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I was diagnosed hypo back in 2014 when my daughter turned 3 months old. I haven’t had my 100mcg of Levo since surgery 11/16/20. I struggled to eat and drink for the first 6 weeks or so, and adding ground up pills was even worse. It made me so sick. So when i asked my doctor for a thyroid panel around 9w post op (since my surgeon didn’t) they discovered that i most likely have hashimoto’s. I had an ultrasound done and it showed that i was riddled with nodules, goiters on both sides, and possibly an adenemoa on my left side. I’m finally seeing an endocrinologist but it will be the end of March before i get in. We are limited in specialists in my area so i have to wait or go to the bigger town 2 hours away. my TSH has gotten much better since surgery, though. So I’m just thankful for that because it could be way worse! I’m down exactly 40lbs today and an 12w post op. Hopefully things get better for me. Oddly i feel normal. I used to be so tired before surgery so I’m happy that I’m not exhausted 24/7. 🤣

Whenever I go to see the surgeon's office, even though I am 27 months post-op, the word obesity appears on the forms. This threw me for a loop because I am no longer obese. It dawned on me that this is all about insurance. They have to code my visit for insurance billing purposes and since I had WLS, this is the best coding they can use. I was wondering about your hypoglycemia. There is one form that is tied to meals which is called reactive hypoglycemia. Reactive hypoglycemia (postprandial hypoglycemia) is low blood sugar that occurs after a meal — usually within four hours after eating. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) usually occurs while fasting. Signs and symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia may include hunger, weakness, shakiness, sleepiness, sweating, lightheadedness, anxiety and confusion. Someone told me that it is like a spike in blood sugar followed by a crash. If this is the type you have then you have a bit of control because you can time your meals.

Yes it is called reactive Hypoglycemia. If this is true then it certainly would make me feel a little better, somewhat, maybe. I have to say though. I really really hate that word!

I haven't eaten any of the Jello mousse either. Was just sharing the recipe. But I am equally terrified of dumping syndrome! Nothing is worth that feeling in my book! But, with this mousse being very low fat & sugar free it's a nice option. I have many diabetics in my family and instead of cakes for birthdays, we typically have fresh fruit and the jello mouse as options. I actually have low blood sugar - reactive hypoglycemia. So, I kind of know what dumping feels like. Don't ever want to do that to myself intentionally! I wish you luck with your surgery! I'm thrilled I had it done! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@MrsKarenC2008 I'm glad you came back to the site. I wish you the best and I hope you pop in more. Just found this this article. Hypoglycemia and reactive hypoglycemia. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/reactive-hypoglycemia/faq-20057778 I'm not sure what category I fit in *laughing at myself* My low blood sugars don't make sense to me or my Dr. Fasting or food, My low blood sugars have no pattern. At 140 pounds and year out from surgery, my pancreas started functioning but not correctly. Dr said its a RH is complication from surgery but it's also a blessing to know my pancreas is working.

Have you been tested for reactive hypoglycemia?

Some people experience reactive hypoglycemia after RNY gastric bypass surgery. This is irrespective of whether they had diabetes prior to surgery or not. Here is a link for symptoms. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/reactive-hypoglycemia/faq-20057778

It's also the same thing as Reactive Hypoglycemia, per my doctor. I don't experience the runs at all, ever. http://diabetes.about.com/od/whatisdiabetes/qt/reacthypoglycem.htm http://www.reactivehypoglycemia.info/2009/05/the-reactive-hypoglycemia-diet/ Read up, learn it, live it. Having it kept under control makes a huge difference. It sucks, but it is what it is.

I saw this and I couldn't stop laughing. Though, my thyroid has issues with not producing ENOUGH, so maybe there was a coup d'etat my body failed to let me in on. ETA: Oh wait, I found the one about Hypo! -- It cracks me up just as much.

Thanks James those links are great. I have been looking for examples of what to eat to treat a hypo after rny. Most articles tell you how to avoid it but they don’t tell you what to do to treat it.

