I can't stop losing weight

[ebroms17 57]

So, I know it sounds like this is a great problem to have, but...

I had my SIPS (modified Duodenal Switch) surgery just about 2 years ago. Since then, I have gone from 268 to 98 lbs. (I'm 5'1.")

I haven't had my period in almost a year. I don't fit into adult sizes anymore (even J Crew petite 00 is too big!) and have to shop in the kids section.

I get reactive hypoglycemic reactions 1-2 times a week (even from just half a glass of orange juice.) I'm permanently on Iron supplements due to chronically low iron, hemoglobin, etc and these make my stool really fun lol.

I had skin removal surgery (abdominoplasty + brachioplasty) in late October 2018 when I thought I was done losing weight (at 125) but then the weight loss randomly started again and I've lost an additional 25 lbs since the skin removal, which makes it less effective (still very happy I got it though!)

I'm a bit torn, because on the one side, this surgery has been HUGELY successful. I'm still not technically underweight for my height since I'm so short. But I'm hating all the comments I'm getting that I'm too skinny, why am I still losing weight, the weird looks if I have the reactive hypoglycemic thing where I'll be super nauseated, lightheaded, and shaky for 20-30 minutes.

Has anyone else experienced this? If so - what did you do?

[GradyCat 3,692]

When I first read your title I thought, "what a nice problem to have" but now that I've read your story I see your problem. Have you talked to your PCP?

[ebroms17 57]

I have! They're basically like, "eat more." But when I get bad reactions to food, it's hard. Also I feel like I have increased my caloric intake, but it's like I'll maintain for a month or so and then I'll randomly get on the scale and will have lost 5 lbs! it's so unpredictablel

[mcpuddin 1]

wow I have the same problem any suggestions from others what to eat

[elcee 3,340]

This is something I have wondered about.

Probably the easiest way to add in calories is to swap low fat varieties for full fat. So if you currently eat lf yogurt and milk try the full fat versions. Eat healthy fats like avocados and nuts etc.

I have seen a number of posts on fb lately with photos of people that have got to a BMI of 18 and all the responses have been great, well done etc. What concerns me is that no one seems worried that for an adult a BMI of 18 is very low (even though it is technically in the healthy range). I think it would be very easy to become addicted to the high of losing weight and ignore the signs that a person may be getting too thin. I am glad that you are addressing this.

[AngieBear 2,524]

Have you been checked for hyperthyroidism?

[ebroms17 57]

13 minutes ago, AngieBear said:

Have you been checked for hyperthyroidism?

Yep. All levels are normal except for low Iron, ferritin, and hemoglobin (now being addressed with the iron supplements) and low Vit D.

[ebroms17 57]

This is something I have wondered about.
Probably the easiest way to add in calories is to swap low fat varieties for full fat. So if you currently eat lf yogurt and milk try the full fat versions. Eat healthy fats like avocados and nuts etc.
I have seen a number of posts on fb lately with photos of people that have got to a BMI of 18 and all the responses have been great, well done etc. What concerns me is that no one seems worried that for an adult a BMI of 18 is very low (even though it is technically in the healthy range). I think it would be very easy to become addicted to the high of losing weight and ignore the signs that a person may be getting too thin. I am glad that you are addressing this.

Thanks! I already eat full fat but with the surgery I think I absorb only 20-50% of it. Same with Protein. The only thing I absorb at 100% is sugar but that's what gives me the reactive hypoglycemia!

[Healthy_life2 8,319]

23 hours ago, ebroms17 said:

So, I know it sounds like this is a great problem to have, but...
I had my SIPS (modified Duodenal Switch) surgery just about 2 years ago. Since then, I have gone from 268 to 98 lbs. (I'm 5'1.")
I haven't had my period in almost a year. I don't fit into adult sizes anymore (even J Crew petite 00 is too big!) and have to shop in the kids section.
I get reactive hypoglycemic reactions 1-2 times a week (even from just half a glass of orange juice.) I'm permanently on Iron supplements due to chronically low Iron, hemoglobin, etc and these make my stool really fun lol.
I had skin removal surgery (abdominoplasty + brachioplasty) in late October 2018 when I thought I was done losing weight (at 125) but then the weight loss randomly started again and I've lost an additional 25 lbs since the skin removal, which makes it less effective (still very happy I got it though!)
I'm a bit torn, because on the one side, this surgery has been HUGELY successful. I'm still not technically underweight for my height since I'm so short. But I'm hating all the comments I'm getting that I'm too skinny, why am I still losing weight, the weird looks if I have the reactive hypoglycemic thing where I'll be super nauseated, lightheaded, and shaky for 20-30 minutes.
Has anyone else experienced this? If so - what did you do?

What is your surgeons team including your dietitian advice about your situation. I'm concerned. You are one lb from being underweight. I would trust your medical professionals. No one here can give medical advice.

Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

[FluffyChix 17,410]

21 hours ago, Healthy_life2 said:

What is your surgeons team including your dietitian advice about your situation. I'm concerned. You are one lb from being underweight. I would trust your medical professionals. No one here can give medical advice.

Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

^^^^This a thousand times!

I honestly think if you are having this issue, you must treat food as you would a prescription. You will need to be regimented, and determined and disciplined to go on a weight gaining program, but not just any weight--a muscle gaining regimen. And for that you really need a trainer who understands sports medicine and bariatric medicine. Cuz you do face challenges.

For instance, are you logging? Do you track every bite that goes in your mouth? If you do, then you at least know a baseline both calorically and from a macro prospective. So you can alter your plan to increase your nutrition. The most obvious ways are NOT to add sugar. That is a recipe for RH. I have it. It sucks. juice is TERRIBLE for that! But the most obvious way to add back cals and nutrition are to add back your Protein Drinks as supplements on top of your food. And eat very nutrient dense and calorically dense foods that allow you eat more of them cuz they are hedonic stimulants (lasagna casserole without noodles, casseroles, gooey things with cheese). Also adding in psyllium and Miralax have been lifesavers for me...

Hope those ideas help. If you are losing, I'd personally up my cals by 10-15% for the day...and get at least 1 meal in that had 30g of Protein for that meal, cuz Dr. Longo says that aids in muscle building...

[Healthy_life2 8,319]

On 6/15/2019 at 1:18 PM, ebroms17 said:

reactive hypoglycemic thing where I'll be super nauseated, lightheaded, and shaky for 20-30 minutes.

We are all different. My doctors’ instructions for my reactive hypoglycemia may not work for other people. It may help to contact your Dr. that has your medical history or an endocrinologist who works with diabetes/hypoglycemia.

I’m fortunate that hypoglycemia was a lesser complication after surgery. Just like a diabetic manages blood sugars you also learn to manage reactive hypoglycemia.

[mcpuddin 1]

just had parathyroid surgery maybe that will make a difference for me its been three days I am feeling better