Just for some context here — about three years ago I had weight loss surgery. It wasn’t much of a success at the time, although I have lost weight since (and that’s another story for another day). When people have weight loss surgery, they can experience something called dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome happens when food moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. This rapid “dumping” can cause symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness and a racing heart soon after eating.

I’ve experienced dumping syndrome quite a few times now, and it’s horrible. It happens to me sometimes if I eat or drink something that is mostly sugar. The sugar gives me a rush, but all too quickly my Blood Sugar Level (BSL) dips and I have a low blood sugar event. Please note that I don’t have diabetes; however, at times I experience low BSL due to dumping syndrome.

I used to eat caramel popcorn at the movies. After my weight loss surgery, I noticed that I would feel dizzy when I went to the movies. This happened a few times before I realised that I was experiencing low blood sugar due to dumping syndrome from the caramel popcorn. When I realised what was happening, I stopped buying caramel popcorn at the movies, and I stopped getting dizzy when I went to the movies.

These days I try to avoid eating too much sugar on its own, AND I sometimes forget. Last week I was at an appointment with a financial counsellor. I’ve been linked in with a free financial counsellor because I struggle with impulse shopping and waste money on things I don’t need. The financial counselling is really helping; I’m planning to share some of the tips they have given me on this blog at some point.

Before I left for my appointment I had ‘lunch’, if you can call it lunch! I usually eat quite healthy these days AND on this occasion I didn’t. I made myself a Biscoff spread sandwich with white bread (with the crusts cut off). It was a yummy treat AND I regretted it later! I also had a Powerade electrolyte drink. Ordinarily, I choose sugar-free drinks; however, on this occasion I had bought the full-sugar one by mistake.

Towards the end of my appointment, I started to feel really shaky and dizzy. I was sweating a lot and I thought I was going to pass out — I realised this was most likely dumping syndrome. I told the financial counsellor I was dizzy. I tried to explain that I was experiencing dumping syndrome, but I was so dizzy I wasn’t making much sense. The counsellor went to get me some lollies and I put my head between my knees. I ate the lollies (I wasn’t thinking straight and didn’t consider that the lollies would only cause another spike and subsequent dip in my BSL). I felt a little better but I couldn’t concentrate on the appointment and just wanted to get home. We finished the appointment early and I walked to where I had parked my bike.

I unlocked my bike — I was about to ride home when I felt another wave of dizziness pass over me. I realised that riding my bike at that moment was a bad idea. I knew I needed to eat something more substantial than lollies. Glancing around, I saw a convenience store across the road. I shakily locked my bike up again, and walked across the road. I walked into the store, but before I could grab some food my vision went blurry and I knew I was about to pass out.

I walked out of the shop and sat on a bench outside with my head down. I knew I needed help. I waited until I saw a lady walk out of the shop — I called out, “Excuse me.”

She could see I wasn’t well. “Do you need an ambulance?” she asked.

I could have said yes, but I didn’t want to cause a big drama — I just needed to eat something. “No, I don’t think I need an ambulance,” I replied, “but I feel like I’m going to pass out — I just need something to eat.”

She smiled kindly. “Sure, I’ll get you something. What do you want?”

“Maybe some crackers or chips or something, I don’t mind what kind,” I said, passing her my bank card. “Can you use this please? Just tap it.”

Waving off my bank card, the lady walked into the store. I sat with my head between my knees, waiting. She came out a couple of minutes later and handed me a huge bag of Doritos and a bottle of water. Convenience stores aren’t cheap and she certainly hadn’t chosen the cheapest thing. I gratefully thanked her and tried to give her some money. She told me not to worry about the money, saying we all go through events like this sometimes, and she was happy to help. She also said that she had spoken to the man working in the store and asked him to keep an eye on me. I thanked her; what she had done for me was so touching — taking the time to ask if I was okay, choosing food and water for me, asking the shopkeeper to keep an eye on me, and refusing to take my money. I felt genuinely touched by everything she had done.

I sat outside the store for about an hour, slowly eating the chips and drinking the water. The man in the shop kept glancing at me, making sure I was okay. Eventually I felt better and ready to ride my bike home. I went into the shop and told the man I was okay now, and thanked him for watching out for me. I rode my bike home, had a cup of tea and a lie down — soon enough I felt back to normal and able to go on with my day.

If it hadn’t been for that kind lady helping me, I’m fairly sure I would have passed out. If I had passed out, I’m pretty certain someone would have called an ambulance, which would have meant a lot of drama. Most likely I would have had to spend the whole day in the emergency room and would probably have needed a blood test and a drip.

I wish I knew who the lady was so I could thank her properly. What she did may have seemed like a small thing to her, AND it had a huge impact on me and my day. I don’t think I will ever forget her kindness.

I shared this story today to show how a small good deed can make a huge difference. In today’s fast-paced world, we rush from one thing to the next and sometimes forget to look out for one another. We need to try to remember that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference far greater than we realise. That lady’s compassion reminded me that kindness doesn’t have to be grand or planned — it just needs to be genuine. Her simple gesture turned a difficult moment into one that restored my faith in people. I hope this story reminds others too, that our humanity often shines brightest in the little moments when we choose to care.

Thank you for reading.

Love, Luna.