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Before anyone says to me "this isn't a diabetes site" I totally understand. Not trying to get diabetic support!! But, my main health concern is my diabetes (type 2). Just wanted some input from fellow-diabetic weight loss surgery champions. I am still in the decision making process, haven't even had my first consult with a nutritionist yet. My BF of 20 years is a double amputee (type 1) so I've seen the end result. My BGs are good, but I'm aware that the older I get the more difficult that will be to control. I'm about willing to do most anything to bring that under more permanent control. My A1C started at 13.11. I'm now controlling it at 6.4. Haven't been over 7 for 3 years. I've was diagnosed about 3.5 years ago. I've been able to drop 60 pounds in that same period but have plateaued, with 60 - 80 pounds to go. Actually moved back up the scale this past cold winter. Nephropathy started for me about 3 months ago. My pharmacist daughter said I won't get that because I'm so controlled. Well, my disease proved her wrong. I think if I can get my weight to a healthier level for me I might be able to escape some of the horrors of the diabetic disease. A diabetic coworker had weight loss surgery 10 years ago, dropped most of her excess weight. She rebounded and has regained plus. It's very sad. I spoke with her briefly this week and she said that they don't tell you that you can't ever eat carbs again. She said every time she eats carbs she gains weight. I do not know what surgery process she did. I'm concerned about her story as I have a strong tendency to go hypo if I don't eat at least 100 carbs a day. I know my body pretty well now as it concerns my diet. Kind of a science experiment some days!! Has it been easier for you to control your BGs after your weight loss surgery? Have you been able to get off some of these horrific meds (I'm on Metformin and Victoza)? Does the stricter carb diet make you go Hypoglycemic more often? How many carbs are allowed in your diets (I eat about 130 to 150 per day)? You all have so many success stories here. I'm an information gatherer and here seems the best place to ask these questions. I appreciate the time you take to help me out!

My hypothyroid is under control, hypo makes u gain weight by slowing your metabolism. I do look for stevia. Consulted a family friend who is Batiatric surgeon , he said there are certain ppl genetically such that this surgery will not benefit and we cannot test for those genes yet ☹️☹️☹️ I hope I’m not one of them. I’m doing my weights n getting steps in ! I’ll cut all carbs for two weeks n see if my weight changes.

Be careful with doing everything "sugarfree". See what the sugarfree substitute is and what is the fat content, etc. Sometimes they make up for the lack of sugar by adding things that actually work against you. I try to stick to things that have Truvia (stevia) as the substitute, everything else sugarfree I stay away from. Also i'm weary of metformin it made me extremely ill, my doctor switched me to Januvia, I have a copay but its worth every penny. I'm presurgery but this is just my experience from losing in the past. Is hypothyroidism the one that makes you gain weight? I get hypo and hyper confused, but you may need to see if they need to change your thyroid meds since your surgery.

I can't comment after surgery but I can after weight loss (which obviously I regained). I reached a weight I was happy at, not in the healthy weight range for BMI, but I was curvy and fitted a size 12 (Australian). Losing the weight gave me the confidence to put myself back out there, as it were. I put a profile on a dating site, had some contacts, didn't meet too many, but there was one who I was quite taken with...we were together for about nine years. That relationship finished up March last year. With the weight loss and improved self confidence, I was happy to wear fitted clothes in lovely colours not the baggy shapeless clothes in dark or dreary I tended to wear. I know there are plenty of people with the confidence to put themselves out there regardless of what they weigh, not me, I practically become a recluse. For the period of time I kept most of the weight off I was quite confident and social. I wish I had that confidence, that self believe in myself regardless of what a number on the scales say. I think confidence is an attractive trait and people respond to it in a positive way. With confidence we stand tall, we smile at strangers, most strangers (including service staff such as shop workers) reactive positively to people who smile, who don't slouch etc. And to be fair to the opposite sex, there are plenty of men who love a confident (or not) woman regardless of what she weighs. Sorry for waffle!

I wonder if I'm having a form of reactive hypoglycemia. From what I read, it's all lumped together but reactive hypoglycemia has a drop in blood sugar too. I'm still in the pre-diabetic range but my Dr isn't concerned nor has advised me to test sugar. Just one of those things I wonder about. But the bottom line is always 'don't eat that'. I wish it was that easy! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I hear ya, Redmaxx. Avoiding/delaying the onset of DMII was also my main reason for having this surgery. I was on metformin for PCOS and prediabetes prior to surgery. I was able to come off the metformin briefly after surgery, but then started having significant issues with reactive hypoglycemia. Now I'm on two meds to help control this and my diet is even more restricted than if I had diabetes!! Very frustrated and leading me to question my choice. However, in your case it demonstrates that weight isn't the only factor in DMII. Hang in there!

