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We had a free health screening at work so I figured id see what my numbers were looking like almost 4 months post op. My cholesterol was down from a little over 200 a year ago to 109 now which is great and my blood pressure was perfect but my glucose levels were low. It was only 57 which seemed to concern the person taking it. I ate a banana about an hour before. Anyone know if this is a normal glucose level for an RNY patient? Or could it be reactive hypoglycemia from the banana?

I am in a very similar situation and am hoping for some advice. I was banded in July 2007 and since then have lost 70 of the 170 of my goal. There was a lot of time in between fills as I moved to Ireland two years after being banded and then to India for six months where I lost 40 of the 70lbs and now I'm back in the US. I went in for a fill about a year ago and then around 4 months ago started having issues where I was vomiting nasty black tar in the middle of the night and had HORRIBLE reflux. Just yesterday it was determined that my band had slipped slightly. My band is now empty and will be for the next couple of months, I only had 2cc in my band in the first place and now my nurse is telling me I can NEVER be that full again :-( this news to me is basically telling me I'll be basically empty forever! I'm so discouraged and I don't really know what to do. Has anyone ever been told after a slippage that they can never be as full as they were when the slippage occurred? Also what are some opinions on why I may be stalled? I was diagnosed with hypo thyroidism and am currently not on medication. (long story short my husband doesn't really understand the culture of being medicated here and he doesn't feel I should be "wasting money" on taking medication for hypothryoidism. He thinks that me being overweight is simply my fault for not eating as well as I could be [even though in my opinion I don't eat THAT badly]) on top of that it's hard for me to get my Protein in because he is also a vegetarian and thinks that meat and cheese is bad for you and god forbid I be able to convince him otherwise. I'm at a loss, I don't understand why I'm not losing anymore and I don't know what to do about my hypothyroidism and I'm not sure what to think about never being able to go above 2cc again either! please help!

They can be caused by reactive hypoglycemia, which I have found is common in WLS patients that are 18+ months out. Mine are not menopause (hysterectomy 5 yrs ago) and the docs did a bunch of tests to rule out cancer. I final started tweaking my diet and have figured out how to get rid if them.

All hail its power! Three months after having my band unfilled, this morning was the day! It could not get here fast enough. All my old behaviors around food were circling the wagon, just waiting for my willpower to break. Three months, while not long in the scheme of things, felt so very long for me. But what a reminder of how powerful the band is--three months without any restriction and my mindset was right back to that of a non-surgical weight loss patient: always thinking about food, counting hours between meals, ability to eat anything in any amount and trying desperately not too...and sometimes failing and feeling horrible at being so weak-willed. The radiologist told me before he filled me that there was no way I'd go back to my sweet spot---6 cc in a 10cc band--in one fill, as three months with an unfilled band means my stomach organ had a chance to relax and expand and I'd be too tight if he filled me back to my prior level. But when he got in there, and filled to 5 cc, I didn't have enough restriction when I drank the barium so he did top me up to 6 cc. This means that I didn't do too badly during my hiatus; had I eaten whatever I had wanted to eat, I surely would have stretched out my stomach to pre-band size. So hooray for the little self-restraint I did show! (I gained 5 pounds over the three months, but that easily could've been much, much more.) I cannot overempathize how WONDERFUL it feels to have restriction again. My appetite was instantly turned off! As I walked back home from the radiologist's office, all the gorgeous displays in the bakeries didn't call to me. (Unfilled, I had to avert my eyes...this stuff is so very triggering to me.) In a very perverse way, I have to say that this three-month period was a gift. It really drove home how powerful my band is. I will never be someone who will say "I did this all myself, with my good choices and discipline." Being unfilled turned me right back into a [failing] dieter. I am SO grateful that I made the decision to get a lapband, and not keep trying to find weight loss success on my own. It's crazy evident that making those good choices in foods/portions is only possible because the band turns way way down the part of my brain that drives me to eat compulsively. I truly am a different eater when banded, through the power of this little piece of plastic, So happy to be back in the game. It is so very freeing to go through the day without fighting my cravings. Sipping a coffee---very slowly and carefully, because I'm so tight that it backs up into my throat--and looking forward to the next drop in weight. Here we go!

I've been reading that reactive hypoglycemia is pretty common for WLS patients that are 18+ months out. I've been having episodes of it and finding that I need to eat more frequent meals and a snack before bed. I have it when I'm sleeping and wake up with horrible night sweats.

