One of the biggest concerns that bariatric patients have before weight loss surgery is Dumping syndrome. In recent years many gastric sleeve patients tell me they chose this surgery because they didn't want to get dumping syndrome. This guide will explain what dumping syndrome is and how to prevent it from happening.
Dumping syndrome is common with the gastric bypass. Any surgical procedure that reduces the size of the stomach brings a chance of Dumping. After gastric surgery food movement is hard to regulate. Food may dump too quickly into the small intestine. Symptoms often occur after eating refined sugars. Symptoms can also occur after eating fats. Dumping can occur early after a meal or late.
In the case of early dumping food empties quickly into the small intestine causing stretching of the intestine. Water is also pulled from the bloodstream into the small intestine. Early dumping occurs about 10-30 minutes after food is food is eaten.
Early Dumping Symptoms:
- Full feeling
- Cramping and or pain in the abdomen
- Nausea and/ or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sweating, flushing of the skin
- Feeling light-headed or dizzy
- Rapid heartbeat
Late Dumping is a result of a rapid rise and fall of blood sugar levels. Late dumping can occur 1-3 hours after eating. As a result of a high sugar, meal increased amounts of insulin are secreted to aid in the absorption of the sugar in the small intestine and leade to low blood sugar levels.
Late Dumping Symptoms
- Similar to early dumping: flushing, sweating, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
- Weakness
- Loss of concentration
Foods to limit or avoid
- Candy
- Sweet Drinks
- Cake
- Cookies
- Pastries
- Juice
- Regular Soda
- Alcohol
- High-fat foods
Other ways to prevent or decrease symptoms of Dumping Syndrome:
- Eat 5-6 small meals instead of 3 larger meals.
- Do not drink with meals.
- Do not drink 30 minutes before or after meals.
- Increase intake of fiber.
- Include protein at each meal.
- Chew food thoroughly.
Dumping syndrome can be easily prevented by avoiding foods that are not part of a healthy diet anyway. Regardless of the surgery chosen patients should not choose sweets and high-fat foods as part of their regular diet.
Check out information on other Problematic Foods after Weight Loss Surgery
Cyndie Hanson says
I just wanted to say I just found your site and really like it. I had a gastric sleeve on the 14th of July, I am not losing wt as fast as I thought I would which is a bit disheartening. I was 219 on surgery day and today Im 192. I started my journey at 258 so before surgery I lost almost 40 pounds. I am just having a problem being creative with my diet, I eat the same things every day. So I thought your site would help with that. Looking forward to all the new recipes Im hoping to find.
Thank you,
Cyndie H
Cindy says
Cyanide don't give up!!! Your doing great. I started at 260 lbs and went down to 129! They said I was to thin and had to gain some weight. Never thought I would hear those words. Now after 7 1/2 years I am 150. I feel fat but the doctors say for my height I am at a good BMI. The eating gets better so stick with it.
Anisa Grantham, LPC, MAC says
Thank you for sharing this information on Dumping Syndrome. I am 16 years post-op RNY still dump! We are finding that Sleeve patients are not immune and experience the same symptoms - Thank You for saying it!
sherry L ottoson says
How long does dumping syndrom last? I have found myself down with what seems like a stomach virus for days.....3 times in the last 4 months! Could it be dumping syndrom?
Jennifer Pullman says
I would check with your doctor. Most people with dumping say it only lasts about 20-30 minutes, although they may continue to not feel good. I don't recall anyone saying they felt sick for days.
Alan Saperstein says
I have a strange situation. After having Rny 2009 and never having dumping I went on a no sugar, no flour diet and lost 35 lbs, but I now have bouts of what seem to be Dumping. Soft stools, intestinal cramps and then it all goes away only to come back again on and off. I have been tested for stomach Bacteria and its negative. Totally stumped. I eat lots of fiber and protein.
You thoughts?
Jennifer Pullman says
Have you reached out to a GI specialist? I have never heard of patients getting dumping years later if they didn't have issues, to begin with. I visit to a gastroenterologist might be a good idea.
linda says
I had rny 14 years ago. I just starting dumping 6 months ago, every day. Almost every time I eat. I have very low b12 count because of the dumping. Any idea why this would start after so many years.
Jennifer Pullman says
I don't know why. This would be a question for your surgeon.
Amy says
Hello! I just found this site. I had the Rny just last August and have dropped from 160 to 192 so far. I have had the dumping issue after having turkey bacon from Ihops. I think they fry them in the same grease pan as regular bacon. I haven't really had it since, well except when I had steak with my Dad. Will wait another few months before try it again. Quick question. If I made my own bread with almond or coconut flour, would it have the same effect as eating regular bread?
Jennifer Pullman says
Did you vomit after the bacon or steak? Many patients assume they are dumping if foods "come back up", but it's just your stomach couldn't tolerate it. Dumping is most often caused by high sugar consumption, sometimes high fat that results in diarrhea. With bread, it's the consistency that is the issue, not the ingredients. Anything sticky, spongey, or that doesn't dissolve easily will just sit in your pouch and make you feel yucky.
