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I have had thyroid disease since I was 15 yrs old. I am hypothyroid as I had my thyroid removed surgically. My endo told me as I lost weight she would most likely reduce my thyroid medication. I had a check with her recently and have lost 30 pds and I am more hypo than I was before the weight loss. I have decided to keep my meds the same for the time being and recheck again in 2 mths. As you lose weight typically you should need a lower dose of thyroid medication. This thyroid business had a mind of it's own and can be quite fickle at times.

I dont have a sleeve. Does that matter? I had gastric bypass. Plus I have reactive hypoglycemia, what do I do about that? Sent from my SM-G970U using BariatricPal mobile app

This is a real bummer, grrl. Can the docs give you meds to fix the hypo-thyrodism? And I am also deeply in love with stuffing and gravy! :hungry: By the way, you Americans do much better on the Thanksgiving front than we Canucks. You get a 4-day weekend out of it. Ours falls on a Monday and so we only score a 3-day weekend. blehhh! And because we have already had ours we are already subjected to non-stop Xmas music in all the malls. Double blehhhh! :angry

I was connected to sliding scales with insulin pump in hospital. My insulin was monitored by my diabetic consultant. My rates dramatically changed after operation. No complication post op! No problems with infections. No leaks. Had a test 6 weeks after my op. All was good. Left hospital 48 hours after surgery. Weight loss was spectacular in the first 6-8 months. It slowed down later on but with help from yoga and pilates classes plus lots of walking body shape is continuously changing, for better! Took me up to 4-6 month to up my energy levels. Problem mostly with finding a correct balance between carbs an proteins. Not enough carbs means very tired and slowing down with a weight loss. You will soon learn by trial and error! Had a great support from my pump clinic: meeting with my nurse every month to change my pump's settings. Insulin resistance "vanished" after 6 months!!!! Wonderful! Today, over 2 years after my surgery, I'm nice UK size 16. I'm full of energy and my body is still changing shape. I eat absolutely everything in small portions.I eat in public places and attend dinner parties. I don't advertise that I had VSG. It's my business only! When pushed and questioned: "have some more" I very firmly respond- "no, thank you". No explanation added. I love my life and wish I had this done years ago. No bigger problems with hypos now than before sleeve if anything situation is better. Good luck!

I've been wondering the same thing! I deleted my Facebook (gave it up for lent) and then reactivated when the Facebook group was mentioned. I never received an invite, so I deactivated it again.

Laundry Detergent...I have never been sensitive. But I had this problem and I switched to a hypo allergenic detergent and I got better. I think as we age so to some of our sensitivities. Also - high sugar...when my diabetes was out of control I had to deal with it.

OM, YES! I first called my gastric band Dr.'s office and they said the pain I was having wasn't related to the band. So I call my regular physician and she tells me to take gas relief pills or heart burn meds and if it is still bothering me in a few days to come in. So, a few days later I come in. She runs all types of test and everything is normal except the c-reactive test. Took almost a week to get an ultrasound...I too thought it was ovarian cysts or appendix since I was told it's not band related and the pain was that bad. Go in for a fill and they can't get Fluid back out..uh oh better have the doctor see me. Wait another few days and uh oh - yep there is a problem. GRRR, I am so mad right now. Now I have to wait for them to get the paperwork to the insurance to find out if its covered. Hello, I can't sleep at night because I can't get comfortable...sorry, I needed to vent. I am glad to hear everything turned out ok for you once they finally repaired it. How long did it take you to get surgery once they figured out what was going on? Thanks for replying! TJ's Mama

@@Daisee68 Yes, I kept my beta blocker for "just in case". I have both propranolol and atenolol, and I am glad that I kept both. This disease can make life so much harder, especially when trying to get back on track with all the responsibilities, and social interactions. I have been on 100mcg of Thyroxine since January this year. 4 months after my RAI and thyroid destroyed, I swung to TSH 17.4 Now, back to square one .... My Endo doesn't want me to cut my pills (ironically I got another refill for more 100mcg script, recently, and still have 1/2 box of the currrent 100mcg .....) She just wants me to take my med for 6 days, then not take it on 1 day per week. So, I am to take it Monday-Saturday, then not take it on Sunday My blood tests are due in 6 weeks time, then again 6 weeks later. Yes, I have to monitor it carefully. If in 2-3 weeks I don't see a change, I may have to cut the tablet, and try it that way. I don't want to go hypo, but hyper is tough too ..... Thank you for your support.

