If you have undergone bariatric surgery, then you are likely aware of the changes that occur in your body afterward. One common issue that many people experience is fluctuating blood sugar levels. This can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not properly managed. In this blog post, we will discuss why reactive hypoglycemia after gastric bypass and gastric sleeve occurs, who is most at risk for hypoglycemia, and tips for keeping blood sugar stable after bariatric surgery.
Why Do People Get Hypoglycemia After Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve?
There are a few different reasons why blood sugar levels may change after bariatric surgery. One reason is that the size of the stomach is reduced, which means that there is less space for food. This can cause gastroparesis, which is a condition in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. As a result, food stays in the stomach for longer periods of time and digestion is slowed down. The pancreas then has to work harder to produce insulin in response to the increased level of glucose in the bloodstream.
Another reason why blood sugar levels may be unstable after bariatric surgery is because of changes in hormones such as ghrelin and GLP-I. Ghrelin is a hormone that stimulates the appetite, and GLP-I is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. When bariatric surgery is performed, ghrelin levels may increase and GLP-I levels may decrease. This can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Who Is Most at Risk for Hypoglycemia?
People who are most at risk for developing hypoglycemia after bariatric surgery include those who have diabetes, those who are taking medications that can cause hypoglycemia such as insulin or sulfonylureas, and those who are not eating enough protein or calories post-surgery.
Tips For Keeping Blood Sugar Levels Stable After Surgery
There are several things you can do to help keep your blood sugar levels stable after bariatric surgery.
- Make sure you are eating enough protein and calories in your post-op bariatric diet. Try to eat three balanced meals each day with plenty of protein and healthy fats. If you find that you are not getting enough nutrients, consider taking a multivitamin or supplement.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks. These can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then drop quickly, which can be dangerous.
- Monitor your blood sugar closely and report any abnormalities to your doctor immediately.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Exercise regularly. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels by causing the body to release insulin in response to the increased level of glucose in the bloodstream.
- If you are taking medications that can cause hypoglycemia, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that can help you lose weight and improve your health. However, it is important to remember that there may be some changes in your body after surgery that you will need to adjust to. By following these tips, you can help keep your blood sugar levels stable and minimize the risk of developing hypoglycemia after your Tijuana weight loss surgery.