I know, once I hit 200lbs I knew I had to do something. I am trying to protect myself from diabetes, heart disease, and joint replacements in the future, but Alberta isnt working from a preventative medicine perspective, Just a reactive perspective. I would also like to add that I have visited my family physician and she is very supportive with me leaving the country to obtain medical care, She has informed me that she has had about a dozen patients obtain barriatric surgery in Mexico this year. That was important to me, because she has agreed to follow me post op. I believe its very important to be open and honest with my family physician, and had she said she thought it was a bad idea, I think my decision would have been different. I am going to see Dr. Oritz in three weeks! I have done more than enough research. I did look into additional travel insurance, however it is quite cost prohibitive. From what I have been able to find, regular travel insurance will not cover you if you are going down there for surgery. There are a few companies that will provide coverage for Medical Tourism, but the policy is spendy spendy. My plan, is at any sign of trouble, is to get on a plane, and get to a hospital at the first point of entery into Canada. I know this plan is inherently flawed, however its the best one I can come up with. The complication rate for my surgery is less than % and my surgeon's record is pretty good. My biggest concern is if I am one of the few that does develop complications. If anyone has a better idea, im open to suggestions.

Good for you! I am tattoo free, but appreciate them on others. I am just so happy in my skin anymore. Today when I got home from the gym I felt strong. It's amazing and a gift. I am officially off of all of my medications except my gout medicine and I feel like a teenager. My 1 year appointments with my nut and surgeon on june 25th and am really hoping to be in the 120s by then (hovering between 133 and 135 right now). My labs were done last week and I already looked at them and the are perfect. My b12 was in the normal range but at the lower end so I wonder if he'll bump up that supplement? Everything else was perfect which thrilled me including C reactive protein which hasn't been normal for me in 10 years. Can you tell I'm happy??

I played heavily when my hubby and I first were dating and quit right after cataclysm to plan the wedding. My husband reactivated my account and got me the lvl 90 boost 2 weeks before my surgery so I would have something to do while at home recovering. It was AWESOME spending all day horsing around in MoP for the first time, flying high on pain meds. I'm now 2 weeks out and he's all like "you sure do spend a lot of time playing wow, why don't you come to bed at a normal time?" You know how that convo goes... Good news is I'll make up for of with an awesome bod here shortly.

Well, Girls, Today is my FOUR YEAR surgiversary! All in all, I'm pleased that I am at goal and was able to have this life changing surgery! I have found in the last few weeks, that I still have some work to do on making sure I make good choices. I tend to really work to ACHIEVE a goal, and then when I get there, somewhat relax and old habits/eating patterns creep back. I'm right at 148-150 - my goal from original and where my body really likes to be overall. I did get down to about 140 last year with 5:2 and I'm REALLY REALLY THIN at that weight (being 5'8") I like it for ME but my face looks OLD and others seem to think I look "sick". With that said, I need to "shape up" a bit - just with life itself, my energy level is low, my stress level - high and I'm tired, tired, tired! I've also been experiencing reactive hypoglycemia (I think due to increased carbs and sugar) where my blood sugar gets extremely low (to the point of faintness). I guess what I'm trying to say is - I'm very happy with what I have achieved, I'm thankful and grateful, and I realize AGAIN that it's a LIFELONG JOURNEY!!!