Mommy202... yes, I have lost 80 lbs 4 times in my adult life... the last 3 were adhering to a strict low carb diet. I have hypo thyroid and PCOS.. so for me the Low Carb is what helped SO MANY things..... but something would happen and I would go off plan and then it would spiral til I was all the way back up and this last time was no exception..... I have thought long and hard about the band, and it took me a year of debating it in my head before I really decided to go for it. I was really ticked off that I just couldn't maintain a loss on my own. So, for ME I view the band as a FORCED committment to a LC way of eating WOE. Protein First, Veggies Second, Carb 3rd....... Yes, I know I will be able to eat around the band, but I KNOW what my body needs.. so I believe I will be fine.. most of my problem is VOLUME, and the band will help with that too..... I am the first person in my Real Life that will have a band. I do have 2 friends that went the bypass route (now 2 and 4 years) post op.. I always knew that surgery wasn't for me.......... Lemme see.... I am 37, divorced in 2002 but with a great guy now going on 2 years... we share a life and kids but not married.. I have a son who is now 3 and the light of my life.. although he is often to smart for his own britches... I think my light bulb moment was at his skating party I could not get up off the floor of the rink without help (I was in skates, and on one knee to tie his laces) I was humiliated and p.o.'d!!!!!!! I want to be the active mom not the "let mommy rest" mom.... so here I am with baited breath (as you said it perfectly) waiting for a surgery date, so that the rest of my life can begin!

I am dealing with tjis too. My dr dx it as RHG its called Reactive Hypoglycemia. It comes on from losing weight and malabsorption. Whenever eating a carb i have to have protein to balance it out. An by carbs i mean even in fruits veggies an such. If you gpogle RHG it gives tons of info HTH

I'm going to Tijuana. Mi Doctor with Dr Valenzuela. I'm on clears too. Diabetic and felt so sick earlier that I had some apple sauce. Head is pounding, can't stop crying because my blood sugar is way too low. Other doctors recommend 200g of carbs per day pre surgery for diabetic patients to avoid hypos and keypads.

BJean, I'm still trying to figure out why I bought the scale but it is fun to use! It has one function where you can calculate whether you have "average" muscle mass related to your age and height...as some people can be at ideal weight but undermuscular or over fat. I liked that even though it describes me as overweight, I am also overlymuscular, or have more muscle than the average person for my age and height. It describes me as "stout".....but I'll take that as a compliment! Great news....I went to my regular doctor for a follow up on cardiac concerns....had what's called a highly specific c-reactive protein drawn pre-band. It is an indicator of arterial inflammation and was off the charts. My bad cholesterol was high and good cholesterol too low. Well, the bad cholesterol is still high (they want it under 100 since I have a bad c-reactive protein) but the good cholesterol is still high. So...I start on Zocor. Seems it is genetic and even though I run about 10 miles/week now and have lost weight it hasn't changed it enough. But the good news is that my blood pressure is that of an athlete's.....90/60 and my pulse is at 60 while sitting. That means my heart is in such good shape that it doesn't have to pump hard to get blood out to the extremities. The doc says I can eat all the salt I want! So.....I am genetically predisposed to arterial disease but I have strengthened my heart significantly. Frankly it is nice to hear that even though I will have to take a pill to reduce my cholesterol, it is not entirely my fault No weight loss for me...still at 183. Had another NSV this week though...I went out and bought some size 14 clothes in resale shops and most of them fit nicely. THAT was a huge motivator and reaffirmation for me. I can now say that I really am losing inches, even though the pounds aren't dropping. I may have to reconsider my goal weight of 138 and move it up to 145 or 150. I would like to be in a size 10, maybe an 8 but don't want my face to look too drawn either. What a dilemma :mad:

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.

