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I had a very bad insulin problem: I went for my walk (as I always did) when i got home I decided that I needed to rake the leaves. I became so dizzy and weak I almost didn't make it in the house. I checked my blood sugar, it was 294. Before this (I was diabetic before I lost my weight) I was confused because my BS had been in the 120's. I drank a protein drink and headed to lie down. When I finally went to see my DR he looked at my ledger and seen what had happened. He told me that I had REACTIVE BLOOD SUGAR. My blood sugar had dropped so low that my Pancreas kicked out lots of insulin, that is why I had the super high BS. Strange but true. I hope you figure it all out. Good Luck

Our surgeon doesn't perform the DS, but maybe I will have my wife talk to him about it nonetheless. I am so sorry to hear about your RA, my grandmother-in-law has it, and I know first hand how much it affects her quality of life. For a while, she found relief with remicade, if that helps at all. It is extremely expensive and I think is delivered with an IV. Hopefully, the weight loss might help relieve the stress on some of the joints. I've also been reading up on C-Reactive Protein (Mine is quite high) and it's effects (Inflammation). I remember reading elsewhere that white adipose tissue markedly increases inflammation, so hopefully that will help as well. I have Eczema which is also an inflammation/immune system issue, and I am really hoping the weight loss will reduce or eliminate it.

Confusion can be caused by a variety of problems. This website lists 80 causes. https://www.healthline.com/symptom/confusion The ones I would focus on are numbers: 1, 7, 27, 28 and 62. #1 Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Many people develop a type of hypoglycemia after bariatric surgery called reactive hypoglycemia. https://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/services/bariatric-weight-loss/enewsletter-articles/reactive-hypoglycemia-postgastric-bypass This can also occur if you were diabetic prior to surgery and did not reduce your prescription medicine after surgery. #7 Low blood pressure. If you had high blood pressure prior to surgery and were taking prescription medicine for that condition. This may be an indicator that you may need to come off some of that medicine. # 27 Hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Make sure you are taking vitamin/mineral supplements for potassium. # 28 Hyponatremia (low blood sodium). Make sure you are getting enough electrolytes. # 62 Beriberi (B1 deficiency). I would also lump B12 deficiency into this one. After Gastric Sleeve surgery, my surgeon recommended 100 mg. Thiamine (vitamin B1) weekly and 500 to 1000 micrograms sublingual B12 weekly. While you were in the hospital, you were probably given a shot of B12 which is good for one month. Since you are 4 weeks post-op that is probably wearing off and you need to begin taking B12 weekly. I am not a doctor, so take everything I say with a grain of salt. But those are the areas I would explore.

Thanks Orion and Alcn! Brief update: Surgical nurse suggested it was possibly low BP or reactive hypoglycemia. I already had an appointment with my NUT the same day, and she said the hypoglycemia was unlikely based on symptoms and timeline, but she mentioned the sodium issue. I was cleared to start trying veggies, and I started with pickles yesterday bc I missed them so much. Should also cover any missing sodium, although I'll also pick up some electrolytic water to drink every day. I reached out to my primary care, and I'm waiting on a call back so they can look into the bp issue. Unfortunately we got about 10+ inches of snow yesterday so no one is open. Teri, I have asthma and am only 40 pounds into my weight loss journey, I am frequently out of breath. [emoji23] Sent from my SM-G900V using BariatricPal mobile app

