Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery adequately is critically important to your long term success. Beyond the medical and financial/insurance preparation that is required, it is critical to begin planning your life after surgery to set yourself up for success. Addressing emotional and relationship issues as well as the routines of your daily life that could sabotage your success before you undergo surgery is as necessary as following your postoperative diet after surgery.
The decision you make about weight loss surgery should be treated with the same amount of consideration that you give to all of your major life decisions. Most of us do not make decisions about our marriage, children, job or housing situation without carefully weighing all of our options. Deciding whether or not to undergo weight loss surgery should be given the same amount of care. This course provides all of the information you will need to make this life changing decision.
I am scheduled for Roux en Y on 9/12/18. I’m wondering about hypoglycemic symptoms after surgery. I am prone to hypoglycemia whenever I low carb diet such as Atkins and Ideal Weight Solutions. Or when I calorie restrict below 1300. I did not experience this on Pound of Cure. I am not diabetic. My A1C was tested as a screening, 4.8. I am really nervous about these symptoms presenting in the first few months after surgery when my diet is very restricted. I get dizzy, blurred vision, muscle weakness and struggle with cognitive delay. I’ve checked my sugars during these spells and they are 50-60. I am scheduled to return to work 12 days after surgery. I need my brain to function to provide good care. What you peoples experiences with this? Any comments and advise are welcome. Thanks.
Most people with hypoglycemia have reactive hypoglycemia which means that when you eat a heavily processed carbohydrate, your blood sugar drops (see course #3, month 3 for more information). This is why you did not get hypoglycemic on the Pound of Cure.
Hypoglycemia after gastric bypass is a real thing (definitely needs a video, I’ll put it on the list). It typically occurs at 1 year or so postop and is almost always controllable by avoiding processed carbs. It’s possible that your hypoglycemia worsens after surgery and you must avoid any and all foods that contain processed flours or starches. Occasionally, I use a medication called Acarbose that can help prevent hypoglycemia symptoms.
Typically, within 2-3 years of surgery, these symptoms go away.
Thank-you for your response. I had hypoglycemic symptoms almost daily on Ideal Protein diet. I was eating 3 IP foods a day, veggies and lean meats. I was not eating any heavily processed carbohydrates. I’m concerned the post surgical diet of protein shake and water will be similar to this. My hope is the hormonal changes after surgery will make it more tolerable? Again, I really just worried about trying to function as a health care provider with blood sugars in the 50s. Thanks again for your input.
I would think it would be tolerable after surgery, I’ve not seen many issues with hypoglycemia in the first few months, but there are not guarantees….
What do you advise patients about spacing of drinking fluids and eating foods after surgery. Do you advise this spacing live long?
Definitely not necessary life long. Many patients don’t have an issue with drinking and eating at the same time, some do. This is something you’ll have to figure out for yourself.
I started my 2 week pre-op diet on Aug 29th. I am eating 4 protein foods (Unjury and Ideal Protein) a day. Plus veggies, 2 2 ounce servings of meat, 1 serving of grain and 2 servings of fruit per day. Average calorie intake is 1100. I’ve had headaches and fatigue. Most concerning is that in the morning I’ve been extremely confused. My husband has me eat grapes and I perk up 20 minutes later. I bought a glucometer a couple days ago and started having him check my morning blood sugars. Yesterday was 29, today was 27. During the day my readings are 50-70. I am really nervous about my Roux en Y scheduled for 9/12. I worry about keeping my blood sugar up with the calorie restrictions. I am not diabetic. I had a screening A1C a year ago, 4.9.
This is very unusual based on what you are eating. You should speak to your surgical team about this and get their thoughts.
RNY is cancelled. I’ll see endocrinology next week. Maybe insulinoma. Thanks for your feedback. The videos are excellent and very helpful. You’ve created a space for the obese to feel valued. I’ve brought up my hypoglycemia many times and was never believed until I presented for EGD with a blood sugar of 38. Thank you for creating a safe space for us to learn and ask questions. You are helping many people. You have helped me.
Glad I could help and that you’re finally getting the proper evaluation for your hypoglycemia.
Dr.Weiner
Any abnormal complications with bowels,for woman who have had a complete hysterectomy?
Usually a hysterectomy does not result in enough scar tissue to create issues.
Dr. Wiener
I just wanted your opinion. I’m planning on having a sleeve Gastrectomy on 7/22/19. I know I’ll have to take it easy for at least a week after the procedure. I wanted to know if I would be okay to travel with my friends to Las Vegas two and a half weeks after the surgery.
That’s a question you should ask your surgeon