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There is a condition called "reactive hypoglycemia" which is low blood sugar that occurs after a meal - usually within 4 hours after eating. Several individuals who underwent gastric bypass developed this condition even though they never had diabetes prior to surgery. Signs and symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia may include hunger, weakness, shakiness, sleepiness, sweating, lightheadedness, anxiety and confusion.

Hey I had the same procedure hernia n sleeve. I am 2 weeks post op n I feel horrible. No energy I can not drink those premier proteins nor insopure liquid protein all taste disgusting to me. I also have hypo thyroid & I feel like I need to do lab work soon. I'm just not in the best of spirits ... Idk what to do . Going to try in making my own shakes adding fruits etc. I guess this is gonna last for the next 3 months ?

Hey y'all! So I'm scheduled for vsg March 14th and went in for blood work on Monday to make sure all my levels were ok. The results came back saying my cholesterol was a little bit high and my thyroid levels were low. The nurse then called me back to say the Dr told her to tell me that I may have hyperthyroidism... which is od because I thought low levels meant your thyroid was under active and hyper meant it was over active, yes? I'm assuming she just got it backwards and meant to say I may have hypothyroidism. ANYWAY! The Doctor wants me to come back in 6 weeks for more blood work... why he wants to wait 6 weeks is beyond me, I guess to see if the levels change and maybe it was just a one time thing? I don't know. Either way, for those who have either hypo or hyperthyroidism... how has it affected [effected? lol] your journey? Did you find you lost slower than others? Thanks in advance! TLDR: How has hyper or hypothyroidism impacted your vsg journey?

I'm not a medical professional, but what you're describing sounds like reactive hypoglycemia. I know there are others on this forum who have dealt with it--try doing a search. Are you hitting your Protein and Fluid goals? Are you limiting starchy foods? If not, that's a place to start.

Hello, I am from OR and had a vsg in Mexico as a self-pay patient in May 2014. I am still doing very well. The sleeve still prevents me from overeating and magically controls hunger as well as limits my sweet intake (i get reactive low blood sugar when I eat anything too sweet now and it is bad enough to avoid most times). I do not regret my surgery and in fact wish I had done it sooner. I run now, can do yoga poses easily and am enjoying the freedom of life-long portion control. I am still 12 pounds from my original goal, mainly because I stopped low-carb dieting and can eat more than when I first had surgery, but I love my figure and my energy level and am taking my time reaching my goal. I wear between size 4-6 dress/tops/pants and may just maintain here as I feel really good. Research the right doctor for you. I am sorry to say the brilliant surgeon I went to tragically died in a plane crash about a month after I left his hospital. His team was fantastic, so I imagine they are still working and operating at Almater Hospital. Check into them. There was another surgeon I considered in Texas, named Dr. Guillermo Alvarez, I only ended up going with the one I did based on timing. Be prepared to pay at least $12,000 for the procedure, stay and aftercare, but it is worth it. It's still more reasonable than self-pay in the US. I would make sure you are in a clean hospital NOT A CLINIC for the procedure and that there is an actual medical team and nurses there for aftercare. I had mandatory counseling before the surgery in Mexico, which was important for maintaining, I had solid pre-op tests run as well as solid post-op tests. My only complaint was my doctor refused to give opiates so my pain was not well managed and I ended up in the ER when I got home for pain control. The US ER docs were shocked that a doctor in Mexico didn't provide pain meds. I was shocked as well. So, be sure to have someone with you to advocate for pain management. Other than that, I healed quickly and now it is a distant memory. Good luck, you will do well, just be prepared to pay over $10K for a good surgeon, do your research, reach out to people who used the surgeon you are selecting and make sure it is in a clean hospital. There are no short cuts or dollar savings worth your health and life.

Many people who undergo bariatric surgery suffer from a type of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) called Reactive Hypoglycemia. This article will explain the condition. https://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/services/bariatric-weight-loss/enewsletter-articles/reactive-hypoglycemia-postgastric-bypass/

That's acid. Unlike heartburn the acid build up that comes with this surgery can feel exactly like you are describing. Call your doctor and get a PPI. Prilosec is not a reactive drug. You can take it whenever you have an acid attack. It needs to be in your system which is why taking the prescribe dosage daily is important. Typically it take 3 -5 days to effectively make a difference.

There was an interesting study done by Dr. Guenther Boden of the Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia and colleagues recently. They confined six normal-weight men to hospital beds for a week, encouraging them to stuff themselves with food — to the tune of 6,000 calories per day. Their objective was to investigate the genesis of obesity-associated insulin resistance. This study seemed to show that increased oxidative stress was related to acute obesity onset. And the researchers suggested that a Protein, the GLUT4 glucose transporter, was affected by the excess of reactive oxygen species. This protein is produced by fat cells after insulin stimulation, and provides the means by which glucose is taken up from the blood. Obviously, if GLUT4 isn’t functioning properly, blood glucose levels will be adversely affected. Refer to http://acsh.org/2015/11/6000-calorie-diet-yields-clues-to-insulin-resistance/ Maybe, I'm a little off here but it seems to me that an interesting follow-on study should look at the opposite state. There is a large pool of individuals undergoing RNY surgery. They drop a lot of weight, they halt the progression of obesity and in many cases their diabetes goes into remission and it does so within days. Maybe tracking the GLUT4 levels in these patients might give the researchers a large pool of data to put a nail into this research.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/reactive-hypoglycemia/faq-20057778 Talk to your surgeon, I've heard this can happen to a lot of us after surgery.