Glad you have a meter to monitor what's going on. I was diagnosed with reactive hypoglycemia. (complication from surgery) I worked with my bariatric, sports medicine and diabetes dietitians to get better control over my blood sugars. Here is an article: If you are diagnosed, Work with your team to find what foods and meal frequency work for your body specifically. June 2015 Issue CPE Monthly: Nutrition Tips for Reactive Hypoglycemia After Bariatric Surgery Reactive hypoglycemia (also called postprandial hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, or noninsulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia) is characterized by recurrent episodes of symptomatic hypoglycemia occurring two to four hours after a high-carbohydrate meal (or oral glucose load). Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, especially those in whom the pylorus is bypassed (gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch), may experience reactive hypoglycemia. The dietitian is key to helping these patients manage symptoms. Symptoms Patients may experience any of these symptoms one to three hours after a meal high in carbohydrates: hunger, feeling shaky, dizziness, sleepiness, sweating, anxiety, feeling weak, confusion, heart palpitations, fatigue, aggression, tremors, fainting, or loss of consciousness. Dietary Modifications Work with your patients to help them identify and eliminate from their diets simple sugars, concentrated sweets, high-fat foods, alcohol, caffeine, and lactose (possibly). They also should avoid skipping meals or consuming meals comprised only of carbohydrates. Focus on how you can help patients modify their diets, including the following: plan mini meals spaced equally throughout the day (three to four hours); make low-volume choices; consume high-protein levels at each eating occasion, pairing protein choices with complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables; choose healthful fats; and separate food and fluid intake by 30 to 60 minutes. Soluble fiber from guar gum, glucomannan, and pectin and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, (eg, acarbose) or somatostatin analogs (eg, octreotide) can help delay gastric emptying, increase small intestine transit time, and slow glucose absorption. Patient-Specific Tips Acknowledge that everyone may have different triggers for low blood sugar or reactive hypoglycemia. Advise patients to keep detailed food journals that you can review to identify patterns (eg, timing and amount eaten as snacks, meals, and drinks; blood sugar levels; feelings). Encourage patients not to use foods or drinks with added sugar to boost low blood sugar levels, as this can cause blood sugar crashes and spikes.

Wow! ((hugs)) You've been through the wringer backwards haven't you?!!! I don't know the answer to your question, but I do know you must do something. It can't hurt to start the process and schedule in a teaching hospital if possible. That way you may have more access to the surgeon to ask your questions. I do know you need to have your med issues sorted out prior to surgery...especially when they deal with thyroid and psych meds. But I don't think it's impossible. But I'm just a schmoe on the internet that makes crap up all damn day! I'm hypo. Take endocrine therapy to keep me in cancer remission. Have so many comorbidities and am on 3 bp drugs and still fight with blood pressure every day. My metabolism is crap. But I'm pursuing this surgery with the hopes that I will have a metabolic reset that might make it easier to lose the weight. Hang in there and congrats on fighting your way through the massive grief you've experienced. You're a fighter and survivor!!!

Hey everyone! *waves* THE SHORT STORY I've been hypothyroid for fifteen years. Is bariatric surgery effective and worth the risk for hypothyroid patients? THE LONG STORY So, I'm considering WLS. I can't believe I'm actually thinking about it. My husband had WLS about three years ago and is doing fine. He's regained some weight but is still far ahead of where he was. My son had WLS around the same time. He did not do well. He had extreme absorption issues and had to have a feeding port installed just weeks after his surgery. We lost him in November 2015. The official cause of death was cancer, but we wonder if the malnutrition contributed to his developing cancer. For me, my thyroid died somewhere around 2002. I was on the Atkins program, had lost about 70 pounds, and was on my way to single digit clothing size! Then, bam - one week I gained four pounds. The next week six. And then eight. All while still working out daily and eating the Atkins way. DNA? Age? Splenda? Who knows the cause, but my thyroid was done ... completely. The weight gain, it turns out, wasn't the worst part of hypo for me. It was the depression. My doctor put me on synthetic thyroid that didn't help at all. Finally, in 2009 I found Nature-Throid and a doctor who would prescribe it. Nature-Throid eased the depression, but my weight slowly and steadily continued to climb. In 2015, my hair began falling out. My skin had always been dry. Now it peels off in sheets. And I put on an additional fifty pounds within months. I chalked a lot of those symptoms to stress. The last few years have just been awful. In January 2015, my husband had emergency surgery to place a stent in his heart and I blew out my knee. Mid 2015, I had to shop for a nursing home for my mom. If you've ever done that, you know there aren't any good nursing homes. Mom died on Christmas Day 2015 ... six weeks after losing my son. August 2016, my brother was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. Next, I made a super poor career decision and lost my job in December 2016. My brother died January 30, 2017. Yet, I'm still standing ... just barely. Because both knees are now bone on bone. My blood pressure is fine. I'm not diabetic. No heart disease. Except for that damn thyroid, my blood work is all healthy. But I'm at an all-time high of 311 lbs. It hurts to move. It hurts to stand. I carry a lot of the weight in my hips and thighs which even makes it hurt to sit. I hurt and I don't want to hurt anymore. If you've read this far, thank you for letting me rant. I'd love to hear from other hypothyroid patients. What has been your experience with WLS? Pros? Cons?

