Dec 31 will be 6 years since my bypass. Would I do it again, absolutely. However, I wanted to share about a recent diagnosis in case others are having similar experiences.

My Stats: 47, female (now). 5'10. Started at 335 lbs. Lowest weight around 155 but that was after a major stomach bug. Realistically I was happy and maintained at around 165 for a long time. Now at 185. I'd like to get back to 165 but I still feel good with my weight and have been stable here for over a year.

In the last few months I realized some symptoms I had for a long time were related to my blood glucose. Specifically, after a lot of my meals I would have fatigue, in some cases extreme fatigue to the point I almost felt drugged and like I had to sleep. I also had stomach aches and gas pains. A friend mentioned it could be related to my blood sugar, so I tried an OTC glucose monitor and noticed after meals with high carbs I had a spike and then a crash (going above the top range and then below the bottom range on my monitor). I talked to my Dr. about it and we did a finger stick glucose monitor that confirmed the results. We consulted with an endocrinologist who ran some tests and confirmed I have hyperglycemia with reactive hypoglycemia. The good news is I don't have any underlying health conditions. I'm not diabetic or prediabetic or anything else. The endocrinologist said this is a common side effect of gastric bypass even though I had not seen it mentioned.

Processed carbs and sugars are definitely the worst and that's when I see major spikes and crashes and corresponding symptoms. However even healthy carbs like quinoa eaten with protein result in spikes over a healthy range for me (although I don't have major crashes with them). Even using pre-shredded cheese which is coated in starch will cause a spike for me. Unfortunately, even if you don't have symptoms chronic hyperglycemia has an impact on your heart, kidneys, brain and nervous system so it is something I am taking seriously.

I am trying to relearn how to eat and cook. Its not just avoiding candy and bread. A lot of the common guidance for hyperglycemia doesn't work for me (and apparently others who have this post bypass). I can't just eat protein first, or pair my carbs with protein. I can't just transfer to healthier grains. In my case, most carbs result in a spike. A lot of convenience items have added starches and sugars (like the pre-shredded cheese I mention, but also chicken broth, condiments, etc...) so I have to read every label and in some cases exclude them entirely when cooking.

I have met with a nutritionist and am exploring how time of day, exercise, and stress impact my blood sugar as well. That's slow going since its all trial and error on what works for me.

And of course there are the cravings. I am probably only about 50/50 right now on actually staying within a healthy blood glucose range when I eat. While some of that is figuring out what I can and can't eat , a lot of it is also giving in to cravings for things I know will cause issues. My goal is to get to 95% within goal range across all meals.

Anyway, I know I will figure this out and I can already tell the difference when I have a good couple of days v a bad couple of days. The drugging fatigue is gone. My overall energy is higher on good days. I also noticed I have much less joint pain which I take as a sign that chronic inflammation is coming down when I am able to balance my blood glucose.

If you are having similar symptoms, it may be worth looking into.

Happy holidays and new year all!
Lori

Lori, this is very real. I’ve dealt with hypoglycemia too, even after a full bypass reversal, so it’s definitely not just a “time since surgery” thing. The spike then crash and that wiped-out, almost drugged feeling is exactly how it shows up for me too.

You’re also right that a lot of the standard advice doesn’t work for everyone post-bypass. Protein first, better carbs, pairing foods… none of that guarantees a stable blood sugar. The hidden starches are especially frustrating.

Appreciate you posting this. It’s something more people should be aware of, especially years out.

Hi! I think I deal with the same thing occasionally. I haven't had an official diagnosis but pretty much about 1.5 years post op I started developing crashes after eating meals with simple carbs/no fiber or protein. I found that padding the carb with fiberous vegetables helped prevent the crash and shaky feeling.

When I eat sensible portions of whole foods, including rice and beans, I do not receive a crash and shaky feeling. I also pair this with protein and loads of raw vegetables. I specifically get the spike/crash and shakes from eating high sugary foods...things we're not really supposed to have but given a moment of holiday pressure, we do lol

I haven't had this checked but I'm wondering if it can lead to developing type 2 diabetes in the future?

Idk about you but it also has me struggling with cravings. I think when it does happen, after a spike and drop I am craving carbs/starch even if I'm not actually hungry. It's a major issue in the middle of the night. Have you experienced this too?

Just trying to get more information. I'm also trying to find a new doctor because I moved but I am having a hard time finding someone that works with lots of wls patients.