Anyone having issues with irregular heartbeats since having gastric bypass? I have been having problems with AFIB when I went through dumping the first few months and now 1 year out since February I have been in constant PVC (Premature ventricular contraction). My cardiologist is baffled. Been through all kinds of tests and my heart is healthy and have no blockages BUT even with meds it’s not going away. I am constantly having PVC’s AND when I eat my heart gets worse! I flutters like CRAZY!!!! Feels like I horrible panic attack, sometimes feel like I am going to have a heart attack or something. I have been in hospital, being monitored and back in hospital for testing and been on heart monitors. In 1 week wearing a monitor they recorded over 38,000 PVC’S 😱 I am at a loss here and never had these issues until I was revised to gastric bypass. I went back to Bariatric surgeon and he put me on reactive hypoglycemia diet he said that cannot cause PVCs, but it can cause heart, palpitations, and being on that diet has not made any changes. I go back to the cardiologist again for the 11th time on Tuesday after wearing my third monitor and I don’t know what is going to be done at this point. It’s really freaky that after I eat whether it’s healthy or not so healthy my heart does a freaking jiggly jig dance!!!! I thought I’d come on here to see if this is a problem that anybody else has heard of or experienced ?

You are right, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and CRP (C-Reactive Protein) are VERY non-specific tests. Basically, they determine whether there is inflammation anywhere...hs-CRP is also a very non-specific indicator of possible CE's, but it's not used much because of the lack of reliability. Oh, and some forms of birth control can actually make a CRP positive, IIRC. The chance of you having cancer, something autoimmune or something major like that is very low, but I don't have your family history in front of me, so I can't tell you for sure. Would some inflammation around the area of your band cause that? I suppose it's conceivable, but I'm not 100%. I'm hoping the best for you, though! Keep us updated! Do you have the exact figures from your test, by the way?

Sleevers are already losing the weight much quicker than regular dieting. Plus, the faster you lose the more loose skin you have when you're done. Malabsorption is neat in that it helps people lose weight, but you also lose a significant part of your intestines that help you absorb important Vitamins. That means you will likely have to increase the number of supplements you take. It's a personal decision, and RNY may be right for some people, but I guess the big points for me were: 1. No intestinal rerouting with VSG 2. Decreased ghrelin production - no hunger makes things a lot different 3. Generally no dumping with VSG - this sounds like it would make me miserable at work/school 4. Intact pyloric sphincter - this takes away the risk of stoma stricture/dilation 5. Fewer long term food/medicine restrictions 6. Delayed reactive hypoglycemia in RNY patients - scares me! 7. Losing weight fast can mean looking unhealthy even though you're skinny - someone called them "fat skinny people" on a thread the other day, which seemed to fit. People who lose weight but a lot of it is muscle, not necessarily the healthiest thing. I guess #1 is the biggest for me. Apparently I'm okay with the doctor taking out the majority of my stomach, but I really don't want them touching my intestines (Is that silly? =p). Maybe make a list of pros and cons for each and see how you feel about it after you lay out your options? You are not forced to have the surgery on the date you're scheduled if you are not sure/aren't ready. If you need to, give it some time. Maybe it is just nerves - I was scared as crap before the surgery and second guessed myself on and off, and now that I'm post-op, I'm really happy I did it. Feel better!

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.

Had my RNY surgery March 9th and have lost 49 lbs but only lost two all last month. I was in hospital 3 days start of July with liver enzyme issues and my TSH (thyroid) numbers had went from hypo to hyperthyroid. Dr took me off synthroid for 3 days and then went back on 1/2 dose (50 mcg). Did that for a week and a half and the mental fog and sluggishness came back. Dr took me off synthroid completely. I go back Aug 20th to have TSH checked again. Could my going on and off and on and off synthroid be causing this drastic slow down in weight loss? I am still 30 lbs from my goal of 160 and was losing 2 lbs a week before this all happened. I have really enjoyed reading everyone's posts and getting some great advice on here!

Really do get the Thyroid checked. I have hypo thyroid and it can REALLY affect your weight loss/gain, hair loss, nails, sleeplessness, fatigue, etc. But, with medication it can be easily cared for.