Nicie your post reminds me of one not too long ago where the OP said that she was 80% sure about having the surgery and wondering how she could get to 100%. Bypass or sleeve are major surgeries. All surgeries have risks and bariatric surgeries are no exception. There simply are no guarantees. 100% implies absolute certainty. I believe that any goal you set has to meet two criteria - it must be realistic and it must be sustainable. Any goal that does not meet those two criteria should be abandoned in favor of one that does. Absolute certainty is neither realistic nor sustainable. When I was trying to make the surgery decision and subsequently the choice of which surgery to have, my goal became to do as much research as possible, learn everything I could about the potential benefits - and risks - of each option. That goal was both realistic and sustainable. The result of that effort was that I concluded that the odds were overwhelmingly in my favor of having a successful, literally life-changing outcome. And that is exactly what happened. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment known to medical science for the treatment of obesity and more than 30 comorbidities associated with obesity. By a huge margin. Once I had all of the facts, the decision was relatively easy. That is not to say that I wasn't frightened. There were times right up to the moment they wheeled me into the OR when it scared the bejesus out of me. But courage is not about never being frightened (unrealistic and unsustainable). Courage is about doing what you believe to be the right thing for you and your family, in spite of your fears. Today I'm a little over two and a half years post-op. Hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and 130 pounds - gone. I hit 155 lbs about fourteen months post-op and my weight has been between 151 and 156 every since. This morning I was 152.4. I've had two complications. About six months post-op I developed an ulcer at the anastomosis that was confirmed with an endoscopy. My surgeon increased my Rx for Prevacid from one capsule a day to two. No other changes. No other treatment. Three months later a second endoscopy confirmed the ulcer was completely healed. The second complication - I'm one of about 15% of patients that experience reactive hypoglycemia aka "late stage" dumping. Definitely not comfortable but easily avoided by avoiding too much sugar or carbs. And when I make a bad choice and my blood sugar drops, I simply eat something with a little sugar, or simple carbs or just chew a glucose tablet. Without fail, the symptoms completely disappear in about 20 minutes. All in all, a very small price to pay for a life that, not that long ago, I thought would never be possible. Would I do it again? Without a moments hesitation. Am I the exception? You don't have to look any further than this forum to read countless stories similar to mine. When you have questions, there are tons of great folks here who are more than happy to offer the benefit of their experiences. Good luck in making your decision! Thank you for your response. I am so appreciate that you took the time to give me such a thorough narrative. Congratulations on your success with this challenging journey to better health. I hope to also be a success in this journey. What you wrote has made an impact on how I will move forward with this issue. You are so right in pointing out that this surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity. I think I was just kidding myself that I could lose 100 lbs without medical intervention and that was a big reason for my indecisiveness. It was also very helpful to hear that I am not alone in my fear of the unknown when you wrote about how scared you were up until surgery. I am going to write down your quote about "Courage is about doing what you believe to be the right thing for you and your family, in spite of your fears." Thanks again for your insight.

Nicie your post reminds me of one not too long ago where the OP said that she was 80% sure about having the surgery and wondering how she could get to 100%. Bypass or sleeve are major surgeries. All surgeries have risks and bariatric surgeries are no exception. There simply are no guarantees. 100% implies absolute certainty. I believe that any goal you set has to meet two criteria - it must be realistic and it must be sustainable. Any goal that does not meet those two criteria should be abandoned in favor of one that does. Absolute certainty is neither realistic nor sustainable. When I was trying to make the surgery decision and subsequently the choice of which surgery to have, my goal became to do as much research as possible, learn everything I could about the potential benefits - and risks - of each option. That goal was both realistic and sustainable. The result of that effort was that I concluded that the odds were overwhelmingly in my favor of having a successful, literally life-changing outcome. And that is exactly what happened. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment known to medical science for the treatment of obesity and more than 30 comorbidities associated with obesity. By a huge margin. Once I had all of the facts, the decision was relatively easy. That is not to say that I wasn't frightened. There were times right up to the moment they wheeled me into the OR when it scared the bejesus out of me. But courage is not about never being frightened (unrealistic and unsustainable). Courage is about doing what you believe to be the right thing for you and your family, in spite of your fears. Today I'm a little over two and a half years post-op. Hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and 130 pounds - gone. I hit 155 lbs about fourteen months post-op and my weight has been between 151 and 156 every since. This morning I was 152.4. I've had two complications. About six months post-op I developed an ulcer at the anastomosis that was confirmed with an endoscopy. My surgeon increased my Rx for Prevacid from one capsule a day to two. No other changes. No other treatment. Three months later a second endoscopy confirmed the ulcer was completely healed. The second complication - I'm one of about 15% of patients that experience reactive hypoglycemia aka "late stage" dumping. Definitely not comfortable but easily avoided by avoiding too much sugar or carbs. And when I make a bad choice and my blood sugar drops, I simply eat something with a little sugar, or simple carbs or just chew a glucose tablet. Without fail, the symptoms completely disappear in about 20 minutes. All in all, a very small price to pay for a life that, not that long ago, I thought would never be possible. Would I do it again? Without a moments hesitation. Am I the exception? You don't have to look any further than this forum to read countless stories similar to mine. When you have questions, there are tons of great folks here who are more than happy to offer the benefit of their experiences. Good luck in making your decision!

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism about ten years ago. My levothyroxine has been decreased since surgery also. I can't say I've been a slow loser but. I am a very happy loser either way you look at it. My stats: HW 289lbs SW 251lbs CW 183lbs Highest BMI 43 Current BMI 28 I am 5'8" and feeling healthier that I have in many, many years. I try to exercise daily, Walking for 5+ miles is my new freedom. I am now 9 months post-op. My weight-loss has slowed considerably in the last 2 months but I expected that as I get closer to my goal of 160lbs. The main thing is......I am still losing. My Dr's goal for me was to lose 70% of my excess weight. I've met and exceeded that goal by 17lbs. My personal goal is to hit 160lbs. That will put me just under 25 for a BMI. Woohoo! Only 23 more lbs to go! Good Luck to all of my fellow Hypo's.