Sorry you are going through this - I get hypos quite regularly, but am diabetic - although off all meds now. I had the sleeve 3 years ago now - I would have thought things would have evened themselves out, but as you say, we eat so little now, it isn't surprising really.

I cannot tolerate foods that are high in carbs and I have to eat frequent small meals to combat the reactive hypoglycemia. It helps keep me in check but it's not a good feeling if I eat something high in carbs. I get really shaky and tired. If I try to counter the reactive hypoglycemia by eating more carbs it makes things worse. I've learned to plan my meals ahead if possible.

I could have sworn I saw a post this morning about post-sleeve diabetes management. When I got to my office to post something, it was gone. So, I thought I'd start a thread - would love to hear from other diabetics in the group. Before my sleeve surgery, I was on 1.8 mcg of victoza, 2000 mg of metformin, 60 units of lantus and 60+ (sliding scale) of apidra daily. My surgeon reduced my meds immediately after surgery - no victoza, half the metformin and 10 units of each of the insulins. Unfortunately my blood sugars, particularly my fasting sugars, were not where I wanted them after I began solid food, so I consulted with my GP and we went back to 2000 mg of metformin (less chance of hypo), 25 units of lantus and 5-10 units of apidra. That's just freaking amazing. We also developed a plan to begin backing me off the medicines as the blood sugars come down. Both my surgeon and GP agree that if all continues to go well, I should be off the meds in a few months. I'm limiting myself to around 30 grams of carbs a day (my surgeon's plan allows for 60) and getting daily exercise. So, how's everyone else doing? Anyone off meds altogether? CJ

Yes you can take an OTC PPI like nexium or prilosec (omeprazole). Keep in mind it's not a reactive drug, it needs to be n your system to work effectively. It may take up to 5 days before you really feel any relief. Start with 40mgs and see how that works. Pay attention to the time of day you feel the acid the most and take the meds 2 -3 hours before hand. If after 2 weeks you don;t feel any relief, call your doctor.

Rapid heart rate and dizziness could be a sign of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), specifically reactive hypoglycemia. Symptoms occur generally within 4 hours after a meal. When you ingest too much sugar, your now smaller stomach does not digest it properly so your intestines absorb and deposit too much of it into your blood stream. Your body compensates by releasing more insulin which makes your blood sugar drop.

Early on there is sometimes a concern that the pill will get passed through your system before your new tummy can break it down and absorb it. Eventually you'll be able to swallow them, but for right now you need to make sure you are getting the most benefit from them. Also notice what time of the day you seem to get acid and take your pills 2 -3 hours before that. Omeprazole is not a reactive pill so you need to take it consistently for it to be most effective.

It might be reactive hypoglycemia. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/reactive-hypoglycemia/faq-20057778

No he's not, I've been thinking about seeing one occasionally.Though I don't feel like it is necessary an finding one in my area that will take my insurance is a problem for me. I did discuss this with my doctor though and he says whenever I would like he will send out a list of those near by. I wouldnt mind seeing one mostly because I feel it would be a little more easing being diagnosed by a pysch. I do not feel I have depression (something I struggled with long ago) an which is what the new med is for though he stated it was for hypo.. but! I am hoping my symptoms are from anxiety and that it will help me with that atleast. :/

I'm not in agreement with your doc's logic about doing nothing now then repeat the tests. If you're hypo new it won't magically change to normal. And since getting the dosage right to get your level back to normal can be tricky, waiting makes no sense. I'm hypo thyroid due to a total thyroidectomy. It took a year to get my dosage correct to bring me back to normal.

After surgery some individuals experience low blood sugar (reactive hypoglycemia). This occurs to both individuals with diabetes and those who did not have diabetes prior to surgery. The easiest way to test for this is by measuring your blood sugar levels when you get tired after you eat. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/reactive-hypoglycemia/faq-20057778

