Diagnosed with Hypoglycemia after bypass surgery: What helps?

I have not learned how to control it since it can happen with any food or drink at any time. I do wait to have coffee or eat as to not do it first thing after I wake up. When it does hit I know if I take 1/2 of a muscle relaxer that calmsy stomach down and I feel better quickly.

Welcome to my world ! I have had this problem for 4 or 5 years now. I had my Roux-en-Y back in 2007 never had a problem up until 2020. I could explain things for hours but the short of it if you are lucky enough to get it controlled with medication that’s fabulous it has not worked for me. I was given the option of reversal, partial pancreectomy, or a feeding tube. My sugar levels have dropped to 27 one time and 28 . My CCG has also read LOW no number.
This is absolutely miserable to live with. I feel for you. PM me if you ever feel like talking on the phone.
🤞😔

So sorry to hear. I was told that I could reverse my procedure as well. Since my first post I had another ER visit a couple days after Christmas. It happens so fast and I hate it. You are very lucky to be able to have a CGM as my insurance will not let me have one as I am not a diabetic. Which I am very thankful for. I fine that if I drink hot cocoa that is what makes my numbers drop. I would have thought it would bring them up but it does the opposite. The other thing that makes my numbers drop is movie theater popcorn. (I am sure it is the butter) So I have to remember to take a Acarbose tablet before I eat or drink these items and throw in some protein and then I am ok. Now that I think I have that figured out I need to work on getting my weight down again.

I’m sorry! Just wanted you to know after about 30 minutes or so after drinking your hot cocoa check your sugar. In my case my sugar goes up to 310, just sky high and then I drop usually into the 30s. But I also can eat protein bars and it dose the same thing .
My insurance doesn’t pay for my CGM either.

I am so surprised by the responses here, your endocrinologist did not better educate you on hypoglycemia? I am pre-op still but have suffered from hypoglycemia for years. The best thing to do for yourself is educate yourself on a diabetic diet. No, it is not pre-diabetes, but the same concept in how proteins, carbs, sugars, etc., all work in your body is what you need to learn. Honestly, that is one of the reasons I think having this surgery will be good for me, actually. the key is PROTEIN. I have been educated as prep for my surgery that PROTEIN needs to be the primary intake since so little can be consumed. If you make sure to get good protein intake, that is what helps to stabilize your blood glucose levels and keep them from bottoming out. There is no way I would consider reversing my surgery due to hypoglycemia.

And when you do have an episode and take a glucose tab or some other "sweet" to boost your glucose level, EAT PROTEIN with it. Drink some milk, eat some cheat or nuts, eat peanut butter, it is full of sugar AND protein. Trust me, educate yourself, maybe even take a diabetes nutrition class, your body will thank you. Good luck!

Have you had Dumping Syndrome post surgery?

I have the same issue but endocrinology has written an Rx for a glucose monitor which is a life saver. My hypoglycemia did not start until more than 10 years after Roux An Y surgery

Good morning, with me it is anything with sugar or carbs. It drives up your sugar levels and then you drop drastically. My insurance only pays a small portion of my CGM but the price for me to be able to be independent and drive is worth it. At least I have a warning to pull over. I have failed all three of the medication’s and my endocrinologist is sending a referral to Mayo as we speak. I was put in the hospital from the acarbose. It caused free air in my colon that was a couple nights stay till they figured it out. The surgeon came in and said normally when they see that they do surgery immediately. that was one of the main reasons I did not like the acarbose as I could not go anywhere in public because of the gas. but also my primary care was the one that had me on 100 mg of that stuff and never did help the PHH which stands for post hypoglycemia after surgery.
My father always told me to think of your body as your vehicle if you put the wrong gas or no oil, your engine isn’t gonna run properly. I am 62 and due to my gastric bypass back in 2007 all my large joints and bones are riddled with arthritis due to malabsorption is what I was told. I have had back surgery right hip replaced and left full knee replacement. I am in so much pain from my body. It will be a miracle if Mayo can fix me. No one wants to live like this. I’m pretty much worthless. My best advice to you is take all your vitamins. They tell you to take and eat what you’re told to eat.

@nanmarka, welcome. Can you share a bit more about using a glucose monitor? How did it make life easier for you?

My glucose goes from almost 300 then drops suddenly to as low as 47. The monitor is easy to put on and it sounds an alarm to let me know when it is high or low. You can set the monitor to notify you at certain levels.
Of course, I feel lousy on both ends of the spectrum but I feel much safer knowing where my glucose is at.
It will also tell you if it it rising suddenly or dropping suddenly. Medicare pays for mine I have a Dex 7 and I would never again be without it.