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I developed reactive hypoglycemia at about 1 year post RNY. I am very careful to eat enough at meals --at least 300 calories. I also eat a high protein snack if I feel hungry. It's working well. After the first severe reaction--passed out--I can stop it with a drink of something like skim milk or a bite or two of cheese and crackers or apple and peanut butter. It's really scary the first time and now I have controlled it well.

I had this earlier this year... http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/reactive-hypoglycemia/faq-20057778 I was not eating meat, and it cause me a ton of issues. I changed how I was eating, back to my normal way of eating and it has stopped. The whole experience was pretty traumatic. Have you changed how you are eating lately?

So my nutritionist cleared me for surgery and I was told I would see the surgeon within 2 weeks to schedule my surgery which was super exciting. Today I got a call from my surgeon and they told me that since my most recent blood work showed that i was hypothyroid i could not proceed with seeing the surgeon. I had seen my pcp and he told me that sometimes thyroids just mess up (mines has done this more than once) and seemed not to think it was a big deal. he told me to get my blood work done again and if i was still hypo he would put me on meds but did not schedule another appointment until september, so i didnt think it was that big a deal. He also wrote on my referral to my surgeon that although my thyroid is acting up right now, since i have been fat since i was 7, he was pretty sure that wasnt the reason for my obesity. my surgeon said it doesnt matter, insurance wont approve me with an unaddressed thyroid issue. I went back to the lab today, but I am super scared of what will happen if i am still hypothyroid, i dont think that i will be able to proceed any further even though im so close to the finish line.

Hi Selene, Those of us who have been on VST for a while (I'm about a 1 yr veteran) see this type of post a lot! I'm going to repost a mix of many different responses I've given to this type of question. Hopefully you'll find some of it useful! Here goes........... This is a VERY common time for your body to stop and take stock of what's happening. You've had major surgery and are in active healing mode (and will be for several months more to come!). Generally speaking, the body is constantly adjusting to it's environment and reevaluating what it needs to do biochemically to adapt. So if you're losing weight in "patches" (as most of us do), it's because your body is reacting to fewer calories, changing food amount/type intake, hormonal shifts, exercise (or lack of), etc. You are not a static human being that is identical all the time, so your body needs time to "catch up" to the current situation. By the time it does, you've moved on and are introducing whole new set of variables. If you look at my signature line below, you'll see my weight loss record and how many pounds I lost each month (and still losing). It starts out quick and then slows down. Many stalls along the way (had my worst one yet last month......about 4 weeks stalled!). In March I lost 3.7 lbs over the entire month and I was happy because it did actually move down! As long as you stick to your plan consistency will get you to your goals. This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Use this time to build up your new good habits, work through frustrations with a balanced approach and try not to be reactive to the scale. I know it's exciting to finally see the weight drop off, and you want to be at goal NOW! But we didn't get up there fast, and we're not going to lose it overnight either. I'm more than 11 months post-op. I have about 50 lbs left to lose and I suspect it will take at least another 6-8 months to lose those last 50 lbs. I'm okay with that! After about 6 months you will be adapting to major lifestyle modifications regarding your food intake type and of course quantities (and probably have incorporated significant exercise into your lifestyle as well). Your physiology and metabolism needs time to adjust. Measure your progress in other ways (fitness level, clothing fit, body measurements, stamina, quality of sleep or energy levels, etc.). The scale can be deceptive and demotivating at the best of times. So keep your eyes on the prize, stick to your plan and don't let stalls stop you. You just keep on "keeping on". The stall does break (believe me). You just have to not give up! Your overall trend will be down and if you can find a way to measure body fat, it is a much more accurate picture of what is happening. I recently purchased a body fat analyzer which will help me know better what is going on with my weight loss (I want my muscle % to stay or increase!). It's not a sprint..........though it's hard not to be excited for this major change and want it NOW! It's a marathon and we'll get there as long as we keep putting one foot in front of the other, stay informed and actively aware of what we're putting into our bodies, how we're burning off calories and what we need to do to achieve our weight loss and fitness goals. You can do this! Take body measurements, and if you MUST weigh yourself daily (I get it....), then remember to take the ups and downs with grace and stay on your eating and exercise plan, regardless of what the stupid scale says (good or bad!).

If you still have some of the anaesthesia in your body, being in a hot shower or tub can reactivate it and cause you to feel faint.

