Search the Community

Thanks for indulging my curiosity. To [hopefully] clarify the conversation, black are my original questions, red are your replies, purple my feedback. Just to ensure everyone is on the same page, Dumping Syndrome is typically related to consuming sugars and/or fats, as has been previously mentioned. Dumping on other foods is exceptionally unusual. How often do you dump? If it's responsible for the majority of your weight loss as you claim then you would be dumping pretty frequently. If it is actually dumping you wouldn't likely be dumping enough to impact weight loss. So I never said I was losing weight because of this. I think I lost weight just from keeping on the proper plan initially. I would say I get sick at almost every meal, regardless of the ingredients, but it's severe with anything carb or sugar-related. Sorry about my misunderstanding. I inadvertently connected two unrelated thoughts. I apologize. The fact you get sick at almost every meal would tell me you aren't generally dumping. It's not to say that you are never dumping, just that it is not generally what is going on. What actual foods cause you to dump? Pretty much everything but it's particularly horrible with carbs, sugar, and greasy/deep-fried foods. Again, "Pretty much everything" would indicate that much/most(?) of what you are experiencing is not dumping. Dumping is in response to specific foods rather than most foods. In what quantities? I don't measure anymore but it doesn't take much. A few bites will do it, or even a small square of something sugary. I understand that you don't measure, neither do I. "A few bites" does answer the question, though. A 1.5" x 1.5" square of fudge or comparable sugar dense candy can easily make me dump. How soon after you eat do your symptoms appear? Within 10-15 minutes. What are the symptoms? It feels like my heart is going to pound out of my chest, feel dizzy, head pressure, brain-fog, and overall sense of anxiety. I also get reactive-hypoglycemia...but not true hypoglycemia. My body just responds very poorly to blood sugar drops because they happen so fast, but rarely have I been in hypo numbers. These comments add I think what are the more important pieces of information. If this were dumping, you could simply reduce the sugars or fats that might be causing distress. But when it's almost everything, frequently, then it doesn't sound like just or even mostly dumping, if it's dumping at all. If you are, in fact, over consuming sugars and/or fats over frequently then your initial steps would be clear: stop doing that and see if this fixes your issue(s) in short order. If you've tried yet continue over consuming sugars and/or fats frequently and unable to stop yourself then were I in your shoes I'd get myself to a therapist post haste. [ETA: I have not gotten the impression you are out of control in this way. Quite the contrary.] This is not a diet or nutrition issue in my opinion. It's not that you're not working to eat the correct foods, it's that eating any foods too often cause physical distress. Were this me, I would have long ago become a squeaky wheel. I would be camping in my surgeon's or PCP's offices until I got a resolution, or at least significant progress, in fixing whatever is going on. I would not be put off. Bottom line: Get your medical team to work helping you. Be your own advocate. Good luck, Tek

Hi there, thanks for responding. Here are answers: How often do you dump? If it's responsible for the majority of your weight loss as you claim then you would be dumping pretty frequently. If it is actually dumping you wouldn't likely be dumping enough to impact weight loss. So I never said I was losing weight because of this. I think I lost weight just from keeping on the proper plan initially. I would say I get sick at almost every meal, regardless of the ingredients, but it's severe with anything carb or sugar-related. What actual foods cause you to dump? Pretty much everything but it's particularly horrible with carbs, sugar, and greasy/deep-fried foods. In what quantities? I don't measure anymore but it doesn't take much. A few bites will do it, or even a small square of something sugary. How soon after you eat do your symptoms appear? Within 10-15 minutes. What are the symptoms? It feels like my heart is going to pound out of my chest, feel dizzy, head pressure, brain-fog, and overall sense of anxiety. I also get reactive-hypoglycemia...but not true hypoglycemia. My body just responds very poorly to blood sugar drops because they happen so fast, but rarely have I been in hypo numbers.

I am hypo/ hashimotos thyroiditis and when I began my insurance process, I was told by my surgeon that they would not schedule my surgery unless my Tsh levels were under a certain number. For optimal weight loss. I think it was 5. My surgery has been scheduled for 3/14 since my levels are good now.