Thanks, your reply definitely gave me some reassurance. We are really similar when it come down to losing weight while having hypo or PCOS. That was actually one the main reasons why I wanted to get the sleeve, because I knew I wouldn't be able to lose the amount of weight i need to, to be considered ''normal'' bmi. Thanks!

Give yourself credit for getting back on the horse and putting the focus on your health! We all start out with a basic lifting plan and progress. Weight loss and muscle gains do not happen overnight. Your goal right now is weight loss....right? Did your dietician give you a calorie and protein goal to hit? You will still eat according to your dieticians high protein plan. Weight lifters eat a diet to shred (lose weight to expose muscle) You can't eat a weightlifters bulking diet to gain muscle and expect weight loss. Get fit in the gym lose weight in the kitchen. One pound of muscle burns 50 calories. You are still going to gain strength and build muscle with time. Hypoglycemia is manageable. Get diagnosed and prescribed glucose testing kit. Keep track of your low blood sugars. You will sit down with your dietician and make adjustments to keep your glucose levels in check (I am three years out. I'm a type one diabetic. I have reactive hypoglycemia after surgery) I lift and distance run. I eat protein before and after the gym. I keep healthy snacks in my gym bag. I only eat them if my blood sugar drops below 70, You can reach your dream!!!! Build into a fitness bad ass!

So this is VERY serious! Start taking them again asap. Only quit them when you're working with your psych! Dayum!!! Quitting cold turkey can send you into a reactive phase that will literally double you over with bone/muscle pain. It makes all your neurotransmitters get proverbially locked up! In general, it takes almost as long to taper off meds as you've been taking them -- kinda...such as for every month you were taking them, it takes 1 week to 1 month to step down the dose depending on the individual. It's too late now, but honestly this stuff should have been reconciled pre-surg!!!! It's part of why we have so many hoops to jump through and so many doc appts! Your meds in general should only be crushed if they aren't enteric coated or time release. Psych meds need to be switched to non-time release. Think Effexor is one that can easily be changed. In addition to this, what @dreamingsmall said!! Truly magical thinking to think otherwise. ((hugs)) and get some meds into your system asap. Make an appointment with your psych asap and formulate a plan!

Hmmm, changes within the inner ear would account for the dizziness, but not for the darkening of vision while standing. That is almost always related to blood pressure. Either hypo or hypertension can cause vision issues like the ones described.

It could be due to a number of factors. If your blood sugar gets too low or if your blood pressure gets too low, fainting can result. 1. If you were diabetic prior to surgery and taking medicine for it, the amount that you take for this condition might need to be reduced or eliminated. The same may apply to those taking prescription medicine for high blood pressure. 2. Some individuals (irrespective of whether they had diabetes prior to surgery) get a condition called reactive hypoglycemia. Here is a couple links. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/reactive-hypoglycemia/faq-20057778 https://www.verywell.com/what-to-know-about-reactive-hypoglycemia-1087744 3. It can also be due to dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance. Possible triggers of orthostatic hypotension include: dehydration – if you're dehydrated, the amount of fluid in your blood will be reduced and your blood pressure will decrease; this makes it harder for your nervous system to stabilise your blood pressure and increases your risk of fainting. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/182524.php Generally, electrolyte disturbance symptoms depend on which electrolytes are affected and the severity of the imbalance. Most electrolyte problems involve abnormal levels of sodium, potassium, or calcium. Typical mild symptoms of an electrolyte disturbance include dizziness and muscles cramps or weakness. https://draxe.com/electrolyte-imbalance/ It is important to drive this one to ground. Consult your surgeon's office. If you have a blood pressure monitor and a blood sugar monitor at home, you might be able to localize the cause immediately after your next episode.