Never give up, chatted with a lady who was worried because she was 3 years out, wondered if it benefited her? Reminded her You're still alive, there's a bonus right THERE, when you start out at 300 or 400 pounds all you hear is Doom, Gloom and You're Gonna Die Soon! Are you still hearing this from doctors? No? Good Step! I even had my pastor get on my case, wondered how soon he would have to preach my funeral? Told him put the prayer books and Bible away, I am not plotting my demise in the near future, if anything happens , I'll have my son call YOU!❤ Yeah I too have Thunder Thighs and a Hubba Hubba Heinie, joked I could feed an entire cannibal family off one butt cheek for Easter dinner! As I lose weight, I hardly recognize myself, I used to have pudgy chipmunk cheeks, round-square shaped face, now my face has narrowed out and I am starting to resemble several dead relatives, never saw a likeness before. I think my color is off, live in Ohio so winter pallor, sunshine has yet to kiss my face, of course when it does I will either freckle or it will reactivate my rosacea, the curse of a Celtic ancestry. Its hard to be accused of being a lush ( just because I'm Irish) for my blotchy cheeks and 👃. Few attempts I made at alcohol made me only sleepy, if I'm gonna get taken advantage of, might as well stay awake to enjoy it! Yeah, I once might have been as big as the Blarney Stone but inside me resides a leprechaun spirit, don't take a lot serious anymore, I'm more fun at 73 and losing down weight than I was at 30, or even 50-60, I now have hope and that enlivens all the facets of my life. The world had discounted me as fat, worthless, might as well die, well I am proving them wrong, they were looking at a. fat shell, they didn't try to know me, the real me inside. For a while I couldn't visualize any changes in my exterior, thought it was useless. Then I started being able to sit in chairs I used to have my son help pry me out of. I could stand up off of furniture without him holding and yanking me up. I was having better luck having strength to go places, pay my bills, do all those little errands. And clothing that used to split me where I was trying to sit, suddenly I had wiggle room. And those little things kept mounting up. One of my latest, bought an outfit for an upcoming doctor appointment, hung it in the closet, morning of the appointment I started dressing, pulled on the pants and they fell down! Good thing I had saved all the tags. Back they went to get a size smaller. Still didn't believe it totally so I tried the next lower size on! OMG I really was that much smaller, fit better than any others had recently. I had a lot of " well it's close to right, I'll just have to settle for that." All of the sudden I can try clothes on, choose what I really want, not to panic and buy something just because you're afraid they won't get that size again. And it is so blasted cool to have such an option. Now I Am not the Largest size they carry!💦Tears of Joy!

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 haven't been on this board in over a year, but I see this thread has been reactivated so wanted to put in my two cents. I was sleeved by Dr. Kelly in March 2012. I booked directly with him and had no problems doing so. I was originally going through a Lighter Me, and then chose not to do so after the Dr. they wanted me to see after they stopped working with Dr, Kelly had some really negative issues posted on this forum. I did know about the patient death with Dr. Kelly but did my research and found many people who had been happy with their experience with him. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about him, he came to see me several times before and after to make sure that all my questions and concerns were answered about the surgery. I felt that he honestly cared about my well being. As for my surgery, he did a great job. I had no complications, and my incisions healed really well. Weight loss surgery is hard, don't kid yourself otherwise. You can't eat very much for quite a long time afterwards, and it takes a while to kind of return to feeling "normal". I did have my sister go with me to Tijuana so I didn't go by myself. Anyway, just wanted to voice my opinion that Dr, Kelly is a good surgeon in my opinion and I have no reservations about recommending him to anyone who is considering surgery in Mexico. As for my weight loss, I am down seventy pounds from my surgery. Should be more, but...that's me, not Dr. Kelly! Currently a size ten, started out at a size 18. Very happy I had the surgery, it changed my life. Everyone has to make the right decision for themselves, but if you are considering a surgeon in Mexico, I would definitely recommend you consider Dr. Kelly.

