Hypoglycemia?

[NicholePerlatti 7]

Hi all

I am having surgery on the 24th! (YAY!) I have issues now with hypoglycemia and I think my biggest fear is having problems post-op. Has anyone had the surgery that has hypoglycemia issues that can tell me how you were after surgery? Did your blood sugers ever get too low? If so, how did you handle it?

Thanks!

[Butterthebean 8,146]

I always had a huge problem with this before surgery. If I would restrict my calories enough to lose weight, my blood sugar would bottom out and I would feel like crap. My doctor told me this would not be a problem after surgery and he was right. I really didn't believe him at first, but there has not been an issue. I try to eat something every 3 hours or so, but also I've cut out all starches and simple sugars. That has helped me tremendously. Without the starches, my insulin levels stay more even, and that helps keep my blood sugar levels even as well.

It helps to always have a healthy snack available. I keep almonds in my truck and I carry string cheese with me when I ride my bike.

[justmeandmysleeve 91]

I am 4 weeks post-op tomorrow and had issues with hypoglycemia pre-op. To be honest my hunger is so different now. Now, I notice that if it has been 2-3 hours since I've eaten I feel that little drop in energy or I start yawning, grinding my jaw etc. I know it is time to eat! When I was first out of surgery for the first week I was afraid to eat or drink because it was uncomfortable. I definitely think my blood sugar was low because my energy was gone. I notice that the days that I start with a Protein shake that prepares me to have a good day. Really as long as you listen to your body and eat every few hours I haven't had any crashes.

I went to a family dinner and bowling night last weekend. I brought a little cooler with turkey meat and cheese in the car and ate twice throughout the night. I have just learned to be prepared and I won't get into trouble.

Best of luck, this is really a journey, but I am thankful I took that first step!

[NicholePerlatti 7]

Thank you for the quick response! I have been stressing over this for a while and am so happy to hear someone who has been there and hasnt had a hard time post-op. I hope I am lucky and have a positive outcome like you

Good tips! Thanks so much!

[justmeandmysleeve 91]

Thank you for the quick response! I have been stressing over this for a while and am so happy to hear someone who has been there and hasnt had a hard time post-op. I hope I am lucky and have a positive outcome like you

Good tips! Thanks so much!

You are welcome! It is amazing how our body changes after surgery. We can live off of so little food. I am still getting used to my stomach size, my eyes still think I can eat a large portion. I really think this procedure has given me my life back!

[Webchickadee 716]

Many people that are obese or morbidly obese have a tremendous problem with blood sugar control.

This is partly due to the fact that our fat cells when they are enlarged as they are when we are overweight, have a larger surface area and more insulin receptors on the surface area. these insulin receptors are activated by the introduction of sugar to our system and the corresponding response is for the body to secrete insulin to manage to sugar level. Since we have so many receptors the body floods the system with an excess amount of insulin which often actually causes hypoglycemia and a blood sugar drop following the consumption of sugars or carbs.

As we lose weight and the size of the fat cells that we have are also reduced, the surface area for insulin receptors is reduced. Thus the insulin reaction to sugars is reduced and hypoglycemia becomes much less of an issue.

it is also due to the increased insulin response that people who are obese tend to develop type 2 diabetes. The body constantly having to flood the system with insulin tends to cause the islets of langerhans in the pancreas to become exhausted by the excess insulin production to the point where it can no longer perform properly and is unable to provide natural insulin to the body.

If the islets of langerhans are not completely destroyed by prolonged diabetes type 2, losing weight can reverse the effects, and patients are often able to reduce or eliminate the need for external blood sugar control of via medication.