Here are a few potential causes. 1. If you were diabetic prior to surgery and on meds, you may have to reduce your meds at this point. 2. You may be experiencing reactive hypoglycemia. Here are a few links that might help. https://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/services/bariatric-weight-loss/enewsletter-articles/reactive-hypoglycemia-postgastric-bypass/ http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/060415p48tip.shtml https://www.healthline.com/health/hypoglycemia-without-diabetes 3. Dehydration can also cause dizziness and lightheadedness. https://www.emedicinehealth.com/dehydration_in_adults/page3_em.htm

I haven't had any flare ups with the PKD, so I haven't had to take steroids. I've been pretty lucky so far, but as I age, things can change. It's a weird disease; no cure, but many people don't even know they have it and end up dying from something else. Even still, the last CT scan showed that my kidneys are enlarged with all the cysts, but there isn't really anything to do, unless the labs start to show impairment of function or they see protein in my urine. For now, it's just a bit of flank pain.....which comes and goes. I just have to be careful and clear all prescription drugs through my nephrologist. I take Meloxicam for joint pain, which he says is a huge no no. I'll have to figure that one out. Though I don't take it every day, it's been a wonder drug for me; the difference between painful/miserable walks, to being able to walk my dog for close to an hour without wanting to lay down in the middle of the street and cry. I've never heard of the IF diet, but I just looked it up online. It's very interesting. My husband stopped eating dinner a couple of months ago, and dropped a good amount of weight. He wasn't following that plan, but just decided to stop eating at around 4pm. It's worked well for him. I do have thyroid issues and have been taking meds for many years. I'm hypo-thyroid and have Hashimotos disease. My numbers are good on the dose of Synthroid I'm on, so I've got that part covered. I'm going to work with the nutritionist at my surgeon's office. I love her and she can help me get on an eating plan that works at this stage. This might be TMI, but I had a total hysterectomy a year before my band surgery, and it's 5 times harder to lose the same pound than it was before menopause and losing my ovaries. I remember "older" people always telling me to lose the weight while I'm young; it's much harder when you're older. I was young and cocky and didn't believe them. HA! And here I am.......struggling along Thanks for your input, FluffyChix - I appreciate it When did you have your surgery? I see you live in Texas. I'm in California, and we've been talking about possibly relocating to someplace around Austin (Hill Country), when we retire in a couple of years.

She told me to consume ALOT of protien its called reactive hypoglycemia i went to an endocrinologist eating carbs causes your sugars to rise and then drop so I significantly dropped my carb intake also I drink alot of gatorade it helps with staying hydrated just makes sure protien protein protien. I started consuming protien bars but you have to watch the carbs on them try to stay below 30g per bar. This is my experience but everyone is different so i would always let your doctor know. my complications included an abscess on my spleen and a hole in my stomuch and the infection went into my blood almost didn't make it but im happy to say im 1 year post surgury and down 100 pounds so no more regrets Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using BariatricPal mobile app

It is SO frustrating!! My scale said I gained 2 lbs. I'm hypo as well.

My two cents for whatever it's worth. I'm only 3 years 5 months out. No regrets. I bounced back from surgery quickly. My weight came off quickly. I'm healthy and in the best shape of my life for an old fart. Maintained well for the first 2 years. 3rd year battling a 10-15 pound gain back and forth. I can gain weight quickly and it's a snail's pace to get it back off. Always a risk of complications with any surgical procedure. Statistically is seems to be a low percentage. I only have one minor issue from my sleeve procedure. I have reactive hypoglycemia/low blood sugars. It's manageable. ( I'm not in hospice care with month to live... so, life is good.) Long term data and statistics have been an interesting thing. My local surgeons office is having problems collecting data because many patients stop coming in for appointments/check ups as they get further out from surgery. I just decided I didn't want to be a statistic. I'm responsible for my own outcome and success with weight loss.

Apple juice is a clear liquid. It's good in an emergency, but try and make a plan with your team if it keeps happening. You don't want to invite reactive hypoglycemia to the table. (The sugar will bring up your blood sugar, but without a slower-digesting carb, it'll probably crash again). Are you diabetic?