I have not been banded and am in the "hurry up and wait" period. I have a hypo thyroid and have been medicated for the last 10 years. Yes it is with me for life, but as long as I stay medicated it will not cause weight gain. Have you been banded?? Are you on levoxal or the generic?? Have they regulated your meds yet?? It took years to get mine to where I was not on too much or too little. Hope this helps..Kimberly

Since I've been getting ravenously hungry every two hours, I was really looking forward to my first fill today. I went in and the fill nurse and I talked for quite awhile, and she was concerned with the number of times that I've PB'd and vomited in the past week. I explained to her that I'm starving when it's time to eat and that I keep having to fight the urge to eat quickly and with too large of a bite. She told me that she really didn't think I should have a fill yet, but she'd go ahead and give me one, if I promised to work on those issues. I promised, and she whipped out the hypodermic and gave me a 1.2cc fill. I went to take my drink of Water and it was quickly apparent that I was too tight. We went back to the room where she proceeded to poke me a second time, and removed .3cc. Back to the water fountain and this time when I took a drink, I felt like I was in huge trouble. The nurse gave me the option of having the fill removed, or going over to the surgery center and having an x-ray because she was beginning to feel like I had slipped, with all the PBs and vomiting. They got me into the xray room and gave me my barium, and said the band was fine - no slippage (hey, some good news), but the nurse once again came over with her handy dandy hypo and after poking me for the third time, took out the rest of my fill. She said that until I learn to get PBs and vomiting under control - no fills for me, but that I can try again in two weeks, if I have the issues under control. I am totally bummed. I could really use some encouraging words, because I'm feeling like such a failure today. :think

this isnt dumping, its reactive hypoglycemia. you need to go see your nut to reevaluate your eating plan.

I went with the sleeve because, fundamentally it does the same thing as an RNY - amount of weight loss, regain resistance, etc., but "costs" less in terms of trade offs and potential problems. The sleeve is predisposed toward GERD problems (that simply means that more people in that population will suffer from that problem than in the genera; population. In contrast, the RNY is predisposed to marginal ulcers, dumping and reactive hypoglycemia.. It is also fussier in supplement need - you can get into more trouble if you are lazy about your supplements with an RNY, while a sleeve can be closer to that ideal of getting all of your nutrition from your food, if one is so inclined (and your natural body cooperates.) Even with all the supplements in line, there is still a greater risk of iron issues or osteoporosis with the RNY as its malabsorption is focused on minerals. And, the marginal ulcer risk makes it more limited with some medications (it is the origin of the "no NSAID" rule in bariatrics - the sleeve based procedures are more tolerant in that area. If I need something stronger than the VSG, then the DS is readily available, as it starts with a sleeve and adds a stronger malabsorbing component than the RNY offers, so there is better weight loss and most importantly, regain resistance provided there if needed. Finally, there is the "Plan B" factor of what if it doesn't work for me and I have/want to revise? The sleeve is readily revisable to either the RNY or the stronger DS, while the RNY is something of a dead end procedure which is very difficult to revise (it can be done, but there are few surgeons around who are qualified to do so.) Overall, that is why I would start with the VSG and move up later if needed (or if I was starting from a very high BMI or otherwise challenging metabolic situation, I would go straight to the DS and avoid the risk of having to revise the bypass if it wasn't strong enough.)

Oh thank you for mentioning that. I am actually hypo-thyroid and I am not taking any other antidepressants. I have in the past but they really started messing me up after a while. I started looking for whatever I could find to improve it naturally. I knew I was Vitamin or mineral or something deficient because my diet for many years consisted of doritos and Mt. Dew. You don't get very many nutrients that way but it sure was good while it lasted. I'm just paying for it now............giggle.

They discovered I have 1 biggish nodule in the left lobe and multiple littler in the right, still at the "Watchfully Waiting" stage, Lefty is just a little under operation level, haven't gone Hyper yet, but I am still losing,weight , so I'm not that much Hypo either, although more. there than "normal" , but then most facets ofv me didn't fit that description so Why would,i expect my Thyroid to be Any different?

Hello John, Did I read right? Your surgery has been delayed by 2 weeks? I'm on the home run, surgery on Tuesday,11th July. As I'm diabetic I'm the 1st patient on the day,I resent the 7am show up, but then its better this way isn't it? I won't be stressing the whole day waiting for my time I've been given. Good luck with the diet they've given you as you have another 2 week wait. Incidentally,what are you consuming on your diet ? I suffer from diabetes and hypertension's,thats why I want gastric bypass surgery, i have 6 brothers,4 of them have had heart attacks, my father died from a heart attack thats why I want the op. Its a shame I'm vegetarian, easier way to get protein if you're a meat eater. Im feeling better then I was last Saturday when I started the preop diet. Last night wasn't good as I got a hypo. My diabetic meds will definitely have to change after the op. Yes I'm set for Tuesday,ive bought my M&S cotton dressing gown ;-)''.

Reactive Hypoglycemia. Some of these fake sweeteners can cause it. When I gave up meat and was existing on protein bars and other protein supplements it happened to me. It was pretty terrible, I thought I was dying 1/2 the time until I figured out what was going on. Never had that issue with Premier Protein though.

I'm hypo too, but I haven't had a problem so far losing. As a matter of fact, I even had to change thyroid meds right after my surgery, because they are no longer making Armour thryoid. It did cause a change in my energy level and caused me to be slightly depressed., but did not seem to affect my weight loss.