Hello, I was diagnosed with hypo-thyroidism in 1990...took SYNTHROID--not able to take generic --as it does NOT work for me.,,, I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in 2005.....so.take SYNTHROID at a higher level and have been since and will always need to. The hair loss sucks....yet I do what I can...started taking Biotin and will post surgery as well...is supposed to help tremendously. In 2010 had Uterine Cancer, so no female part or hormones now, either.....this REALLY sucks.....and talk about being tired, weight gain, etc...HOLY CRAP!!! Anyway, this is my battle and I try to keep a positive attitude, am working with my PCP, my Nutritionist and Surgeon so my surgery is not only a medical success, yet I am a HEALTH success as well. I also have PCOS...yet now since I don't have ovaries....?????

I am been wondering about this, I am Hypo too. When I take my Lex in the morning I do take it wih 8-14 oz of Water but after sleeve will have to sip? How do you get it down witht enough water?

@@bellalulu -- I wasn't functioning at all I had just had my 2nd baby and I was dragging myself to work, would come home and collapse and not get up until the next morning. I was so exhausted all the time. I went to the doctor and demanded a test because I worked for the company that made synthroid so I knew all the symptoms. I told the doc I was either hypothyroid or I was going completely crazy. Guess it was maybe a combination of both! Gained about 40 pounds in 6 months before I got the test and found out my thyroid was basically dead. Of course, once I went on the meds, I didn't lose the weight. Not quite fair being hypo can put the pounds on but the meds don't take it off.

Yes, that's correct. Same as what I read and Doc told me. It's another young lady last night that didn't know what exactly she was when she wrote I think (I think I'm hyper something) as a patient you must know and be specific with what you have or what you were told. So we all jumped and gave her advice from what we know. I for sure am hypo and my hubby is hyper, trust that I know how it feels but 25 wow, that's super high. Some people can't function not even past a 5... also, I was told different labs have different thresholds for what they think is high. What I love about my new doctor is that he also asked me about all my symptoms. Some doctors don't really sit and listen. That's why I hate doctors at the VA, it's like pulling teeth with them. Glad to know you are doing great!

there are different kinds of hypoglycemia. the only way to know what kind you have is to get a monitor and start checking your BGL and see how food and eating and not eating is affecting you. you might just need to adjust how and when you are eating, you may have reactive hypoglycemia, or something else. the only way to know is to track and get info.

I think some people might be confused on the thyroid stuff -- If your TSH level is HIGH, it means you are hypo-thyroid (not enough thyroid hormone). The doctor explained to me that your brain is sending out the message to pump out TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) because your body needs more but your thyroid is not producing enough. If your TSH level is LOW, it means you are hyper-thyroid (getting too much thyroid hormone). Normal levels are down between something like .5 to 5.5 -- when I was first diagnosed hypo-thyroid my level was over 25 (instrument didn't read higher than that) --- so it meant my brain was pumping out tons of TSH to try to get my thyroid to pump out what my body needed but the thyroid was just laying around doing nothing.

So you don't think I've got reactive hypoglycemia? Sorry a bit confused as I'm not oregnant I'm 48 and a year post op these symptoms only came on a few weeks ago and this is what another experienced sleever said I had and fits my symptoms. I will ask my GP for a blood monitor when I see her next week and as I'm in the uk I hope they supply it on the NHS even though I'm a self pay bariatric patient.

you have to ask your doctor to write a script for a monitor so you can start checking your BGL. usually the pharmacy has coupons that make the monitor free and insurance covers the strips. if you start checking your BGL several times a day (first thing in the morning, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours after a meal and before bed) you will get an idea of how food affects you and if eating before bed helps how you feel in the morning. i had this issue when pregnant, my GBL was really low in the morning and i would fall over while doing yoga... i learned i needed to eat more carbs than i thought in order to get my level up to normal. this is not reactive hypoglycemia, its different. the only way for you to know what is actually happening with you is to check with a monitor for a few weeks. good luck!

