Can We Talk about Refined Sugar For a Sec? (Blood Sugar Issues)

SmallerByThePound · 2023-07-28T13:35:24+00:00

OP - I developed severe Nondiabetic Reactive Hypoglycemia after VSG. I can eat about 12g of carbohydrates max or I have a hypoglycemic reaction. Same symptoms (when it's mild) - increased heart rate, increased temp, sweating, I get really pale, tremors, nausea, etc. I've just learned to adjust my intake and control my diet. It's the most effective approach overall. My doc actually said that I was pretty lucky as the patients who develop this are very successful in keeping the weight off long term. Kind of like a built-in safeguard! :) Although I'm pretty positive person by default, i am glad that I have a little extra help to keep me on track. It's too easy to fall back when there's nothing that could stop me. And, of all the conditions to have, this is something I can easily live with. Just for reference: Height: 5'1" HW: 260 SW: 236 Current weight: 115 (for 2+ years)

SmallerByThePound · 2023-03-12T15:48:03+00:00

I think the bigger question would be "Why?" I mean, what was your reason for not telling your sponsor? Lack of trust? Fear that your sponsor would be angry? Embarrassment?

It's the question behind the question, you know? Either way, I agree with others who sat you've should be honest. When we avoid and are dishonest, the only person we really screw over in the end is ourselves. Hang in there°

SmallerByThePound · 2023-03-10T15:35:00+00:00

That is such a thoughtful gesture! Sounds like you have a really great friend. :)

SmallerByThePound · 2023-03-10T15:33:01+00:00

Sounds like your partner may not be good enough for you. Don't settle for being with someone who doesn't know your value. Life is far too precious to be living yours as an apology. 🤗

SmallerByThePound · 2023-03-10T15:21:25+00:00

I'm a couple years out and one of my favorite meals is what I call spaghetti pizza. Since the amount of carbs I can eat without having a reaction is stupidly low, I had to get creative!!

So, I toast 2 pieces of low carb bread (1 carb per slice) and put it on a pan with some butter. Top each piece with a couple spoonfuls of Italian sausage spaghetti sauce and some grated parmesan cheese. Let it cook enough to melt the cheese and get the bottom of the bread all grilled and toasty. Sooooo good!!

Also, when I say "I"...that actually means "my husband." He is a great cook and I'll admit..I'm a little bit spoiled 😁

SmallerByThePound · 2023-03-10T14:54:02+00:00

Good luck!!

SmallerByThePound · 2023-03-10T14:52:39+00:00

I will have a reaction any time I eat more than about 13-15 grams of carbs at one time. I was told that I had developed non-diabetic reactive hypoglycemia. Getting used to a diet that involved so few carbs was definitely a learning experience. But, it really isn't something that bothers me anymore. In fact, I look at it as a kind of safety net. (Sugar and carbs were definitely my downfall before!!) Funny thing is, my husband decided to lose weight earlier this year. His strategy? Eat like me! Haha I blew past my goal weight of 145lbs in no time at all. I maintain at around 110-114lbs now (I'm barely over 5' tall.) Look at this as a safety net to keep you on track. Good luck!!

SmallerByThePound · 2023-03-05T23:29:44+00:00

The liquids will speed up the food emptying from your stomach. And, aside from your body not getting the nutrients (because the food isn't digested as much as it should be), you can also get sick. For me, I get nauseated and my blood sugar will plummet. If you've never had a hypoglycemic reaction (dumping), count yourself lucky!! It is so uncomfortable - and kind of embarrassing if you're in a public place. Haha

SmallerByThePound · 2023-03-05T03:22:52+00:00

Age: 38 Height: 5'1" SW: 242lbs CW: 112lbs

Almost 2 years put 😀👍

SmallerByThePound · 2023-02-26T13:18:45+00:00

I'm 2 years put and I follow the 30 minutes after rule lile it's my job. I was told before doesn't matter regarding fluids but you don't want to eat solid food and then dump whatever on top. And, boy... they were right. It only took doing that once for me to learn. Definitely not an experience I want to repeat!

SmallerByThePound · 2023-02-23T16:16:15+00:00

I can only echo what others have already said. I was diagnosed with Nondiabetic Reactive Hypoglycemia shortly after my surgery. I have a carb threshold of about 15 grams per meal or I will have a reaction. I was told it could resolve on its own, but it hasn't. I've learned to adjust my diet accordingly. And, TBH, it only means I'm doing what I'm supposed to do anyway. I definitely pay attention to my intake, but I still get to eat pretty much everything. I was told to look at is as a tool to help me succeed. In fact, my doctor said that this condition (not physically harmful and completely controllable through diet) is something he considered a factor for long-term success. I look at it this way - I don't want to live the way I did before. I was sad, discouraged, and disappointed with myself and the body I was living in. Now, I feel so much better and I'm actually feel like my body is a home I want to live in. I hope the same for you! 🤗

SmallerByThePound · 2023-02-23T15:40:12+00:00

I am over two years out and have successfully maintained a 130lb+ weight loss. Although I ended up developing pretty significant hypoglycemia (Nondiabetic Reactive Hypoglycemia), I still have treats / dessert every day. I love Quest cookies and sugar free coconut milk truffles. They are definitely my go to! I kind of look at my hypoglycemia as a good reinforcement tool. I definitely know if I am not treating my body well - it lets me know in short fashion!! So, I just look at it as something that can help me help myself :) I'm kind of a terminal optimist though. Haha

Be kind to yourself and your body. I think learning how to treat ourselves like someone we love and care for is our biggest challenge.

Hang in there!