Hi all! I need some help! I have been struggling since I've had surgery on November 4th. I have "only" lost about 30lbs since surgery but 50 overall (2 week liquid diet before surgery). As you can see I lost more on the liquid than I did after surgery. I have hypo thyroid as well. But listen - I weigh over 300lbs at 5'7". I should be dropping fast...I should be down at least 60 or so pounds...or more. Some of you, I look at your stats and go...OMG how come I'm not like that. I know I've lost inches.. I know I have... I'm looking better every day....clothing fits differently nearly every day. BUT it isn't the same. I want the pounds gone. I want to be under 300 by January 1 (my birthday) and that isn't going to happen in two days. I've never had a big dramatic loss, simply just pounds...then I hold for days. I wasn't eating enough calories for a long time - so between me and the NUT we increased... and it is still not working. I'm getting in my Protein and Water... those are my goals for every day...protein and water. BUT I'm not losing. I'm so frustrated...sad and pissed off. What am I doing wrong????? What is a good menu to stick to ???? I know I eat too fast... and probably don't chew my food small enough. I'm seriously thinking I broke my RNY. Can anyone give me some constructive ideas? I don't eat junk (ok, I did once but I won't do that again). I eat healthy meat, yogurt. I rarely have veggies...just eat protein. I'm so sad.... does anyone have any good thoughts for me? Christina

Sha0717 I am hypoyjroid also and just have. 50 lbs to lose. I was approved because of OA in left knee and hypo struggles and borderline diabetic.. Are you still happy with results? I have surgery in 2 days

Any of these procedures may predispose you to some kind of problem as a result of the anatomical changes that the surgery makes; this doesn't mean that you will have such a problem, just that the problem shows up in more often than in the general population. With the sleeve, the main predisposition is for GERD, as a result of cutting back the stomach volume more than its' acid producing potential - usually the body adapts and adjust things over time, but sometimes it doesn't. I have mild GERD which is well controlled with mild OTC medication; a few get it so severe that no med controls it and they have to get their sleeve revised to correct it, while others - most people - have no problem with it at all. GERD problems may also result from poor surgical technique, and was more common when the sleeve was new to the WLS world 8-10 years ago and most surgeons were still figuring it out (this is why I traveled to a practice that had already been doing them for some twenty years, so avoid this kind of "learning curve" problem. Most surgeons in the US today are experienced enough with it that this isn't much of a problem anymore, but it does seem to show up more in countries that are farther down that learning curve, such as Canada and Australia. People with the bypass will also sometimes develop GERD, though usually more in line with general population numbers, and seems to often be associated with chronic over eating, volumetrically if not calorically.. This may also be why some with the sleeve also develop GERD after some years. The bypass is predisposed to dumping and its close cousin, reactive hypoglycemia, as a result of rapid stomach emptying from the lack of the pyloric valve in the active GI system metering the stomach contents into the intestines. Some people with the sleeve, or even no stomach surgery at all, may dump as well, but it is rare. It is generally controlled with additional dietary restrictions. The bypass is also predisposed to marginal ulcers, typically around the anastomosis between the stomach pouch and intestine. This is a result of the section of intestine being used not being resistant to stomach acid like the duodenum is (the part of intestine immediately downstream of the stomach in the natural anatomy, which is bypassed along with the remnant stomach in the RNY), leaving a very sensitive suture line that is easily irritated. This is why NSAID pain relievers and other similar medications are a big NO-NO with the RNY, but are better tolerated with the sleeve based procedures; one still needs to be cautious with them, but they are more usable with a sleeve than a bypass. For the benefit of the OP, with no prior GERD history, but a history of orthopedic problems, I would be inclined to go with the sleeve, owing to its better tolerance for the various pain relievers that you are inclined to need at different times. Good luck - none of this is easy, as it is often a matter of trade offs, and sometimes it's less a matter of good vs. bad as it is bad vs. less bad, or bad vs. not-great.

Denmark, Norway, Sweden,Finland and Iceland. Trolls are Scandinavian in origin. Ever notice how people who have lost their favorite coping vice....and are really freaking hungry...can be really really...bitchy? And also really touchy and reactive about other people who they perceive are being bitchy? Hell, I'm guilty of it. Probably of both. Sure don't mean to be. I'm not pointing fingers at any particular party....just something I've noticed. People get extra angsty and on edge when they're stressed and have one of their main coping mechanisms missing. This whole adventure has tough moments you don't expect. Emotionally difficult spots that might show up as fangs instead of tears. Something to keep in mind. PS...if anyone asked me if I went to the gym in real life, I'd probably smack the **** out of them. If they're not a close friend whose kind intent I was certain of...without the context of real love and support....it's a rude question. Just sayin'

I always have a 1/2 lara bar before workout and 1/2 after. Complex carbs make a complete Protein and so therefore will bring sugars back up. Don't do this starving thing too often because we are susceptible to reactive hypoglycemia.

Wow, long time since I've posted. Winter has gotten the best of me, was diagnosed with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and its time to get the winter weight off. Will post later when I have more time, just wanted to reactivate my journal!

