Long-time post-oppers ... carb question?

For those of you who are pushing a year out (like me) or are farther out ... have you had any troubles with carbs and hypo/hyperglycemia? Lately (last couple of weeks) I'm really having some problems with carbs of any kind. My PCP assures me I'm not diabetic, but because of the drastic weight loss my body just isn't handling carbs as well as in the past (heck not even as well as last month!), and they have my blood sugars on a roller-coaster. I *have* had a big weight drop in the last 3 weeks (14 lbs) after a rather prolonged plateau, and I'm really seeing some body-changes right now (2 pant sizes in the last 8 weeks!) ... so I know I'm in another metabolism adjustment period. Maybe that's all that's causing me to react so badly to carbs, but I'm wondering about it. Reactions: Blood sugar drops (causing dizziness, shakiness, breathlessness, almost feeling weak etc), then my body causes insulin overstimulation, blood sugar rises too much (nausea, dump symptoms, drowsiness). None of these in a really drastic measure, but enough to be noticable. Based on labwork, which was fine, my PCP truly feels this is just an interim metabolism adjustment and directed me to the South Beach Diet book's section on hypo/hyperglycemic foods so that I can become carb-wiser (he said while I certainly wouldn't be interested in any part of the diet, that section is a very informative one on the -glycemic contents in carbs). Definitely, I'll talk with my BS and Nut about this too when I see them in April. I'd just like to hear if anyone else's maybe going through something similar? MJ

Hi MJ, I am a long time post of for sure Anyway, I was on insulin pre op and now only on meds. I have had low blood sugars because of my change in body weight and med adjustments, so that wont help you. However, I do not eat complex carbs. I do eat fruits and veggies and oatmeal, which has carbs, but not breads or pastas or sweets. They would cause a dramatic blood sugar fluctuation. If I were you, I would try to stay away from the "bad" carbs as much as you can until you see the Nut and the BS. (I love those nick names). If I do have a blood sugar drop, I usually have a banana or grapes or a carnation instant breakfast and that raises my sugar but not enough to cause it to go to high. Hope that helps. Hugs, Soos

Thanks Soos, I'm just going to have to become more carb-smart ... that's all there is to it. I still don't eat breads, pastas, rices, or sweets, but in the last two months I have been trying to introduce a wider variety of veggies back into my diet, and that seems to be where all this is stemming from. I've found I react badly to corn, potatoes, green peas and carrots so far. I found out last summer I couldn't tolerate tomatoes, but I thought it was because of the way tomatoes break down into a high sugar content. Now I'm discovering that tomatoes also result in a high carb content. I appreciate knowing about the banana, grapes or CI breakfast, though, because I don't keep juice around (too sweet for me and I can't do the citrus anymore) and candy would just make me sicker I think. It does help, for sure!! ((hugs)) Myra

Myra, I would suggest going to the library and reading up on carbs. Try getting a copy of Sugar Busters it is excellent reading and explains the differences of the different carbs and their effect on the body. Due to the glycemic index on corn, potato, carrots, peas and the way they hit the blood stream they are not real good choices. Mary

Thanks, Mary! I'll get a copy of it today! And all of the above veggies are back on my "taboo" list ... I just don't like the feeling they give me, let alone any impact to my weight. thanks again. MJ

hi again girl. just had to respond to your post. i had my first 'dumping' episode this past week in i don't know how long. i wish i could say it was from veggies. i was having a prolonged pity party, though, and plowing my way through half a bag of sugar free choc chip cookies. i've been noticing alot of carb hunger recently, too. i thought it was just my head playing games with my tummy cause i was wanting comfort food. guess i'll read the south beach thing, too. maybe it will help. thanks for sharing hugs dorthe