Ideally, doctors and anesthesia providers would ask you to quit for at least 2 months and closer to 6 months prior to elective surgery. However, we all realize that this isn't realistic for everyone. You should know that you get the most benefit for reducing complications related to anesthesia if you have quit smoking 8 weeks (2 months) prior to your anesthesia. What you do beyond that is really a discussion for you and your surgeon and anesthesia provider, but whatever you do, be sure you are honest about your smoking. It really impacts how your anesthesia care is provided and can really make a difference in how you do. They know what to expect better if they know you've smoked in the last month, or week, or 24 hours, rather than lying about it. Recent smoking can make your airway more reactive, more difficult to intubate, can make you more prone to bronchospasm and laryngospasm, and can alter your oxygenation capabilities, among other things. As far as the band itself, as others have said the only real effect would be on your wound healing post op.

Aussikiwi, sorry to hear about your thyroid or lack thereof. I have heard that before. That little "innocent" butterfly, called the thyroid gland is a very powerful organ with or without it. I think you're right re: exercising for people who have been diagnosed with any form of dysfunctional thyroid disease, CA, hypo/hyperactive,,,, etc. Sounds like you're on the right track and I'm 3 days away of finding out. Thank you.

Hi mariposa, Well, I did not have and eroded band, but my band simply never liked me. It never gave me proper restirction, even after 2.5 years and 20+ adjustments! It also gave me night GERD and I would wake up choking on my reflux all night long. It was no bueno!! When I started to seriously consider perhaps having the band removed and maybe getting the sleeve or even the RnY, I researched and asked a million questions to lots of people. I was finally convinced that I should just go for it, and I would be happy with my decision. Guess what...??? I AM!!! My sleeve has really saved my life!! I had so many physical issues, some life threatening that today are no longer but a distant memory. High blood pressure, possible future diabetes (it ran in my family and I would get hypo/hyperglycemic sometimes - though I do still if i eat something too high in sugar!) arthritis in my knees where I was SCHEDULED to have 2 seperate knee surgeries - but NEVER NEEDED TO HAVE!!! yayy!! I was so down and perhaps even depressed... but today I'm living the life I'd dreamed about for decades and I'm feeling SKY HIGH!! I know this can be you as well! Hang in there and once you get your surgery, you will be here before you know it. Xoxo

Christina, Dr. Pleatman is one of the doctors that feels that NSAIDS are fine on a sort term basis. The is no real PROOF of them causing band erosion, just the mental flow of logic that some NSAIDS are hard on a stomach if taken in high doses and over long periods of time, and that it may cause problems with the stomach lining thereby possibly causing erosion of the lining near the band. Also if a person is properly adjusted with the band there, many of the pills are to big to be taken and would lodge into the stomach stoma that is formed with the band. A liquid form of the NSAIDS would be a better alternative from the physicality problem part, however infrequent use of nsaids--especially if taken with with milk- should not be a problem or concern towards erosion. If a person is taking large dosages or taking them over weeks of time--then it could become a problem with the stomach in general. Right now it seems that the largest body of evidnece of erosion is that it is caused by surgeon technique in securing the band and if the surgeon removes the "fat pouch" around the stomach. The more body tissue cut into and/or removed the greater chance of the body forming a reactive surface to the band. That was one reason the larger band was created was so that the fat pouch could be left in tact with the band merely placed around the fat pouch and stomach while leaving enough room in the band unfilled. Another "thought" as to why erosion was caused was that sometimes surgeons closed (latched) the band on the stomach--in effect, pinching it partially in the band. This would cause an irritation that could "fester" into an erosion- hence another reason for the larger band. I don't think there are any definative answers as to what really causes erosion as erosion is a very small number--like 1-2% of all banded people and falls into the mainly non-event category of complications. Statistically speaking, the number is small enough that it could even be just due to different body types and chemistries having a reaction with the band or the material. Also these bands are placed on not the most healthiest people-many with other health complications and/or medicines and these could be causing some of these erosions as well. I am just glad that the numbers are as small as they are. If I remember the statistics right you had a greater chance of dying or became physically incapacitated from surgery than getting erosion. T

My Dr. says that being hypo doesnt cause weight gain. Im hypo so I know different. I hope my thyroid gets better as I loose weight.I have felt some changes in my gland since my surgery two weeks ago. After another month Im going to have my levels checked and meds adjusted as needed. Id love to be off synthroid! Didnt know that weight loss could cure hypo?