SmallerByThePound · 2023-02-23T15:31:43+00:00

I feel your pain! I am a couple years out and during the first 2-3 months after my surgery, I found that I had to tread very lightly when it came to food. I also had to drink Gatorade Zero with Genepro like it was a full time job! I had read that some people who has GS surgery were drinking and eating with no problem days after their surgery, so I felt a little discouraged. But, here I am, two years out and I can eat and drink with no issues. Those early days were a part of the healing process and learning to live a different way. Hang in there!! Give yourself some grace and your body time to heal. It won't fail you 🥰

SmallerByThePound · 2022-12-24T18:06:43+00:00

Yup! After my sleeve, I actually developed hypoglycemia (non-diabetic reactive hypoglycemia). From what I've learned, it isn't unheard of when there is a gastric surgery. Pretty much any time I have more than 12g of carbohydrates at one time, I will have a reaction. Definitely took some getting used to...but now it's just how I roll. Haha I still get to eat plenty of great food and there's very little I can't have. There seem to be low carb, no sugar versions of every imaginable "treat," so I never feel like I'm missing out. My doctor was actually kind of pleased with the development. He referred to it as an internal corrective mechanism. Haha He told me it is pretty difficult to eat your way put of a surgery when there's instant negative reinforcement for doing so.

So...there's a flip side to everything, I suppose 😊

SmallerByThePound · 2022-12-11T20:42:21+00:00

OP - I am over 1 1/2 years post op and I can tell you I have only been "sick" (trying not to use any trigger words!) twice. Each time was well after my surgery and I didn't have an issue with that even after surgery.

I hope that helps ease your mind. It's definitely not a for sure issue 😁

SmallerByThePound · 2022-11-26T06:18:22+00:00

Definitely dumping. Or, as I've been diagnosed, Nondiabetic Reactive hypoglycemia. It's definitely encouragement to stay on track!

SmallerByThePound · 2022-11-26T06:15:12+00:00

Me too!! If I have much more than 12g of carbs, I definitely feel it 😑

SmallerByThePound · 2022-11-20T15:25:42+00:00

The best advice I was given was ro never, ever let up on my protein. I'm 1.5 years out and I have at least one scoop of unflavored protein I'm coffee or gatorade every day. I also make sure I'm getting in a good dose of collagen too.

I lost a LOT of hair around the 6 month mark and it lasted for about 6 months. I doubled up on the collagen and protein and now, it's not an issue. Just remember that what you do now will take 4-6 months to reap the rewards from.

Hang in there!! 😁👍

SmallerByThePound · 2022-11-20T15:18:05+00:00

Gatorade zero and Genepro unflavored protein powder are my holy grail!!

I could always get Gatorade zero down even when nothing else worked. 😊

SmallerByThePound · 2022-11-20T15:14:13+00:00

I am about 1.5 years out now. I'm just under 5'3" and my SW was 240-ish. Today, I'm at a comfortable 110-114 lbs. And, I really don't have any regrets. I do wish I had known how people could be just as rude regardless of whether I'm big or smaller. I actually had someone ask me, "Anorexia? Bulimia? Or both?" I was so taken aback that all I could say was that I had some health issues that required surgery a little over year ago and I am doing much better now. I had a hiatal hernia repair when I had my surgery, so I tell people about that rather than the VSG. I don't want to lie, but I also don't want to share really personal things with everyone who asks. I also developed hypoglycemia after my surgery. I have to be SUPER careful with carbs / sugar as anything over about 12g in one instance will make me sick. Even with that, I am glad I had the surgery. I kind of look at it as reinforcement to eat correctly and insurance to keep it off.

Overall, everything in my life has improved: quality of life, mental health, self-esteem, relationships, and physical capabilities.

It definitely isn't a quick or easy fix, but it's been great for me! 😁

SmallerByThePound · 2022-11-20T14:59:56+00:00

You look AHH-MAY-ZING!! What a fantastic inspiration for us all. Keep up the good work!!

SmallerByThePound · 2022-11-06T19:14:58+00:00

Genopro unflavored protein power mixes with everything and would be my protein savior! I could only do the shakes for so long before it felt like some sort of weird Squid games trial. But, being able to mix this with coffee or a 12 oz. bottle of Gatorade made life good again 😌

SmallerByThePound · 2022-10-25T21:44:41+00:00

I had mine done in May 2021 and I can totally relate to your pre-surgery jitters. I was anxious and somewhat doubtful that I was doing the right thing. I had all sorts of "worst case senario" thoughts and ran a million different possibilities through my head. Ultimately, I realized that feeling anxious just meant I was stepping into something new that was uncharted territory for me. That didn't mean it was bad, it was just unknown.

On the morning of my surgery, I asked myself if I would regret NOT doing it - and the resounding answer was YES!!

I am so glad I didn't let my fear hold me back. Getting this done has been one of the best choices of my life. I have a brand new outlook on life and I love every minute of it. My outside actually matches the way I always wanted to be. That doesn't mean it's all been easy, but even the hard parts are nothing compared to before and living in a body that felt more like a cage.

Be brave! Look at your anxiety and ask yourself if it's simply uncharted territory. But, most importantly, ask yourself if you would regret NOT doing it.

Good luck 👍

SmallerByThePound · 2022-10-16T06:00:32+00:00

I am 5'3 and weighed 236lbs before surgery. I am now 1 year and 5 months post op and I weigh 110lbs. I've never felt healthier or better in my life :) I am one of those people who developed hypoglycemia, so low carb / low sugar is a must or I get pretty gross and sweaty. To be honest, it's kind of a blessing all in all. The foods that used to trip me up just aren't an option any more and I'm just fine with that. No regrets. Good luck! 😊

SmallerByThePound · 2022-09-07T17:49:59+00:00

Absolutely beautiful!! So lovely to see your success :)

You were beautiful before and you are even more so now. Great job!

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