Question:
Could the shakes becaused by not eating write?

My co-worker had her surgery about 10 weeks ago and I'm concerend about the way she's eating. She complains that she has the shakes a lot. I have been told that she has had chilli before and only eat to bites and that was it. during the course of the day I see her drink maybe once or twice that's it. today she had a box of crackers she was was snacking on and at breack she had a nature vally granola bar which she only eat about two bits of. she has lost around 50 pounds. But from what I see she's not eating what she should or drinking what she should, and not doing much for exersice. I know that talking to her about the way she is eating won't do anything but make her mad at me. should I talk to my dietitan about this, we have the same one.    — jen091172 (posted on July 16, 2003)

July 16, 2003
It's nice of you to be concerned. She needs to learn to take care of herself. You can talk to your mutual dietitian and ask her generically how you can encourage a friend who had the surgery and isn't eating well, but you shouldn't "tell" on her by giving the dietitian her name.
   — gamboge

July 16, 2003
My wife had some of these issues, she would try at 3 weeks out to eat chicken off the leg drectly:( Then throw up and be unhappy:( I talked to all my surgeons staff. They said just let her be everyone needs to find their own way. I would tell the dietician your concerns and ask if she wants the name or what you should do. Jen also refused to drink water early on, got dehydrated and ended up in the hospital. That potassium IV, which was painful got her on the right road. Some people HAVE to learn it the hard way:(
   — bob-haller

July 16, 2003
I would be concerned about the "shakes". Shakes can be associated with a number of items including lack of potassium (rectified with potassium vitamins, bananas or V8) and dehydration. I have the potassium problem because I drink alot of water. The fact that you are concerned about your co-worker is wonderful!! You may want to broach the subject of how she is doing by telling her how good she looks and share your post-surgery experiences. Then if it seems like the conversation is good, ask about having any problems. As long as you are not accusatory, she may be receptive to a question about the shakes. You may also want to mention it to your dietician and see if she would speak to her for you.
   — M B.

July 16, 2003
If she asks for your help or complains about the shakes, it would be very good to suggest that she discuss it with the dietitian because you are probably right and it is probably related to her diet. However, I think it would be a mistake to "tell on her" to the dietitian and it would be wrong for the dietitian to discuss one client with another. I assume that she is an adult and the fact that you called her a co-worker, rather than a good friend means that you should probably keep your opinions on her diet to yourself unless she asks.
   — Amber L.

July 16, 2003
Since my surgery I have developed Alimentary Hypoglycemia 2 yr po.. ALIMENTARY/REACTIVE HYPOGLYCEMIA occurs from a mismatch of insulin and carbohydrates due to having an abnormality of the stomach. Ordinarily, a meal sits in your stomach and is slowly released, so the carbohydrate absorption occurs over a prolonged period. For people who have stomach surgery to remove part of the stomach or who dumps most of the meal into the small intestine immediately, there is a very rapid absorption of the carbohydrate. This rapid carbohydrate absorption can be followed by a very brisk insulin release. The big insulin release can drive the glucose level very low. Of all the causes of Alimentary/Reactive hypoglycemia, this can be the most dangerous. Alimentary/Reactive hypoglycemia has been reported to cause coma and seizures. Characteristically hypoglycemia occurs 1 - 2 hours after eating. It usually does not occur without a history of partial or total gastrectomy (stomach surgery). Symptoms include Exhaustion--Fainting(Syncope)--Headaches--Temper outburst--Irritability--Sleeping problems--Indecisiveness--Nervousness and Tremors (the shakes). Based on what your co-worker is eating (mostly carbohydrates she may be experiencing Alimentary or Reactive Hypoglycemia, don't quote me on this I'm not a doctor, I'm speaking fr experience. It took a year with an Endocrinologist to confirm the diagnosis. You could suggest to your co-work to eat more protein foods about every 2 hrs, ei: nonfat yogurt, cheese sticks, low fat milk, peanut butter & crackers, and a protein supp. Also complex carbs such as raw fruit or vegies instead of simple carbs such as refine sugars and foods made with white flour. The complex carbs digest slower than simple carbs, this may keep your co-workers glucose/insulin stable while relieving the shakes or other symptoms she may have. I aways keep a can of orange juice or gluco tabs at work, home, and in the car. Remember to suggest these changes with your co-worker, you may want to start with "I heard or I read" instead of (you this or you that). Good Luck
   — Barbara M.

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