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What Causes Hypoglycemia Post Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Question: Greetings,
My name is XXXXXXX. I would to know Why after having gastric bypass some patients suffer from hypoglycemia? What is the relationship with gastric bypass and hypoglycemia? Is there a cure for hypoglycemia after having gastric bypass?
Thank You,
My name is XXXXXXX. I would to know Why after having gastric bypass some patients suffer from hypoglycemia? What is the relationship with gastric bypass and hypoglycemia? Is there a cure for hypoglycemia after having gastric bypass?
Thank You,
Brief Answer:
This is reactive hypoglycemia
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
Hypoglycemia following gastric bypass is a part of "dumping syndrome" and it is a reactive hypoglycemia.
As there is reduced stomach capacity,there is rapid passage of carbohydrates to the small intestine > this causes a rapid rise of blood sugar level > this causes rise in blood insulin level > after some time,this in turn causes hypoglycemia.
Regarding its treatment,most cases can be managed with diet modification alone,and most of these of them improves with time.
Have small,frequent,dry meals;also avoid fluids with high carbohydrate content.
In resistant cases,a drug called octreotide may be useful.
In extreme cases,revisional surgery may be needed.
You can discuss these issues in detail with your surgeon.
Wishing you good health.
Thank you.
Dr Muhammed Aslam.
This is reactive hypoglycemia
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
Hypoglycemia following gastric bypass is a part of "dumping syndrome" and it is a reactive hypoglycemia.
As there is reduced stomach capacity,there is rapid passage of carbohydrates to the small intestine > this causes a rapid rise of blood sugar level > this causes rise in blood insulin level > after some time,this in turn causes hypoglycemia.
Regarding its treatment,most cases can be managed with diet modification alone,and most of these of them improves with time.
Have small,frequent,dry meals;also avoid fluids with high carbohydrate content.
In resistant cases,a drug called octreotide may be useful.
In extreme cases,revisional surgery may be needed.
You can discuss these issues in detail with your surgeon.
Wishing you good health.
Thank you.
Dr Muhammed Aslam.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
What is the doctor saying?
Brief Answer:
Your hypoglycemia is unlikely related to surgery
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
In the reports you attached now,it is mentioned that the surgery was done more than one year back;and you are getting even nocturnal episodes of hypoglycemia.
But,hypoglycemia of post gastrectomy dumping syndrome usually presents shortly after surgery(within few weeks),and it appears with in few minutes of having a diet(not nocturnal).
So your hypoglycemic episodes are unlikely related to the surgery.
Nocturnal hypoglycemia indicates some disturbance in the glucose level homeostasis.As you are not on any oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin injections,we have to rule out other causes like any insulin secreting lesions of pancreas etc.For this,your doctor has already ordered some tests like c-peptide level and insulin level.
He will guide you further.
Hope now you got cleared.
Thank you.
Your hypoglycemia is unlikely related to surgery
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
In the reports you attached now,it is mentioned that the surgery was done more than one year back;and you are getting even nocturnal episodes of hypoglycemia.
But,hypoglycemia of post gastrectomy dumping syndrome usually presents shortly after surgery(within few weeks),and it appears with in few minutes of having a diet(not nocturnal).
So your hypoglycemic episodes are unlikely related to the surgery.
Nocturnal hypoglycemia indicates some disturbance in the glucose level homeostasis.As you are not on any oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin injections,we have to rule out other causes like any insulin secreting lesions of pancreas etc.For this,your doctor has already ordered some tests like c-peptide level and insulin level.
He will guide you further.
Hope now you got cleared.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
My gastric bypass was 10/07/13 and i stated getting sick in march im not sure why he put a year or so ago .
Brief Answer:
still,other causes are likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
Still,your symptoms started after about 7 months of surgery. Regarding post gastrectomy dumping,this incubation period also is too long.
As I mentioned, this usually comes in few weeks itself, and resolves slowly with in first year.
Also,this will not cause nocturnal hypoglycemia.
So,your hypoglycemia is less likely caused by dumping syndrome.We have to look for some other causes.
You can discuss this in detail with your surgeon.
Wishing you good health.
Thank you.
still,other causes are likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
Still,your symptoms started after about 7 months of surgery. Regarding post gastrectomy dumping,this incubation period also is too long.
As I mentioned, this usually comes in few weeks itself, and resolves slowly with in first year.
Also,this will not cause nocturnal hypoglycemia.
So,your hypoglycemia is less likely caused by dumping syndrome.We have to look for some other causes.
You can discuss this in detail with your surgeon.
Wishing you good health.
Thank you.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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