Note: If you are at my website because you or someone you know has experienced seizures after having gastric bypass surgery please contact me. I have talked with a physician and have some direction to give you.
Carbohydrates are digested into sugar which gives our body energy in the form of glucose. This glucose is our brain's preferred source of energy. Individuals who have had their duodenum bypassed from gastric bypass surgery have an impaired ability to digest and absorb the sugar from carbohydrates. This can lead to low levels of glucose. And hypoglycemia is the term used for this low level of glucose in the blood.
Research suggest that hypoglycemia can lead to neuroglycopenia which is a shortage of blood sugar in the brain. Studies suggest a relationship between neuroglycopenia and seizures.
I find it very important for post gastric bypass people to learn how to eat in a balanced healthy way so they can attempt to keep their blood glucose balanced. If you are not eating right AND you can not digest and absorb nutrients right then how can your body even have a chance at being healthy.
I often read or hear that people believe they should avoid fat because it will make them fat. Healthy Fat is VITAL to our body. When you eat a Balanced Amount of Healthy Fat with a Balanced Amount of Healthy Carbohydrates you are then allowing the body to absorb the carbohydrates at a slower rate. The benefit of this is you will typically NOT experience spikes in blood sugar. I know that REACTIVE HYPOGLYCEMIA is a side affect many post GB people experience. My question to them is "are they eating a balanced amount of Healthy Fat & Healthy Carbohydrates with protein each time they eat?"
In my Balanced Healthy Eating For Every Body book you can learn about my approach to balanced healthy eating.
To Your Health, Catherine