I will be four years out from sleeve surgery this June. Maintained at 130's first two years easily. My third year I had a gain 10 to 15 pounds. I got it back down. Maintaining for me is chasing the same 10 pounds up and down the scale. My health is fantastic, Type one pre surgery my a1c is in the non diabetic range. I'm in the best shape of my life, I am making up for lost time. Only one small complication. Reactive hypoglycemia ( Low blood sugars ) Its manageable with food. I've been managing my blood sugars all my life so this is nothing new.

My personal experience with Smart Shape wasn't the greatest. This was my first foray into private health care and I wasn't super impressed. Pre-op everything went ok; however, on the day of my surgery, the surgeon came in to see me just prior and said, "So we have you booked for a gastric sleeve..." I was for a mini gastric bypass, so this was a little unnerving that he had me down for the wrong surgery in his notes, but I guess it's good he checked! The surgery itself went alright which I guess is the main thing. However, post-op care was not spectacular. I found pain management to be an issue as they prescribed dilaudid IV push every 4 hours for the first 24 hours. Push drugs work for immediate relief, but they also wear off really fast, so it didn't hold me for 4 hours. They never offered pain relief on a regular basis, so I felt like I was badgering them for it. Nobody wears an ID tag, so I wasn't sure if they were actually RN's or LPN's and I found it strange that when I mentioned I was experiencing a some urinary retention/hesitation (ie. "a sleepy bladder") post op, the nurse didn't seem to know what I was talking about. This is a very common complication after a general anesthetic (up to 70% of patients). I didn't have a proper call bell and I had to let them know that my oxygen tank and IV bags were empty (these should be monitored). Months later, I began to experience significant reactive hypoglycemia and sought guidance from Smart Shape nurses and nutritionists. However, they really didn't know much about this and weren't very helpful. I requested a consult with my surgeon to discuss it and was told by the nurse that I needed to follow up with my own GP (who knows little about bariatric surgery). Eventually, I was referred to an endochrinologist who tells me that this is a well known and potentially serious complication of gastric bypass. I'm disappointed that this possibility was not part of the "informed consent" that I gave for the procedure. I'm a health care professional, so perhaps my standards are high, but I think we all should have high standards when considering our health and safety. And for many of us, it's a hell of a lot of money. So, if I had to do it all again, I'd go with a different organization. Best, Kerri

You will probably need to reduce your meds as your weight comes down so best see your GP and discuss! Might be you can step down to just the metformin initially which should not cause hypos.

I had mini-gastric bypass in September and started having issues with reactive hypoglycemia after only 4 mos post op. I had revision surgery after having a band for 10 years. I originally planned to get a gastric sleeve, but the surgeon strongly recommends the bypass for patients who are insulin resistant (I'm prediabetic and have PCOS). The hypoglycemia can be scary and I find my diet is now far more restricted than a Type 2 DM diet. I've seen an endocrinologist and am managing with diet (low carb, no simple sugars, high protein, regular snacks) and with taking Glucobay 4 x/day and a calcium channel blocker at bed time. I have to tell you, I regret not getting the sleeve and wish I'd been informed of this relatively common phenomenon prior to surgery (it's connected to late dumping in my case). However, one must weigh the pros and cons. I wish you all the best outcomes. Kerri

Hello. You have to have a referral from your pcp. I have been trying to loose weight for 7 years. But my diabetes and hypo thyroid has gotten in the way. Plus I also have high cholesterol. I had to show proof that I was under a doctor care for six months and going to a gym and signed off by doctor. My process has moved pretty fast. I have stay well. Who do you have for your insurance?

I have the sleeve but, I do have reactive hypoglycemia. For me its a minor complication after surgery. It's manageable with nutrition. I also distance run. I have to balance things out so my sugars don't get too low. I have no regrets having my health back. It's great that you are doing your research and evaluating all the possible risks and complications before surgery.

Almost 4 years out sleeve - I'm not going to post my menu - I don't want anyone to think what I am eating in a day is normal. 1988 calories. I try to hit up to 2500/3000 calories (crazy to think you can get this amount of calories in with surgery) protein 133 grams carbs 214 grams (I'm carb sensitive and up to 144 pounds this morning) fat 74 grams I am carb loading for a practice uphill trail run this weekend....This is In prep for a half marathon elevation run on the 21st. I fuel differently to sustain the run and keep my blood sugar from dropping. (reactive hyperglycemia from surgery) After this run I will be back on my plan.

