Low Blood Sugar

Just curious if those of us who have over 100 lbs to loose are more likely to end up having blood sugar problems after wls.  I have lost 180 lbs and I wasnt a diabetic before surgery....I was lucky then.  However, in the past 2-3 months Ive had alot of low blood sugars where my levels get so low Im shaking and weak.  Its happening more and more and its getting scarey.  Anyone else having this problem?  

I had "spells" similar to that a  few months ago, mine was a  weird dizzy unreal feeling and then scary low blood pressure.  I wonder if blood sugar was a part of it too? I had blood tests, would they catch that if they weren't specifically looking?   My WLS dr sent me to my primary care dr and she just kinda scratched her head and said "Oh well"  about it.    I bought better protein and mine stopped.  I wonder if it was related?  I also stopped the water pill I  was taking and my BP went up to normal. 

I wouldn't say its common, but hypoglycemia after surgery is definitely happening to a lot of people. It has a name - reactive hypoglycemia or nestidioblastosis (if changes can be seen in the cell components of your pancreas). I have some problems with it, mainly when I work out, but mostly mild and mangeable. Its led to a couple of fainting spells though and a few instances of not making much sense while I lay on the floor and sweat. I did not have diabetes before or even glucose intolerance. Honestly its trial and error to manage it but most people do best with small frequent meals and never eating carbs alone - always add protein. I am tending away from the small frequent meals because I overeat through the day I think. We will see how returning to 3 a day affects it for me. I really recommend you find a doc who is at least familiar with reactive hypoglycemia, and always make sure you have something in your bag or on you in case you need an emergency snack. Protein bars work well. I prefer the granola type protein bar because it doesn't crumble in my purse. Another trick is to put them in a hard shell glasses case in your purse. That works for peanut butter crackers and the like as well. Glucose pills are ok in an emergency but its better to have food because the glucose pills bring you back up and then right back down again.

I actually had my first low in several months last night. It was set off by a whole grain tortilla with cheese melted on it. This is something I eat a lot without a problem but I pulled out ye old blood sugar monitor and was at 61. Milk helped.

Thanks for your insight.  I pretty much have been keeping protein bars with me and thats what I use when I start getting the shakes....but a few times Ive been asleep and wake up and its really low.  My husband will usually get me a few ounces of diluted juice or milk then I get out the peanut butter to keep it up the rest of the night.  Thats been working pretty good for me

I did the packs of crackers and then ended up all over my purse and SUV so the case is an awesome idea for us.  Now why didnt I think of that before I had to clean up everything...lol

I have horrible times with LOW blood sugars. I have to eat something every 2 hours. I also use glucose tablets. Watch the "spells" they can be dangerous and you can pass out.

Hi Mariah,

Surgery month sister, it's been awhile. You look great!

I honestly don't think the amount of weight you have lost plays an effect in low blood sugars. I went to see an endocrinologist and he says it's actually something they see very often as a side effect in WLS patients.

My blood sugars have dropped to as low as 38, and I was in a non functioning state of mind. Luckily hubby was with me and saw what was happening, he forced me to eat something.

Dr has told me that a glass of milk is one of the best things you could have to bring sugars back up. Not only are you getting protein, but natural sugar which is what we need at that moment.  A lot of people talk about juice or candy to help bring it up fast, but this also tends to, like Jenn said, to cause your blood sugar to spike up and then drop very fast.

I now have glucose gel that I carry with me. The Dr recommended this in case my blood sugars would drop too low, that someone else would be able to administer it. She said it's the body natural reaction to swallow even when unconscious.

I eat protein every 3 hours, I try not to eat more in the day just smaller more often.

Thanks,

Im dealing with it ok.  Its just scaring my husband and my parents.  I know it happens I just wondered if because I was so fat if that didnt make me at greater risk.  I'll do much better to have smaller meals with protein.  I hope that will get it under control.

 

Mariah