Hi everyone, it has been a couple months since I posted last and everything is going pretty good. I am now 15 months post op. I lost about 65-69 lbs total and still have about 18 lbs to lose. However, things have completely stalled out and i haven't lost anything in many months. my stress level is sky high with grad school two kids, a new job, and life in general. i have noticed over the past few months that my stomach fat is much more noticeable and although the scale hadn't changed (THEN, but haven't weighed in 1 month) things just are sitting differently. i actually FEEL very similar to how my stomach felt pre op, but i'm still wearing the same size pants, it's just very bothersome to me. my main issue right now is i just started a new night nursing job which i really love, but not being a night owl, i find myself eating small Protein, fruit, snack and drink portions (not all together) through the night to stay awake and functional. although it is a VERY busy unit, we get very quiet and sit down around 1AM and don't do much for a few hours (this time is the hardest for me). i have found i got reactive hypoglycemia a few times when i tried to go without eating and then started my morning rush. i try to NOT eat much during the days before work, knowing that i'll eat a few small meals when i'm there, but i AM getting plenty of calories each 24 hr period. further, we aren't allowed to leave the floor regularly on night shift, so going for a walk or something isn't really an option, we eat our meal and hang out in the break room area. Anybody who works nights, especially those in healthcare who only work 3 shifts a week may be able to relate. there is no 'regular' schedule anymore. however, i enjoy my team and prefer nights for my graduate school demands. but i don't know when is the best time to weigh, how to count meals anymore, etc! i am also trying to help my hubs lose some pounds as he has put on about 20 lbs in the past year. i can eat mostly everything. i only get dumping issues when i eat something REALLY packed with sugar (tried a small scoop of ice cream once-never again!) i eat around 1200 cals per day. i only exercise by walking a few times a week. Here is my plan: 1. Go back to including a Protein shake DAILY maybe as a smoothie for 'breakfast' on non-work nights and take with me as a meal supplement when i do work. 2. try to fit in a walk every 24 hour period 3. can't abate the stress much, but MAYBE trying some basic yoga or stretching regularly 4. start logging on here every day and seeking the same level of support and involvement i did pre op and immediately post op ( my area support group meets while i am working, and the nutritionist that works with my surgeon now is very specific to meeting only with people who have gained more than 20 lbs back OR are still pre op!) anybody have any other suggestions or support for me? i really need to lose these final pounds. i also need to get in to see my surgeon and wanted to in the next 8 weeks, and DO NOT want to be the same weight i was the last time he saw me!

I don't have dumping syndrome. I had one episode of reactive hypoglycemia, which is considered late dumping, and I had that before revising to bypass. I've also thrown up once but I didn't have the sweats or shaking, so I think it was more related to eating too much. I think the current way they do the surgery actually minimizes dumping, so don't count on it. But the good news is that it still makes it difficult to eat too much of the bad stuff and doesn't allow full absorption. So you still need to make good choices, but it's very possible to still enjoy bits of indulgences.

I don't mean to be a nitpicker, but I want to be sure that newbies researching get accurate information. When I was researching the sleeve in 2011 it was clear even then that there are some long term complications associated with the sleeve. #1 is reflux/GERD. in fact, it seems to peak about 3-6 years post op - I recall reading that about 30% are impacted. Most people can manage it well though... a few have to revise to bypass because it is so bad. I had to ask myself if I was willing to risk this. #2 regain. This is a risk of all WLS and the sleeve has very comparable stats to the bypass, but it is still a long term "risk" #3 Less common, but real problems like: ulcers and other "problems of the stomach". This seems fairly uncommon, but there is a person on this forum who developed a "leak" a year or more post op from an ulcer. Reactive hypoglycemia, vit B deficiencies and other very uncommon type problems can show up. I don't say any of that to scare people - just go in with your eyes open. I, like most sleevers, have no complications and am very happy with my choice, but there are long term concerns to be aware.

I understand that obesity is part of my history and will always play a part in my future. Whether I gain the weight back or not. I have been through a lot because of my choice of WLS. I had been through a lot before the WLS. This I understand everyone. This I see. It is an addiction. I am a food addict. I know that! I own up to it! No issues there. It's the word! It's the meaning of the word! I don't know a single person who thinks that word is okay except for maybe one who has the exceptional ability to push it off like it has no meaning. To me they use it like a title. Not a diagnosis. Not every heavy person is the same but they put us all in the same pot! Paint us all with the same brush! I hate it. They can't take that extra minute to write "Reactive Hypoglycemia." That would have been the purpose of my visit to the dietitian. Not a diet to lose weight. When the Dietitian is confused. That tells me that the form was not filled out properly! That's all I'm saying here.

Hmm...I don't remember where it was. I am on a prescription meds for reflux now. Things have been ok with that. What makes you read up so much on ulcers? I am a nurse, can't help it. haha! I research everything especially if it is something that I can prevent. I am very proactive instead of reactive. I have been on Zantac twice daily and also Prilosec twice daily for quite a long time. I am hoping with being on those medications, I won't develop any after bypass.

Good point Alex. I will ask about testing for my A1C levels. She did suggest healthy carbs. Both that you mentioned, I am having trouble digesting them. I will look at more legumes as she got excited that I enjoy them. So far this week I have had two attacks. But was able to catch them before they got really bad! I know it is Reactive Hypoglycemia. I was diagnosed with that. But for some reason as I am an emotional person and affected by things around me. It seems to trigger the attacks more then say others who are less sensitive to their surroundings. This is who I am. My nature! I cannot change this part of me. If I/they can't figure out a way to help me then it will be one more pill I have to take daily. Still it does not change the fact that I would do it all over again. To be where I am today!