Creekimp13, I agree with all of your points, I really do. There are certainly a lot of pros and cons of it. In my case, my C-Reactive Protein is over 5, and that is off the charts for chronic inflammation, which is an outstanding way to have a fatal cardiovascular event, or just about any form of cancer. I'm just trying to weigh out (pun not intended) all of the options, benefits and consequences. I haven't heard about either of the aforementioned consequences in the books I've read, nor the information seminar. I do plan on checking with the nurse to see if she could get the surgeon's take on the studies. I'm confident he has seen them and determined that the benefits outweigh the risks, but nevertheless I still like to have all the bases covered. And yes, that guy had said he had never been to the dentist, so I only used that episode as the "seed" for further research I definitely agree that the key to success is proper follow-up and keeping an eye on blood levels and the EGD!

And here’s a funny coda to yesterday’s chats: watched that drs video about Caloratio app, reread Glenn Livingston book about not binging. Great ideas about food rules - always, never and conditional- define with regard to your personal goals and needs and adhere to them, plus stuff about how to deal with the demons that make you want to break your own rules! This morning I think hmmm weetabix is on post op diet, banana good fruit with potassium... do it! The only weetabix in the house is a pack I got from a new brand sampling thing I used to get - additions with apple raisin and cinnamon. VERY HEALTHY I think. Two biscuits one small banana half cup of milk. Ate slowly. Then I DUMPED big time dumped. Cramps, sweats, hypo, nausea!!! Funnily enough I had a shop porridge mix in week three after surgery with apple cinnamon an raisin which gave me my first ever dump! Might need to plan my diet rules carefully. No processed apple n cinnamon products! Live and learn but feeling very positive about remembering old tools and picking up some new ones!

Several individuals develop a condition called reactive hypoglycemia after gastric bypass surgery. Here are some links: https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/f-j/PD 7972 Reactive Hypoglycemia after Bariatric Surgery.pdf https://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/services/bariatric-weight-loss/enewsletter-articles/reactive-hypoglycemia-postgastric-bypass http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/060415p48tip.shtml https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/194130-reactive-hypoglycemia/

Prior to surgery I had Idiopathic hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating for several years. Shortly after surgery this condition went away. I am now 5 years post-op and that condition is no longer a problem. This weblink list 10 causes of night sweats. http://www.activebeat.co/your-health/10-common-medical-causes-of-night-sweats/ #4 and #10 look interesting. Do you have other symptoms that pair with these conditions. Many people develop a condition called reactive hypoglycemia after bariatric surgery.

I'll admit that I'm having a few. I am dealing with some serious reactive hypoglycemia 5 months post op. I had the surgery to avoid diabetes. Now when I eat, my blood sugar spikes (even with careful avoidance of simple sugars etc) and then drops dangerously low about 2 hours after meals. I'm learning that this is a more common consequence of gastric bypass than I initially thought. I had originally wanted a gastric sleeve, but the surgeon felt mini gastric bypass was a better option for someone who is prediabetic. I was not warned about this potential complication.

I don't have reactive hypoglycemia, but I have been suffering from hypoglycemia for over a year. I do have occasional issues with reactive hypoglycemia if I have things like protein bars. I also have issues with low blood pressure. My body has never fully adjusted to a lower weight like I hoped it would.

I am a bypasser... had my bypass in 2015, turned 50 last year... having issues with GERD and reactive hypoglycaemia.. I live in Albury NSW Australia.

Denmark, Norway, Sweden,Finland and Iceland. Trolls are Scandinavian in origin. Ever notice how people who have lost their favorite coping vice....and are really freaking hungry...can be really really...bitchy? And also really touchy and reactive about other people who they perceive are being bitchy? Hell, I'm guilty of it. Probably of both. Sure don't mean to be. I'm not pointing fingers at any particular party....just something I've noticed. People get extra angsty and on edge when they're stressed and have one of their main coping mechanisms missing. This whole adventure has tough moments you don't expect. Emotionally difficult spots that might show up as fangs instead of tears. Something to keep in mind. PS...if anyone asked me if I went to the gym in real life, I'd probably smack the **** out of them. If they're not a close friend whose kind intent I was certain of...without the context of real love and support....it's a rude question. Just sayin'

For me, my family was part of the reason I was obese. So I found it quite empowering to make the decision by myself to go for bariatric surgery. That being said, I wouldn't be where I am today without the support I have from people around me. However ultimately it's me that has to deal with the pains from overeating. Me that has to deal with the dumping and hypos. But it's also me who can say how incredibly proud I am to have achieved what I have to date (-150lbs). You are never alone, even with yourself Sent from my GT-I9505 using BariatricPal mobile app