I will be four years out from sleeve surgery this June. Maintained at 130's first two years easily. My third year I had a gain 10 to 15 pounds. I got it back down. Maintaining for me is chasing the same 10 pounds up and down the scale. My health is fantastic, Type one pre surgery my a1c is in the non diabetic range. I'm in the best shape of my life, I am making up for lost time. Only one small complication. Reactive hypoglycemia ( Low blood sugars ) Its manageable with food. I've been managing my blood sugars all my life so this is nothing new.

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.

UUGGHHH, feeling so disgusted,. not looking for a pity party, just venting.. its been over a yr. since my surgery, and I'm STUCK @ abt a 50lb loss. I just reactivated this acct and see that I am up abt 5lbs since I joined in March,. I've unfollowed people/groups on IG & FB, not that I'm a "hater", (I salute & congratulate everyone)...I just don't see anything in common w them anymore.. (also my nutritionist recommended it to focus on me) my diet is usually: eggs & sausage,avocado for bkfst, lots of protein (mainly chicken) in salads or w sautéed veggies, etc. (have just started the "keto" diet) don't like carbs believe it or not, not that I haven't "cheated" & had sweets here or there, but I'm not a bread/pasta/pastry person (thank God for @ least that I guess) don't wanna go see my Dr anymore, I feel he's not helpful @ all, just recommending a book to follow. #wtf.. and the nutritionist was so/so.. have only met w her once. my low points are not drinking enough water & I'm CONVINCED I can eat too much @ one sitting. I even got a kitchen scale, haven't used it yet though. don't expect what I haven't put in, BUT I don't get why I've stalled so bad if I'm eating pretty well balanced & "clean".. what's the point of the surgery if we still have to follow a "diet" (and by that I do NOT mean I expect to still eat any & every thing that got me fat to begin with bc I don't) thx for listening....

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!

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!

Ok, so yes, I've had 1 episode of RH. Sorry you are dealing with this. But it's common. I would personally NOT add carbs. By keeping enough protein and fats in your diet to be truly keto, you will level and flatten out your blood sugar/insulin response. When you add carbs, you increase the amplitude of the blood sugar rollercoaster and the severity of the RH. The big thing to know is if you are truly hypo or if for some odd reason, you're turning into a T1 diabetic (not producing insulin) and that sometimes happens suddenly to adults. It's called LADA. But, if it were me (and it is), I'd buy a test meter and carry it with you at the first sign of symptoms. I'd buy packages of peanut butter you can squeeze into your mouth. And also carry glucose tablets in your purse. 5g of glucose tablets will raise blood glucose usually about 10points. So in an emergency you eat 2 of them and bam, emergency gone. Then you follow with a packet of peanut butter. Or nuts. Then you have to be on the lookout for the rollercoaster that "might" happen for the next day or two. I followed about two hours later wtih a very low carb, higher protein/fat mini meal. And had no other issues.

Disclaimer - I don't give medical advice. I'm just sharing my experience with this. I have reactive hyperglycemia. It started a year out. I am four years out. I'm still managing lows. Reactive hypoglycemia is your pancreas over functioning. Your pancreas will periodically dump a larger amount of insulin into your system. This is what causes low blood sugar. Treating/managing low blood sugars is not much different than managing diabetes. For me, RH is life long. My pancreas function is not going to change. You said " cannot/will not eat carbs and sugar" Try to get out of the mind set of "bariatric rules" You are treating a health issue. This is doable and you still can work your healthy plan. Keeping blood sugars level : I had a consult with a dietician outside of the bariatric program. I have a blood glucose meter. I test often. I eat five to six small meals (all within my calorie and macro range). I add Low glycemic carbs in small amounts and not every day or every meal. Example - One day no carbs the next day I will have small amounts with lunch and diner. Low glycemic carbs don't spike your sugars. (sweet potato, lentil, beans, brown rice, whole wheat and plant based (fruits veggies) I am carb sensitive. Carbs make me gain weight. My preference is to alternate days and meals and eat sweet potato and plant based carbs. Managing the low sugars: You will not be eating sugar daily. Just like a diabetic, Serious lows will involve real sugar to bring low's back up. Glucose tablets work. I can tolerate watered down orange juice. (full strength upsets my stomach) It may be trial and error to figure out what sugar choice works for you.

The VSG is somewhat predisposed to reflux, meaning that a greater proportion of those with that surgery will have that problem than the general population. The sleeve reduces the volume of the stomach much more than its' acid producing potential, and sometimes the body doesn't fully adjust to that. The bypass in comparison is predisposed to dumping syndrome, reactive hypoglycemia, marginal ulcers and mineral deficiency disease, so there are trade offs with whatever route one chooses (and with doing nothing, given all of the obesity related diseases that we are trying to avoid!) This is not unusual when we change things in our body - surgery of any kind changes things and sometimes there are negative aspects, or risks of, along with the positives. Medications change our body chemistry to solve a problem, but sometimes there are side effects that are negatives. It is routine for patients to be given a PPI for a while after any WLS, or even on GI procedures - I was put on pantoprozole for a month after a minor cardiac procedure I had a few months ago simply because when the body is under stress (like form surgery) it tends to over produce acid. So, being on a PPI at this point is normal, and nothing to worry about.