Thanks for the great advice! I can already see I will have some people very close to me that just don't get it and most definitely don't understand nor support my decision. I got my surgery date on Friday - it's Nov 15! That's so crazy because its only 2 weeks away! I do have a few questions: The first, how long does it take to recover enough to carry on with life? I am a co-owner of a business and it will be very hard to be away for a long time. My surgery is on a Wednesday, and I'm hoping I can return the next week (just for short periods of time). My work isn't physical, so I don't need to worry about heavy lifting and all of that. The second question is about nutrients. I've read through my binder about 10 times and I've talked with our nutritionist and the surgeon, but I'm still concerned that I will have trouble getting enough calories and vitamins. Even at the weight I am right now (253), I have a pretty small capacity for food. I'm a grazer, not a binge-er. I'm one of those people that doesn't eat breakfast or lunch, then I have dinner and snack through the evening on high carb foods (or dairy, my fav). I take meds for a hypo-thyroid and my metabolism is totally shot. This is mainly how I've gained and stayed at this weight. My question - do any of you have a hard time getting in your calories and is it hard to be creative with your meal choices - making sure to get in your protein, etc.? And, did you lose hair? How much weight did you lose per month? I've heard many people say they lose most of their weight in the first 6 months? That's a lot of weight! Lastly, what about extra skin? Has that been an issue? Thanks so much for listening to my ramble! I'm so glad to have this platform and I'm especially excited about meeting and making new friends that 'get' this process Cathy

The addiction will never go away, I am 15 years out and struggle daily. Let me tell you about me. Started out 250 did well for a while...got down to 175 then started with diet coke then started with diet coke (another addiction) eating almost what ever I wanted...even though it would bother me....gained up to 229. By this time about 6 year out started getting sick all the time...by continuing to "not eat right" I developed reactive hypoglycemia also became lactose intolerant. If I eat anything fried my blood sugar will go way up then drop very fast..makes me weak, sweaty legarthic and ALMOST unable to function. My blood sugar has gone as low as 37, did not pass out but barely made it to get my glucose go bring back up. I have also developed ISBO...intestnial small bowel overgrowth and am having to take 3 different antibiotics (cyclic rotate each month) everyday for the rest of my life! I believe in my heart had I done what I was suppose to do, eat right, exercise take meds, that I would not have these problems. I am doing better, down to 185. Not complaining or preaching, just want you to know what CAN happen. Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

The condition you are experiencing is called reactive hypoglycemia. A few patients after gastric bypass surgery experience this condition. Reactive hypoglycemia (postprandial hypoglycemia) refers to low blood sugar that occurs after a meal — usually within four hours after eating. Signs and symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia may include hunger, weakness, shakiness, sleepiness, sweating, lightheadedness and anxiety. These links discuss the condition: https://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/services/bariatric-weight-loss/enewsletter-articles/reactive-hypoglycemia-postgastric-bypass http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/25/4/217 [Most patients with dumping respond to nutrition modification, comprising frequent, small, low-carbohydrate meals. In this article reactive hypoglycemia is referred to late dumping syndrome.] http://www.weightlosssurgery.ca/before-after-surgery/reactive-hypoglycaemia-post-gastric-bypass/ https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/f-j/PD 7972 Reactive Hypoglycemia after Bariatric Surgery.pdf

Hi everyone, signing in from Australia. I am having my sleeve done on 15th November, so I will be starting my pre-op diet on 2nd. My worry is that I am a type 2 diabetic on insulin twice a day, along with oral medication. Can anyone give me any ideas on how to juggle the low carb diet with medication? I work full time, so the two weeks pre surgery I will be at work with only my assistant knowing that I am having this procedure. I guess I'm just really worried of hypos in public or throwing my bgl out too far. I don't normally adjust my insulin against my readings, I'm on Novomix 30/70, 25 units am and 28 units pm as well as Jardiamet oral twice a day. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

My doctor called me about 48 hours after I got my lap band plus had given me his number in case I had any issues and said to call. That was several years ago. When my lap band was removed in February 2017, my current doctors office called me the following day to check on me. I appreciate the follow up and think it is very thoughtful of them to do this as I know it can be time consuming. But let's face it, there might be little things going on that we don't think anything about and by asking you a couple questions and giving you an opportunity to tell them how you feel you very well could proactively catch any post op complications before they get worse rather than wait a few days until you are miserable enough for feel justified to call them to ask if XYZ is normal. Better to be proactive rather than just reactive. 🤗 Sent from my XT1635-01 using BariatricPal mobile app

In reply to above, I'm a NP and have never had history of hypos during workouts. My feeling of hypo post VSG comes with typical symptoms of shakiness, foggy brain, slowed speech, etc. All very typical. I will definitely consider this option. thanks!

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