Oh GingerSnaps, you are getting real close to your date! I cheer you on and cannot imagine your nerves right now. Thanks for the reply and my apologies for not logging on sooner. You are so right about the obscure symptoms... My biggest battle with the hypo is brain fog and complete exhaustion even after waking from 8 or 9 hour sleep. I feel like I have the worst hang over. Sometimes I get bursts of energy and I will literally dance around with joy. Then I get zapped. So I see my doc next week and def changing my dose. Good luck and I will follow your success!! )

Yes mere. I have high thyroid .. Whatever that is. I just haven't been scheduled for surgery yet. This is my last month for the journey and I meet w the surgeon June 4.. Super excited If you have high thyroid then you have HYPERthyroid. Do you think I'll be approved ? Yes, I don't see why not... SOme docs say that after your surgery maybe your thyroid can resolve itself. It's not a guarantee and I am no doctor but I do read like a mad woman and research everything. If you have hyperthyroid that means you have a super fast metabolism and maybe you will lose weight. Do research it, it's called graves disease, my husband was diagnosed with it (hyperthyroid) and I have the hypothyroid (slow thyroid) maybe opposites do attract. Ask your doc all the questions and then go home and look it up. Take good care of yourself as hyper or hypo affects all of your cells, your entire body and brain. Good luck. I am here for you if you need. Thank you so much. I've done all the appointments I just have the psych Eval, and the pcp follow up all this week coming. Then my second visit with my surgeon June4th. I have a bmi of 47. Weigh 253lbs ... Awesome! you are on the right track. I need a few appts too. I did my heart echo and stress test, thank God it all came back good. I need pulmonary, psyche, NUT and H pylori test. I already met with the surgery center coordinator and a Nurse for a check up. I was 248.7 and am 243.0. I was 240 but three pounds chased me down and got me! I am very short, only 5ft so this is a lot of weight for my small frame. :/

Yes mere. I have high thyroid .. Whatever that is. I just haven't been scheduled for surgery yet. This is my last month for the journey and I meet w the surgeon June 4.. Super excited If you have high thyroid then you have HYPERthyroid. Do you think I'll be approved ? Yes, I don't see why not... SOme docs say that after your surgery maybe your thyroid can resolve itself. It's not a guarantee and I am no doctor but I do read like a mad woman and research everything. If you have hyperthyroid that means you have a super fast metabolism and maybe you will lose weight. Do research it, it's called graves disease, my husband was diagnosed with it (hyperthyroid) and I have the hypothyroid (slow thyroid) maybe opposites do attract. Ask your doc all the questions and then go home and look it up. Take good care of yourself as hyper or hypo affects all of your cells, your entire body and brain. Good luck. I am here for you if you need. Thank you so much. I've done all the appointments I just have the psych Eval, and the pcp follow up all this week coming. Then my second visit with my surgeon June4th. I have a bmi of 47. Weigh 253lbs ...

Yes mere. I have high thyroid .. Whatever that is. I just haven't been scheduled for surgery yet. This is my last month for the journey and I meet w the surgeon June 4.. Super excited If you have high thyroid then you have HYPERthyroid. Do you think I'll be approved ? Yes, I don't see why not... SOme docs say that after your surgery maybe your thyroid can resolve itself. It's not a guarantee and I am no doctor but I do read like a mad woman and research everything. If you have hyperthyroid that means you have a super fast metabolism and maybe you will lose weight. Do research it, it's called graves disease, my husband was diagnosed with it (hyperthyroid) and I have the hypothyroid (slow thyroid) maybe opposites do attract. Ask your doc all the questions and then go home and look it up. Take good care of yourself as hyper or hypo affects all of your cells, your entire body and brain. Good luck. I am here for you if you need.

I have never had Hypoglycemia before nor have I ever been Diabetic. I have previously been diagnosed as insulin resistant but since my sleeve surgery a year ago I have recently developed the symptoms and have had a number of scary 'hypo' episodes when commencing exercise especially in the morning. This is causing me great concern, I didn't sign up for this surgery to become sicker than I was before it. I hope I can get some help on how to manage the symptoms as from what I've read up about, many bariatric patients end up developing reactive hypoglycaemia which I had no idea about until I started getting the symptoms. Does anyone know how best to deal with this? I want to be able to exercise but for the last few weeks I've been unable to manage much before the sweats, the shakes, and feeling like I'm going to pass out, and worse I want to eat!! My weightloss is at a stall, nearly 2 months and no change. Would appreciate any guidance. Please also be aware that this problem occurs to many many Bariatric patients quite often some time after their surgery and from what I've read there is no cure, just guidelines to manage it. Essentially though our Pancreas are delivering too much insulin into our bodies which is what causes the hypo. I'm seeing my surgeon next week for my 1 year review and my GP next week for bloods to see if there is any help I can get for this condition.