The Dreaded Doctor Visit…
So I just got back from the doctor. She was running half an hour late, so it took AAAAGES. But worth the wait as I love my doctor. ;)
Anyway, the results came back and *drumroll please*
…………………….
NO DIABETES!!!
YAY!
This is such awesomely amazing news, that I nearly didn’t hear the rest of it…
As it turns out, I have reactive hypoglycemia, low white blood cells, and HYPOTHYROIDISM!
o_O
I guess this means that my previous high weight actually had an excuse! I have to go back to have further blood work in a couple of weeks just to verify things, but as soon as they verify it, I’ll have to take a pill for the rest of my life.
The white blood cell thing also explains why I’ve been sick so often.
It’s good to finally have some answers. And now I can go back to having the occasional piece of dark chocolate! Huzzah!
Hi Katie
I have two questions—first, could you talk a bit about reactive hypoglycemia? I am thinking of vsg and am concerned about that.
Also, and more importantly, looking at your blog it looks like the Czech doc had you eat 1000 cals a day after the operation, right? In the US and Mexico, where I would
have to go, it is something horrendous like 500 cals a day. Have you heard about that? Is there a difference of philosophy or something? Your doc seems much more
reasonable!!
Thanks
Jenny
LOOOve your blog : )
Hi Jenny!
Thanks for reading. I plan to write up more about Reactive Hypoglycemia once I’ve seen the doctor again, which is scheduled for the 25th. From what I understand, though, it’s not a side effect specifically of the VSG. A lot of WLSers get it as a result of altered body chemistry. It’s really just about insulin levels, which for me were out of whack even BEFORE surgery. It is more likely caused by my PolyCystic Ovaries rather than the surgery. I’ll update when I know more, though.
As for the difference in philosophy, it is true that a lot of doctors differ in their opinions on what should go into the body after surgery. My doctor is pretty lenient in that he stresses eating a lot of protein with some complex carbs (which is also good for Reactive Hypoglycemia!). My doc didn’t specifically tell me to eat 1000 calories. He said that if I am eating correctly (ie - protein first) then at MOST I should be able to eat 1000 calories in a day. Most days I eat much less than that. Some days I choose bad foods like chocolate or ice cream, and I wind up eating more. I don’t count calories for the most part. But I am very conscious of what I eat. :)
I hope that answers your questions. Thanks for reading!
<3
Katie