My continuing story with Hypoglycemia

I have posted about my story with reactive hypoglycemia in the past, but the sweetened condensed version is that a couple of years after my RNY I started with some odd symptoms that I finally figured out was RH. My sensitivity to small amounts of sugar and carbs became worse and worse to the point that I finally made an appointment at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston with a Dr that has done research on this issue in post RNY patients. Some of you asked for copies of the printed information that I emailed to you. (Anyone else that would like it, just PM me your email address and I will send it to you, too.)

Along with the Dr, I met with a nutritionist who made suggestion about some changes to my diet. I just want to be able to eat a little more normally!! Some of the nutritional changes I made and some I did not (giving up caffeine I did not, I just LOVE my morning Click fix!).

Dr Patti gave me a prescription for Acarbose. Acarbose works by slowing the action of certain chemicals that break down food to release glucose (sugar) into your blood. Slowing food digestion helps keep blood glucose from rising very high after meals. By keeping the blood sugar from spiking high, it in turn doesn't make the crash that causes the problem.

For reasons unrelated to the RH, I wasn't able to put the Acarbose to the test for me. Now that my pain issues are under control, I've now been on the Acrabose for 3 weeks and have to say that it is working amazingly well for me!! I am badly in need of weight gain, having dropped to just under 100 pounds ! I hadn't been able to have much in the way of carbs and now am able to handle many more (healthy) carbs and add calories to my diet, but more importantly am able to eat so much more normally! I had to start at one half of a 50mg pill and then go up to a 50mg before each meal. They do make me quite gassy, but that is suppose to go away after some time to let my body adjust to it. I have already gained 3 1/2 pounds and have another 12 to go, but at least I am going in the right direction and feel great.

It still amazes me that so many Drs (weight loss and Endocrinologists) know little about the issue of post RNY hypoglycemia. It's not that it is very common to have this issue, but it isn't UNcommon either.

So, that's my latest update 

Martha

 Glad to hear you're making some progress! :)

I would love copies of the info you have from your diabetes center and info on the meds you are taking. How do i get my email to you again. Not yoo computer saavy.
Molly

Click on the "Contact" button below my post and that will send me an email that won't be public 

So glad you found someone to help you.

Sorry about your problems, I thought the Joslin Clinic was supposed to be the leading authority on diabetes until my mother went there before she died and they were not able to help her either, that made me conclude that no one is the authority on everyones diabetes or eating and that you need to figure out what works for you.  I have RH, I know what will cause it most of the time, like the cake my co-worker brought me today, no matter how slowly I eat it, or how little a bite its caused me to crash I can feel it.  Not a big crash but the headache and the weirdheadedness that comes with a crash.  I really have gotten better in tune to my body, I guess survival made that happen for me.  I hope it works out for you, most people here don't have the too thin issue, honestly I have given up the white carbs because they give crashes and the opposite issue of weight gain.  I fast all day long most days, because then I can eat normally at night, it really is an individual learning curve for everyone with altered anatomy.

Good Luck!

I think maybe you misunderstood my post. Joslin is the only place that HAS been able to help me! I am so sorry that your mother didn't have the same experience that I have had.

 Dr. Patti is wonderful.  I saw her years ago when my sugars went crazy.  I never went back since my brain also, went nuts, but, she was very helpful.

So glad you could take the acarbose. I tried to take but it caused too much stomach pains.  I have tried it twice and just cant take.  The next choice for me is a shot.  I am defenitely not ready for that!!!



Tamara

I'm glad they have been able to help you!