In deferse of we men, may I say that we tend to be proactive rather than reactive and analytical rather than emotionanl. I don't say this to offend you, rather, just to let you know where we are coming from. He just wants to be certain that you have all the data you need to make in informed decision. Tolerate him.:grouphug:

sounds like it might be reactive hypoglycemia (RH), which some people refer to as "late dumping". I used to get it about an hour or so after I ate too much sugar. It's not all that uncommon in RNY patients - and it usually starts a year or two after surgery. You can control it by limiting (or avoiding) sugar - and my PCP also suggested I try to eat something every 3-4 hours. It's helped a lot - I rarely get those episodes anymore. P.S. admittedly I'm not a healthcare worker, so I don't know for sure - but it does sound a lot like what I had/have. And again, it's not uncommon in bypass patients.

I am a horse of a different color. I now have Reactive Hypoglycemia..So now I eat 6 times a day...I am eating more complex carbs now to keep my sugars settled....I think that my caloric intake has gone up..But I am still losing weight and am getting where it is no longer a good idea..... Everyone is different! But at some point our bodies are supposed to level off and we need to maintain within 5-10 lbs.

I have been lurking forever perhaps years.... Wanting to have the surgery but chicken.... Now.... I am 41 with 2 kids 8 and 11... I am just over 40 BMI Hypo Thyroid Meds... High Cholesterol but the good is high too. I have been seriously battling my weight for about 16 yrs and I am currently heavier than I was 9 months pregnant with my oldest. It has really taken its toll on my health , joints, and mental state. I have Aetna , Managed Choice, I have heard that my coverage is really good. Hoping and praying this will go off without a hitch. I don't want to jump through hoops, but i will if I have too. I have some degernerative disk disease in my lower back so my Chiro wrote me a letter stating that significant weight loss would improve my well being etc. Wish me luck if you have any insight on how all this will play out please let me in on it...... thanks in advance Lor

With the holiday season in full swing you may find yourself in the company of people who you avoid most of the year, people who "push your buttons:" who can trigger you to be reactive or defensive. People who USED to trigger you to overeat. A few things you can do to prepare for this: 1. Have realistic expectations. Don't expect them to all of a sudden be different this year. 2. Don't take their words or actions personally. (Whatever anyone says or does is a reflection of what's going on for them; it has nothing to do with you. Think about it: if someone feels good about themselves they see good in others, if someone does't feel good about themselves they won't see good in others; they will be angry, jealous, judgmental, etc.) 3. Set an intention to enjoy the holiday. Wear a bracelet or carry something in your pocket that every time you see or touch it you remember to LOOK FOR THE JOY in this moment. 4. Every time you think of the person/people who you dread seeing say a prayer for and send light and love to them, envision them happy and healthy. 5. And if someone says something that makes you nervous or upset remember the 4 R's of Responsible Respectful Responding: 1. RECENTER: Take a deep breath. If you are anxious or upset you are not centered and your breathing is shallow. Taking a couple deep breaths will help you get out of your head and back into your body; to your Center wherein lies your power (when you are not centered you lose your personal power) . 2. REFOCUS: Remind yourself of your intentions for your life and Focus on how you can handle this situation (in a kind and respectful manner) that will support those intentions. 3. RELAX: Once you are Centered and Focused you can then Relax: do a quick body scan and release any tension you might still be holding. 4.RESPOND: Now instead of impulsively reacting (from a state of fear or anxiety) you can Responsibly and Respectfully Respond to the situation with Clarity, Calm, Compassion, and Confidence! Affirmation: Recenter, Refocus, Relax, and Respond: That's how I roll! Happy Thanksgiving!! Live in Love, Louisa

I also have hypo. I had to get a letter from both my endocrinologist and gp for ins company and bariatric surgeon. Letter from endocrinologist stated he supported my decision of getting lapband, my thyroid issue was under control and that he would continue to follow me after my surgery. I am on a very small dose and just recently started taking it correctly. (1/2 hour before eating or drinking anything) and it is amazing how much better I feel. I never ate with it but I would take it with my coffee with creamer. Haha.

Just confused as to whether your thyroid levels are high or low. Hypo in front of something always refers to a low level e.g hypothyroidism,hypothermia,hypotension etc If it is high then it is Hyper. Not trying to be picky just trying to clear up which you have. And listening to Dr's, newsreaders etc it can be difficult to tell as they never seem to enunciate this well which means it is easy to confuse what they have said.

So, I have had reactive hypoglycemic since I was a teenager..absent of diabeties...so when we are talking about "late dumping", is that what we are talking about, and if so, why do they call it dumping?

Reactivate, do you go to Kaiser? There are groups in Sacramento I think. Send me a PM if you'd like more info.

Hi, I also have hypo, I had to crush the meds for the first couple of weeks, and wasn't really sure they were totally effective being crushed. But I did not see or feel any major differences losing weight. I am losing 1-2 pounds a week which for me is fantastic. I'm still very exhausted though, but I guess that will take time. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

You could always ask for some singular.....it is used both for asthma and allergies. I take it on a daily basis for both asthma and allergies. If it is allergies along with the antibiotic Ketek it should help knock you into shape quickly...... Will say prayers for you to feel better soon so that you can still have your surgery! This is no way professional advise but personal advise from a fellow asthmatic and reactive airway disease person.