Gloria Sperling says
Hi,
My husband had the gastric band surgery back in 2003. In the beginning, all he was able to eat were loose eggs..
He now eats more sweets than actual meals. Meals do not go down well with him. Everything seems to be too heavy to eat. I make chicken, he will eat a few bites, spaghetti, a few bites, etc. A few minutes later, he will eat snacks. He doesn't get sick from eating sweets at all. I don't understand what is going on. When he does take a few bites of a meal, he sometimes has this horrible feeling in his stomach and has to regurgitate I am worried about him. Should I tell him to go get scoped or something. Everytime I mention it to him, he ignores me. He hasn't gained all his weight back. He still lost 150 pounds but the way he is eating, it is not normal. HELP!!
Jennifer Pullman says
He really should call his surgeon. Until you can convince him you might want to try making softer foods and also encourage him to chew more and eat slower. It's possible he is just eating too fast or not chewing well enough. Not everyone gets dumping syndrome. Some patients can tolerate sweets! Sweets and other junk foods are called "slider" foods. They melt or dissolve easily so don't cause issues like vomiting. Even though he hasn't gained weight this is not a behavior you want to continue, because he likely will gain the weight back at some point.
Suhey H. says
I had bariatric gastric bypass surgery a year ago and recently (last few months) began experiencing late-phase dumping syndrome. I eat at 6:30am and then have to wait until 7:30am to have my first intake of fluids (usually coffee) before going to work at 8:00am. I usually eat eggs, cheese, bread (or oatmeal / pancakes) and some fruit. At about 8:30am I sometimes have to put work aside (physical labor) as I start feeling shaky, sweaty, and my blood sugar showed around 55-60. Should I avoid bread completely? Also, should I experiment with different timings for eating and drinking such as drinking first and then eating a quick snack before going into work at 8am? We also have a food break at 9:30am, but by that time I'm usually okay...
Jennifer Pullman says
Hi Suhey, you should reach out to your doctor about this issue. As a dietitian, I am not able to diagnose your issue or give specific advice. I will say that what you are describing does not sound like dumping, since dumping doesn't cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Jacqulyn Haynes says
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Hello it's now January 2021 I just had my Gastric Bypass on 21st December 2020.. I wish people would really explain how the goods the lows of having Gastric Bypass. Upon my weight of 251lbs my dr's always say you need to lose the weight to feel better an better health. I believed it that was true", so I sat out on a journey of seeking to have the Gastric Bypass. 1st time to try was a failure ( insurance issue) 2nd time had to relocate back to my home town! 3rd time to get the Gastric Bypass was a go. Got the call to start my clear liquids for two weeks ok a piece of cake no problem. In despair, never thought those two weeks would end. ( Premier Protein) stock pile various flavor so to keep some after surgery. I don't wanna see another (Premeir Protein Shake). Fast forward, after surgery I am MISERABLE, I wish there were something to make me feel better. The Dumping I am having right after eating my stomach goes into frenzy, lightheadness nausea so on. Going into my four week, I'm trying to figure out a plan to go by.. If I can make through the next two weeks being cautious of dumping will help me hold lot. Dumping is my worst part. I just started eating eggs too sick afterwards. I need some pointer. When I drink fluids I'm FULL, but hunger pain set in. When I'm trying to get in 64oz of water is impossible to my stomach. Please get back with me on suggestion.
Jennifer Pullman says
Have you reached out to your surgeon? I would suggest that you contact the surgery team. Dumping is in response to eating too much sugar or fat and that generally results in diarrhea (not vomiting). You are vomiting you need to get checked out to make sure your pouch is ok.
Assia says
Hi, I had my gastric bypass done in 2018. I experienced frequent dumpings - lightheadedness , shakey etc I thought it was low blood sugar but surgeon said it's dumping, it feels like low blood sugar though. 30 minutes after I eat, or 1- 3 hours after I ate. I'm experiencing this more and more, after receiving the Astrazeneca Oxford vaccine.
I don't want to live my life constantly feeling lightheaded after eating and shakey.
Will this be the rest of my life going through dumping? Or will the body eventually adapt to the new anatomy? I'm even contemplating undo surgery because of this.
I hope ill get answer if this is gonna be for life..
Jennifer Pullman says
I would go back to your doctor and see if they think this might also be reactive hypoglycemia. This can happen year after a gastric bypass if patients are eating either carb-heavy meals, carb-free meals, or skip meals altogether. The trick often (if this is was the issue is) to eat 3 meals per day (protein with carbs). If you eat a high carb food don't eat it without protein. Dumping will happen if you are eating foods high in simple sugar.
Denise says
I had the gastric sleeve done on 7/15/21. It us 11/28/21 ive lost 59 pounds so far. You must follow the diet to the T and do everything your doctor/ nutritionist tells you ! I cheated once with bread and drank wine with a meal while out to dinner one evening. I felt terrible before i was done eating and ran to the bathroom and vomited bile. That was the last time i ever cheated! That awful feeling just isnt worth it ! I vow to lose 50 more pounds, stay positive on your journey to better health….