Hi,
I’ll be going in for surgery during keto and came across this:. I know one of the Drs mentions diabetic ketosis, but the others weigh in as well.
How many of you were in ketosis during/after surgery? Were there any side effects? Not sure if I’m going to see an anesthesiologist.
I have had local surgery. I was keto. No problem. I need heart surgery eventually and plan to be keto unless they force dextrose/glucose down my throat. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is only an issue if you don’t produce your own insulin. If the surgery won’t affect your insulin production, I don’t personally see it as a risk. Note, I am not a doctor and do not give medical advice.
Hi all
I have been Keto for 14 months. The begging of October I had emergency surgery for an appendicitis.
My appendix had perforated and had been leaking into my abdomen for months without me knowing it. My abdomen was full of old puss and toxins. Surgeon spent 11/2 hours flushing my abdomen to remove all of it. Up until that morning nothing showed in my blood tests. I had 2 that week. My bowel had paralyzed. Luckily after 2 days it works again whoop whoop.
The 4 days I was in the hospital I was given IV antibiotics. I was reading the ingredients in this and noticed it was in a solution that was 5 percent dextrose. My blood sugars where 240.
Because of an NG tube and a CT (iodine)scan was not able to take metformin. They where giving me insulin and were happy when my BG was 180. I was freaked out.
After they removed my NG tube I asked for water and coffee and they bring me apple juice. Told them I can’t drink it as I am diabetic. The nurse says it’s ok I will give you more insulin. I declined.
The hospital food was all high carb and sugar or all high artificial sweetener. Really didn’t eat for 4 days.
I had a hard time eating meat for the next week and really only craved rice with butter. One of my childhood comfort foods. I had a 1/4 cup of rice for 3 days with a piece of ham steak and a pickle. That’s all I could stomach. It was hard for me to stay Keto during this but I am back at it.
Was off Keto for 2 weeks. Not hard to go back to it. Still not getting great affects of being Keto yet but am hopeful it will return soon. Still fuzzy brain and not much energy. I figured it was more from the surgery and recovery and will be back to being Keto strong soon.
Why did I not know that my appendix had ruptured?
I believe that being Keto may have made my immune system strong enough to combat the infection. When they removed my appendix it was gangrenous.
Up to 2 days before and 2 weeks after my surgery all Keto. Because of my need for energy and meat tasting meh I was not able to stay on Keto. Antibiotics may have messed with my taste. Who knows. Gladly back to my new old life.
Thanks fo listening.
Interesting story. I’m glad I became keto AFTER I left the ward I was working on (as a nurse) with mostly diabetics. I don’t think I’d be able to not be preachy and I’m sure I’d have a crisis of consciousness every time I had to give someone insulin - knowing I was basically making their condition worse…
I’ve prepared for this and have medic alert cards and jewelry with “NO D5” on them. I also have instructed my family to tell the hospital that I do not want dextrose or glucose. They are to bring me food or I will order food via take out.
I had surgery on the 11th of October to remove cysts from my remaining ovary. Three small incisions, no complications and went home a few hours after. Recovery was fine and I remained in ketosis the entire time. Sending good vibes to you!
Is that dextrose? I’m going out to get med-alert tags right away! Awesome idea!! I have a day surgery right after Thanksgiving.
This is a very scary and important story to tell! I bet the Nutrition Coalition would appreciate hearing your story.