat an energy bar when I feel blood sugar is low.

I have had a nausea problem since RNY (and for 3 years pre op).  I don't feel like eating anything after my breakfast protein latte and usually don't want a snack in the afternoon either.

Blood sugars have been in 40's, 60's and low 70's in the 4 occurances this week.  I'm eating smaller portions at meals so I can eat some complex carb between meals (Baby Bel cheese and fruit or whole grain crackers).  I don't want any food - but I'm doing it to keep the blood sugar from dropping.

Yesterday, I did eat a Clif bar (organic - but had 36 net carbs).  I won't eat candy (I also am a dumper) and don't want my sugar to spike and then tank again.

I have never been diabetic and always had fasting blood sugars of 100 pre op and since RNY.

How do you handle your RH?  What do you eat when BS drops?  My symptoms are: "foggy thinking - disorientation", sweating, weak, shaking and short tempered.

It's all I can do to get 1200 calories in a day.  I'm having plastic surgery in 9 days and want to get this  under control.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I tend to get blood sugars down in the 20s (one 27, a couple of 29s).  Scares the death out of me.  I'm seeing my surgeon tomorrow about a revision to try and add my duodenum back into the channel.  If you're as bad as I am, you can't eat whole grains.  You want to eat a low glycemic load diet.  According to the book I have, whole grains equals sugar rocks.  I basically eat cheese, eggs, meat, fish, and veggies.  I can handle plain lowfat yogurt with berries, but certain fruits are a no-no.  Bananas will about kill me.  I take a medication called Precose or Acarbose before I eat to help block absorption of carbohydrates.  Unfortunately, it causes GAS!  I'm a regular purchaser of the big boxes of Gax-X at Costco.  I can't take Beano, as it works by helping you absorb carbohydrates.  They now want me to inject myself with something called octreotide before I eat, so I'm headed to talk to my WL surgeon.  This is getting old mighty fast, and blood sugar in the 20s is too close to seizures, coma, and death for my comfort.

My goodness - I hope I don't get as bad as you.  I had some greek yogurt with a few raspberries yesterday afternoon and today I tried 1/2 protein bar between lunch and supper.

My hubby did get me some Clif bars - but I would be afraid to eat more than 1/3- 1/2 of one.

I have been weak today and had some hot flashes but didn't get the shakes or sweating or anything.  I will work on eating every 3-4 hours and having protein and complex carbs at each "mini meal."

Best wishes on your treatment.

I have RH too, thought I was going to pass out a couple of times, So I went to my Nut and we went over things that I can eat, So now my plan is I eat 5 or 6 small meals a day, make sure I get in all my liquids and I always have peanut butter in the house, I use healthy choice and always carry a pack of peanut butter crackers, just in case. But since I started eating like this , I have not had one RH reaction. It is hard cause I don't be thinking about food, sometimes I feel like I am eating something all day long, but I know if I don't I will be getting those RH systems. But for me if I feel it start to drop it is usually because I have waited too long to eat, but a teaspoon of peanut butter fixes me right up. So I hope you get a plan going  cause that is a awful feeling when your RH starts acting up.. Good luck with your PS.

Last time I looked at a Cliff bar they were pretty high in sugar......so they sure wouldn't work with my mild RH. The key as you know is to eat frequent small meals whether you are hungry or not. Nuts seem to work well for me. Cheese and a higher fiber fruit. I do ok with whole grain crackers. Milk...not so much (although I do drink milk in my coffee/tea. Fats and protein stabilize whatever you are eating. That's why peanut/almond butter holds me so well I think. Susan

Looked at the stats on clif bars....the regular one is 25 grams of sugar.....the builder's bars are 20.....that is not a sugar level appropriate for someone with BS instability. Total carbs is not really the issue......refined carbs are. Susan

If you can find them, single servings of peanut butter in foil packets helps DURING an episode if you are out and about...of course, a spoonful right from your jar in pantry works at home. 

I also swear by almond butter. But I can't find that in single serve packets. (if anyone does know where to get it please respond!)

I am a DSer and my RH is major pain in my ass. I'm also 3 yrs post op and I'm just NOW starting to get it under control.  But 5 - 6 mini meals are KEY to controlling it. You have to eat no matter what. Sometimes a 4 oz glass of low sugar Orange Juice and a few slices of cheese are a meal for me - but it's enough to stabelize me.

I hate RH. I really really really hate it. What works for one doesn't always work for others. Non ops, DSers, RNYers...we all have different management needs.

xox
Tammy

 Tammy - Justine's Almond Butter comes in individual foil packets.  They sell boxes of the packets at Wegman's if you're near them.....certainly available online.    Susan

We don't have a Wegmans (I assume it's a grocery store?)  but will look online for Justine's Almond Butter!

Thank you! 

I believe it is Justin's and not Justine's.
 They have a couple different flavors too and I have found it in my local Wal*Mart up here in Logan, Utah if that helps