I haven't been around much since I had surgery. The site went nuts and wouldn't load properly for the "formative months" after surgery, so I kinda quit coming around. But I find myself really needing to connect with you guys on the maintenance issues these days. I hope you'll have me back. Before surgery, I was not a dieter. Diets clearly weren’t working for anyone else, not in the long-term, so I didn’t really bother with any certain plan. Instead, I exercised and tried to be aware of what I ate. Clearly, that didn’t work for me. I ended up, at my highest weight, at about 235 pounds on a 5’1” medium frame. On a recent Disney World vacation my hips, back, and feet hurt so much that the thought of going back made it clear that either I had to lose the weight or I’d be one of those people on the motorized scooters at the ripe old age of 34. The greatest gift of this surgery was the clear guidelines and the months following surgery in which, while unable to eat as I used to, I changed my approach to eating and understood that I can manage to eat anything I want, just not everything that I want. I recently celebrated my 1-year anniversary. In that year, I lost 100 pounds, with my lowest weight being 134.4. The upsides of surgery are undeniable and I have no regrets. This was the verry best decision I ever made for myself. I’m a bit of an introvert and misanthrope, but I find myself jubilant for days when I get some appreciative attention. No one has flirted with me for years and it feels great. I have become a bit of a clothes horse (LOL) and have a great time shopping and dressing, things I never cared about in the past. I generally just feel a whole lot better about myself and the world, I find. But learning to maintain my new habits, my outlook, my motivation, that is where I find myself struggling. I’ve noticed since I made it into the 130 pound range that eating has gotten noticeably harder. It could be timing, my weight, my body’s adjustment, my mental state, or any combination of factors. But suddenly I find myself in a place where my past handle on controlling my eating has become completely unhinged. I’ve tried the “let’s just get back to basics” approach a few times and then found myself right back to the bad habits. So, what are these basics and the bad habits? Here is the score: Daily 60-70 grams of protein daily – easy, peasy without fail 64 oz of water – I think I’ve been pretty good here, but I recently began to really push water I hopes that it might solve some hunger issues. Weekends are my only big concern and I’m actively working on it. 2 Bariatric Fusion multi-vitamins daily – like clockwork I exercise (cardio, strength, and core) 3 times a week without fail, shooting for a 500 calorie burn each time. I also use my heart rate monitor when I walk the dog and track what calories I burn. I track my food, even my crazy binge eating days, every day on myfitnesspal.com and my food diary is open to my friends. I’m “HeatherTakesCharge” if anyone wants to find me. I am still trying to lose, so I try to keep my net daily calories (after exercise calories burned) to 800-1000. I find myself well over 2000 calories too often. My ultimate goal is 125 pounds, though I’m not overly concerned with it. As long as I’m not going up, I’m pretty happy. My biggest scare happened last week. I woke up one morning and found my weight above 140. Something has to change. My blood work, taken every 3 months since surgery, has been perfect. No issues. I can comfortably eat a HUGE amount of food compared to the limited number of bites I read many of you saying. My restriction is definitely there, but not like I’d hoped. I’d love to go back to the days when I could only eat a handful of bites at a time. I feel physical hunger pangs as well as dealing with head hunger. For the first 6 months, I could easily eat a piece of candy and satisfy my sweet monster. Now, even thinking about eating something sweet sends me into a monster craving to which I too often give in and in a ridiculous, binge eating way. It is SO scary. I swore I’d never eat like that again, yet here I am. I have intense acid reflux without medication, but my prescription Prilosec controls it well as long as I don not forget to take it. I battle reactive hypoglycemia occasionally. If I get a handle on it quickly, I can recover. But sometimes it just ruins my day, both calories-wise and by making me feel ill for an extended period. My food intake during the day is usually exemplary. It is the time I am at home when I make the very worst choices. My partner is fighting some insecurity and self-esteem issues, leading to what I consider deliberate attempts to sabotage my eating. Her answer is, “You did this to yourself. I’ll do what I want. You make your own choices.” Therefore, at least at home, I am unable to keep out the foods that I find most damaging. And she is the primary cook. I try to make my own dinner sometimes, but if I do it constantly, this also becomes a point of contention. Her choice of meals or places to eat out NEVER consider how it will impact my diet. The sabotage extends to the gym as well, with at least one melt-down a month about how my trips to the gym are ruining her life. Seriously. But that is a whole different issue, I know. I’ve dealt with the relationship issues successfully in the early months, so I know I can continue. But it is simply one more strain on the bigger picture, you know? So that is it. My head isn’t in the game any longer. I feel myself becoming more and more depressed and fearful that I’ll slip into that old “I’ll eat what I want” person who can not find the motivation to get back on track.