I also developed Reactive Hypoglycemia about a year ago (I probably had it longer, just didn't realize) I wear a Libre CGM and have discovered it reads a bit lower than my one touch meter. I have been following The Glucose Godess for tips on how to eat without creating a huge spike and a deep drop. I feel like so much food is out of my reach now as almost everything causes a spike. I see an endo for this issue and strive to keep my spikes under 150. I have heard this can be reversable, but not sure if this is true.

Hi there from Campbellsville, KY. Hopefully your insurance co will tell you everything you need. I did not have to do the pre-op diet as my health records showed that I had continously been trying to lose weight via, pills, slim fast, med-fast, Jenny C., weight watcher, Healthy heart diet, Atkins, South Beach, Mayo diet, etc.(I always told my dr. what I was trying so it would be charted). I had documented back pain, arthritis, reflux, high BP, hx of blood clots, and hypo-hyperglycemia. So instead I just had to have the x-rays, bloodwork, stress test, sleep apnea test, ultrasound and H-pylori test done. I had to have a letter of referral from my family physician but, I also submitted one from my neuro dr that I saw for my back problems. Hope all this info helps...

@AuthorLizzy thanks so much for your insight. I really feel motivated now ! thank you so much ! i will be " following you '' and your journey for sure. Can you give me some tips please ? do you know any others who have hypo and wls surgery that has lost slower also ? congrats and blessings on everything !! here is my personal email address also smaries_21@yahoo.com thank you!😍😍

I had my surgery in March and had hypothyroidism for 24 years and was on 100 mcg of synthroid. After losing 45 lbs in the first three months o went from hypo to hyperthyroid so doctor has taken me off synthroid completely. Just had blood work again last week and TSH and others thyroid levels are perfect. Just stay in contact with your doctor if you start feeling sluggish or have mental fog after losing some of your weight. I am thrilled that my metabolism has reset and I no longer need synthroid 🙂

I was hypothyroid and have been taken off my synthroid now. Weird because I was told I would be on it for the rest of my life... Just to be clear though, my hypo was NEVER due to any disease or malfunction of the actual thyroid gland, it had to do with how my body USED the hormone. It was like no matter how much my thyroid made, my body would scream for MORE because it couldn't use it properly. Now that I'm off WHEAT, my body is no longer suffering inflammation and is better able to use the hormone that my body makes. Being able to get off of thyroid medication is really rare, I don't want to give people the impression that getting sleeved or giving up wheat will heal their thyroid.

Hi there, Sorry to hear of your struggles. We don't have the same type of surgery but I have reactive hypoglycemia. Some of us will develop this as a complication from surgery. Sounds like you are managing it. I use a glucose meter. I usually know when my blood sugar is crashing. I can feel it coming on. I agree this takes work even years out. I have times when I'm doing well. When I'm not, I peek back in here to get back on track. Wishing you the best, Jenn

I'm just one person, but I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (hypo) and I had lapband done in Feb 2011. I had a personal trainer I worked out with for 6 months and worked out at Lifetime Fitness with him twice, sometimes three times a week, and worked out at home also. I bought a Polar to monitor my progress. I started jogging along with my walking regimen. lost 30 lbs--that's it. No more. Not one ounce, not one gram. It is September of 2012 now, and I'm still sitting at 30 pounds down. I went through intense feelings of guilt, disappointment, every negative you can think of, that was me. It still is to some degree. I am now coming out of my funk, well over a year later, and realizing that I have to live my life anyway, that I might just be fat the rest of my life; but I don't have to be out of breath all the time, and I don't have to be tired all the time, so the working out has started up again. Just be prepared, and be informed. Good luck.

My thyroid blanked out on me while I was pregnant and we didn't catch it until 2 years later. I remember the end of the day feeling bone-crushingly tired. My levels have been played with and my old doctor (insert bad words here) would never listen to me. My new doctor is the best, she is young and willing to listen and help me however she can. She got my levels up to high end of normal, and she told me that she really wants me to pursue lap band because it will be hard for me to loose it on my own. She whipped up my referral right quick as soon as I said I think that's the way I should go. So far no one has said anything to me about my hypo being a problem as far as WLS is concerned. The main concern is scar tissue from 2 c-sections and a gallbladder removal and the fact that my BMI is so high that any surgery is a risk.