Hello, November peeps! How are you all doing? I'm frustrated and struggling. I've been stuck at 69 lbs down for 3 weeks. I've only lost 5 in the past 6 weeks. I know it's partly my fault because I've not been faithful go my diet. I can do good while at work during the day, but the evenings are my worse times of temptation. Now my thyroid is fluctuating from hyper to hypo and the doctor is trying to adjust my Synthroid dosage. I've been tearful, moody, had horrible hair loss, and tired. I'm sure it's a mix of thyroid trouble and changes overall. I've found that I don't always get sick after eating poorly, which I wish I'd never found out. I need to get my rear in gear and get back to the gym. I had some pretty bad center abdominal pain twice last week and I called my surgeon's office. The oncall doctor suggested possible hernia and to see my surgeon. I'm honestly embarrassed to go in without losing more weight first. Aahh! I'm babbling, what thoughts do y'all have? Thanks!

:crying: Hi, I have the same concern. People do have allergic reactions to nearly anything foreign put into their bodies as their immune system recognizes it as non self. These reactions can take several forms however an autoimmune reaction entailing stiff joints in the fingers similar to arthritis was experienced by myself from the "inert" mesh (made by the manufacurers of gortex) for a hernia repair. This and a low grade fever and the fact that the mesh never bonded to the repair and I ended up oozing out serous Fluid led my surgeon to remove it. Silicone has been the subject of much autoimmune scrutiny with auto immune reactions from breast implants etc. So I say buyer beware. Don't let anyone tell you silicone or mesh is non reactive. We are reactive. I am a nursing student also.

TL/DR: Worried about losing weight by not eating enough. | Looking for tips to reach protein/calorie goals when not hungry. | Looking for others' experiences with lack of hunger this far out in WL Journey. ------------------------- I meet with my nutritionist for check-ins about every 3 months. For this last one, my 9-month, she told me not to be upset if I hadn't lost, as a stall was expected. Yet, I had lost just as much as I had been. We went over what I had been eating & she wasn't concerned about content but suggested increasing variety. [I'm a meal repeater 🤷‍♀️] Though, she again warned me that it is now especially likely that I would stall since I hadn't yet. Since that appointment, I've still been losing weight. I know it might appear strange to worry about meeting the goals we are here to meet, but my nutritionist is big on trying to relearn the natural cues of the body. So, as they are absent, you can notice pressure in your stomach, sighing, or a runny nose as indications of fullness. As indications of hunger return, you can utilize them to increase portions within the parameters of slow eating and not exceeding controlled sizes. The thing is, I don't know that the initial increase after, you know, the literal wounds healed, I have really expanded much more. I don't really get hungry until 'early-bird dinner' time. So eating during the day is purely done out of obligation. [& if I'm being truthful, there are times when I forget entirely until after work.] So obviously, that leads me to try to have all of my calories in one 'meal' in the day, which I have to eat over a couple hours [even if it is small] if I don't want to get nauseous or actually regurgitate. [The regurgitation has improved slightly over the last couple of months. I had a very reactive stomach that required me to prolong my dependence on protein shakes. Pre-surgery, I don't think I came even close to needing to vomit since pre-school 🙁.] To be fully upfront, I have not counted a single macro or calorie or weighed a single food item during my entire journey. I've tried tracking before in my weight-loss journey, and it was not healthy mentally for me. I realize that I may be under goals rather than over them, but straightforward counting of calories is just not something that would be part of a successful journey for me. So, all of this is a longwinded way to say: - Is anyone else struggling to eat enough this far out? - What helps you to reach your protein/calorie goals when you don't really want to eat? - Any other tips/tricks/specific brand or meal suggestions?

