What Is Reactive Hypoglycemia? A Common Yet Overlooked Post Bariatric Surgery Issue

Do you ever eat a meal or snack and then suddenly feel shaky, sweaty, dizzy, or exhausted — like your blood sugar has dropped through the floor?

That frightening, crashing sensation is commonly known as “bottoming out” — and in medical terms, it’s called reactive hypoglycemia.

It’s more common than you might think, especially after bariatric surgery. But for how common it is, it’s rarely talked about in the medical community. Many patients are left feeling confused, scared, and unsure of how to manage this life-disrupting symptom.

So, let’s break it down.

What Is Reactive Hypoglycemia?

Reactive hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar that occurs after eating — typically within 1 to 3 hours of a meal. After bariatric surgery, this can happen more frequently due to the way food is processed in your new digestive system.

Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

• You eat a meal (especially one high in starch or sugar).

• Your body quickly absorbs a large amount of glucose.

• This causes an overshoot of insulin — your body’s natural response to regulate blood sugar.

• Insulin works too well, and your blood sugar plummets.

• You’re left feeling shaky, lightheaded, sweaty, anxious, or like you might pass out.

It’s scary. And when it happens regularly, it can significantly impact your quality of life.

Why Is This So Common After Bariatric Surgery?

There are a few reasons why this condition is more prevalent after weight loss surgery:

1. Changes in How Food Is Digested

After surgery, food passes more rapidly through your digestive tract. This can lead to quicker glucose absorption and a more intense insulin response.

2. Loss of Stomach Surface Area = Less Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are primarily produced in the stomach. After bariatric surgery, your stomach is dramatically reduced in size, meaning your enzyme production drops significantly.

Fewer enzymes = less efficient digestion.

That poor digestion leads to undigested food particles — especially sugars and starches — reaching your intestines in ways your body isn’t prepared for. This can trigger a sugar spike, followed by a crash, and then… the cycle repeats.

Symptoms of Digestive Enzyme Deficiency After Bariatric Surgery:

• Smelly gas and stools

• Bloating and sluggishness after meals

• Poor absorption of nutrients like iron and B12

• And yes — reactive hypoglycemia

What Can You Do?

The first step is balancing your meals:

• Avoid sugar and high-starch foods.

• Focus on lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables.

• Always combine carbs with protein to slow digestion.

But there's something else that can make a big difference:
Supporting your digestion with supplemental digestive enzymes.

How Digestive Enzymes Can Help

Digestive enzymes help break down proteins, carbs, and fats more efficiently. For bariatric patients, this can:

• Reduce gas, bloating, and discomfort*

• Improve nutrient absorption*

• Prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes*

• Support better overall energy and satiety*

Our founders have helped many patients overcome reactive hypoglycemia and related digestive issues. Because of this, they wanted a digestive enzyme that was gentle, effective, and specifically formulated for post-op digestive systems.

So, they created Digest & Absorb. A complete, easy-to-tolerate digestive enzyme designed for bariatric patients.

Real Help for Real Issues

We developed Digest & Absorb because we saw real patients struggling with real symptoms. It’s designed to support the unique digestive challenges that come with weight loss surgery — and help you get more from the food you eat without the side effects.

Better digestion. Better absorption. Fewer symptoms.

If you’re tired of crashing after meals, struggling with bloating, or just want to feel better after eating — it might be time to try Digest & Absorb.*

As always, this information is not medical advice, and we recommend speaking to your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar or digestive distress.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

This blog is for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your specific health situation.