I finally had my first fill this past Saturday ~ 2 1/2 CC's. There are a couple of reasons why I wasn't able to gett a fill sooner.... 1) my insurance would only cover it if it was at least 90 days after surgery... and 2) I was going on vacation... and my Dr. didn't want me traveling across the country for my first fill (just in case I would be too tight). So........... this past month I was totally stalled. It was pretty frustrating... plus I found myself to be REALLY hungry. Well, so far the fill seems to be working.. and I'm not hungry. My Dr. has me on liquids for 2 weeks... YES ... 2 weeks. Seems everyone here is only on liquids for a couple of days. Well.... I asked why.. and they told me that they have found it very successful in "jump starting" the weight loss again. I have a hypo-thryroid... so I definately could use a "jump start". I'm gonna give it my best shot. So far.... so good. If a few more days go by and I find myself craving solids... I'll call my Dr. and see what he says. I also have to admit that prior to my fill, I was able to eat everything and anything. On vacation, I found myself going back to "BAD" habits. So, maybe, if nothing else, the 2 weeks on liquids will get me back on the right track.

I managed to lose my weight and keep it off, but about a year ago they diagnosed me with Reactive Hypoglycemia. I wear a monitor and eat very low carb. I recently spent the day in the ER due to being light headed and the only thing that showed up was my red blood counts were slightly low. Otherwise I feel pretty good, like the way I look (except some loose skin) Love wearing a size 4, but sometimes it is hard to find my size. Funny, that was an issue when I was in the 200's. Now I look at the larger sizes and wish they were in my size, lol. Picture of me on the right.

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.

No but I do have PCOS and endometriosis and I am insulin resistant. I used to be Hypo thyroid and right around surgery it was fine and I am due for my blood test because it changes often so I might have to go back on meds for that (my dr took me off ) if its out of balance now.

I will pray for your family. My daughter and I have Hashimoto's. My daughter's goiter was very larger a few months ago and the endocrinologist increased her medicine. That disorder comes and goes.....hyper and hypo....so many doctors don't treat it. We take medication. I hope she gets the treatment she needs. Hypo or Hyper can really make you feel bad. Cheri, the info about muscle helping you burn calories came from DietandNutrition@EverydayHealth.com I thought you could just go there and get the information. I hope everyone has a great weekend! Lori, I wish I could go to Las Vegas with you! Have fun!

Well, have to tell you all ... my baby turns 21 at midnight!!!!! YIKES!!! Talk about a restless and nerve racking night!!!! She just left for the evening and I am a bundle of nerves!!!! I can't wait til these next few days are over!!!! She just thinks her dad and I are way to over reactive, but man, it scares the daylights out of me!!! She did promise not to drive and will stay at a friends, but nonetheless, they are going out too!!!!:nervous Oh well, besides that, we took her to Red Lobster tonight, because that is where she wanted to go ... I'm thinking well, what am I gonna eat there? ... it wasn't bad, I had about 3 bites of salad, 5-6 bites of mashed potatoes, probably 1/4 cup of cooked veggies, and 1/2 of a haddock broiled and lightly seasoned haddock fillet. So wasn't bad, no problems and I am feeling great this evening!!! So there is life after the band!!!! I do enjoy going out once in awhile, it is nice to know we can!!!