Hi; I have not read about this topic on here and so I thought I would share my latest health issue. I found this article on it and thought others might find it interesting because it does happen to WLS patients more then you think! What is reactive hypoglycemia? After bariatric surgery you may experience reactive hypoglycemia: • Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar • Reactive hypoglycemia is having low blood sugar after eating a meal or snack This may happen after eating foods that are high in sugar or simple carbohydrates. It is thought to be related to dumping syndrome. How do I know if I have reactive hypoglycemia? You have reactive hypoglycemia if you have: • any symptoms listed below a few hours after having a meal or snack and • these symptoms go away after eating or drinking What are the symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia? You may feel one or more of these: • hungry • sweaty • shaky • anxious • dizzy • weak • sleepy • confused What should I do if I think I have reactive hypoglycemia after having a meal or snack? Having low blood sugar is not good for your overall health and can be life-threatening. • If you think you have reactive hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar. • If your blood sugar is less than 4 mmol/L, you need to treat it to bring your sugar above 4 mmol/LWhat is reactive hypoglycemia? After bariatric surgery you may experience reactive hypoglycemia: • Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar • Reactive hypoglycemia is having low blood sugar after eating a meal or snack This may happen after eating foods that are high in sugar or simple carbohydrates. It is thought to be related to dumping syndrome. How do I know if I have reactive hypoglycemia? You have reactive hypoglycemia if you have: • any symptoms listed below a few hours after having a meal or snack and • these symptoms go away after eating or drinking What are the symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia? You may feel one or more of these: • hungry • sweaty • shaky • anxious • dizzy • weak • sleepy • confused What should I do if I think I have reactive hypoglycemia after having a meal or snack? Having low blood sugar is not good for your overall health and can be life-threatening. • If you think you have reactive hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar. • If your blood sugar is less than 4 mmol/L, you need to treat it to bring your sugar above 4 mmol/L. Follow the steps on the next page. If you do not have a meter, talk to your family doctor, health care provider or the diabetes educator in the Bariatric Clinic to get a meter. When your blood sugar is less than 4 mmol/L: 1. Take 15 grams of a fast acting carbohydrate right away. This will raise your blood sugar quickly. Examples of fast acting carbohydrate include: • Chewing 3 to 4 dextrose or glucose tablets (read the label) or • Drinking ¾ cup (175 ml) of juice 2. Wait 15 minutes and check your blood sugar again. 3. If your blood sugar is still below 4 mmol/L treat again with one of the fast acting carbohydrates listed above. 4. Repeat these steps until your blood sugar is above 4 mmol/L. 5. If your next meal or snack is more than 1 hour away, you need to have a snack that contains carbohydrate and Protein that fits into the stage of diet you are at. Examples of Snacks are listed on the last page. You may feel like eating sweet foods like Cookies, cake and candy. Even though these foods are high in sugar and can raise your blood sugar, your blood sugar will go too high too fast which is not safe. This can then lead to another low blood sugar because too much insulin is released. How can I prevent reactive hypoglycemia? You can help prevent reactive hypoglycemia by following your diet guidelines for bariatric surgery. • eat 3 healthy meals and 2 healthy snacks each day • space meals and snacks 2 to 3 hours apart • eat protein at each meal and snack time • avoid skipping meals andsnacks • avoid or limit alcohol depending on what stage of diet your are at • avoid or limit caffeine depending on what stage of diet your are at • avoid sweets like cookies, cakes, candy, pop, juice and sweet drinks Instead of sugars and simple carbohydrates, eat complex carbohydrates because they release less sugar over a longer period of time. Having a complex carbohydrate with protein will slow this release even more. Try putting any of these together when they fit the stage of bariatric diet you are at: Complex Carbohydrates • whole wheat crackers • whole wheat bread • whole wheat pita • whole grain rice • potatoes • cereal Protein • nuts • cheese • meat • lentils • peanut butter • eggs • yogurt Here are some snack ideas to have after treating a low blood sugar: • crackers and cheese • pita and hummus • nuts and yogurt • melba toast and Peanut Butter