That does sound like it is a bit on the low side. One time my mom was lying down on the couch, my daughter called me and said there was something wrong with mom. She was white as a sheet. She couldn't talk. She tried but no words came out, only a few whispers. She couldn't move. She looked like she was dying. We called an ambulance, they came in and measured her blood sugar and I believe it was in the 30's. So 58 is too low. So I think you are right about reactive hypoglycemia. Here is a link https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/f-j/PD 7972 Reactive Hypoglycemia after Bariatric Surgery.pdf According to their webpage: How can I prevent reactive hypoglycemia? You can help prevent reactive hypoglycemia by following your diet guidelines for bariatric surgery. • eat 3 healthy meals and 2 healthy snacks each day • space meals and snacks 2 to 3 hours apart • eat protein at each meal and snack time • avoid skipping meals and snacks • avoid or limit alcohol depending on what stage of diet your are at • avoid or limit caffeine depending on what stage of diet your are at • avoid sweets like cookies, cakes, candy, pop, juice and sweet drinks Instead of sugars and simple carbohydrates, eat complex carbohydrates because they release less sugar over a longer period of time. Having a complex carbohydrate with protein will slow this release even more.

Hi there, Sorry to hear of your struggles. We don't have the same type of surgery but I have reactive hypoglycemia. Some of us will develop this as a complication from surgery. Sounds like you are managing it. I use a glucose meter. I usually know when my blood sugar is crashing. I can feel it coming on. I agree this takes work even years out. I have times when I'm doing well. When I'm not, I peek back in here to get back on track. Wishing you the best, Jenn

Hi all, I haven’t been around here in a while but I’m working on a reset and wanted to check in. I’ll be 4 years out in a few weeks. I had RNY gastric bypass. I initially lost 125lbs and have slowly gained back around 20lb, it fluctuates a little. Some of that is definitely fat, I’m not always vigilant about my diet but I also weight train a few days a week and have added on some muscle mass. I had a bike wreck last summer which resulted in a broken hand, dislocated knuckles, and pretty severe scrapes and bruises. It could have been much worse, but it did put me on my butt for a few months. I get most of my exercise in the summer by riding. I put put on about 15 pounds and it was winter by the time I finished physical therapy. For the last 4 months I’ve been really committed to my gym routine. I’ve been watching my diet more closely, cutting back on my drinking which, was never a problem or excessive but it is empty calories. I’ve lost most of the 15lbs and put on a little muscle. Sorry for the book, just want to give you the full picture. 3 months ago I woke up in the middle of the night to let my dog out and suddenly had what felt like severe hypoglycemia. I was pouring sweat, shaking, dizzy ect. I got some juice in me, laid back down, and felt ok soon after. I don’t have a meter so I couldn’t test. I had a drink earlier in the evening after dinner, which I normally don’t do, so I thought that might have been the cause and made a mental note to not do that again. But this incident was also many many hours after that, much longer than a normal reactive hypoglycemia episode or dumping. 3 weeks ago, I had a fairly normal dinner, a couple of pieces of thin crust pizza with vegetables, fell asleep so on the couch, and woke up again the same state. I hadn’t had anything to drink that night. This time I was slurring my words and stumbling around. I got some juice and felt ok. 2 weeks ago, same story. Except this time I didn’t have juice, I rubbed some honey on the inside of my cheek and ate a tea spoon of it. I was home alone and the next thing I know I’m waking up on the kitchen floor with no idea what happened. I went to my doctor, she told me to go on a hypoglycemia diet, which is pretty similar to an RNY diet and she ordered a glucose tolerance test. Let me tell you, that was not fun. Considering I avoid sugary drinks and items, trying shove 75grams of it into my pouch was awful, it’s amazing I didn’t throw up. My test results came back yesterday and they were interesting. Fasting glucose was 82, 1 hour was 77, 2 hours was 67, and 3 hours was 78. They actually did a finger stick at hour 3 and said it was 58, i know the meters aren’t as accurate but I was surprised at the difference. Does anyone know if those are expected results from an RNY patient? I was surprised to see my blood sugar never really went up. I’m not sure what my doctor will have to say about it yet. It figures when I’m watching my diet and focusing more on exercise than I have I start having these issues. But I’m determined to keep going. I’ve been keeping a juice box and glucose tabs next to my bed. I’ve also been splitting my dinner up and eating a little later, so far i haven’t had another incident. I really hope that’s the end of it. I have a good friend that’s in the process of having the sleeve so I’ve been talking to her a lot lately and going to support group and it’s been such a great motivator. It’s funny people thing this surgery is an easy way out, at 4 years I’m working even harder on it now than I was at 4 months.