Bariatric procedures are the best way to lose large amounts of excessive weight and keep it off in the long term, along with regular exercise and a healthy diet. And when it comes to bariatric diets, how you eat is just as important as what you eat. Eating too much or too fast, especially simple carbohydrates, can lead to dumping syndrome symptoms that can make you very uncomfortable.
Dumping syndrome is a collection of symptoms that can develop after weight loss surgery, including gastric sleeve, duodenal switch, and gastric bypass surgeries, but is very common in the gastric bypass and less so in the others. It occurs when the contents of the stomach (especially simple carbs) move too rapidly into the small intestine. This can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness, and a feeling of extreme fullness after eating.
This occurs because the newly created stomach pouch can’t hold enough food to slow down digestion like a normal stomach does. The rapid movement of food through the digestive tract causes sugar levels in the blood to rise too quickly, leading to an insulin surge which can cause the symptoms of dumping syndrome.
There are two different types of dumping: early and late dumping syndrome stages. Early dumping syndrome occurs shortly after eating, typically within 10 to 30 minutes. This usually happens when food moves too quickly from your stomach to the intestines. Symptoms of early dumping include nausea, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea.
Late dumping syndrome occurs about 1 to 3 hours after eating and is typically related to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. It happens when the rapid absorption of sugars causes an initial surge in blood sugar levels, followed by an overproduction of insulin that leads to a rapid drop in blood sugar. Late dumping symptoms include hypoglycemia, dizziness, and confusion.
Dumping Syndrome Symptoms
The main symptom of dumping syndrome is abdominal cramping and bloating after eating, usually occurring within 30 minutes of eating. Other symptoms to keep an eye on include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
Although dumping syndrome is usually associated with eating, drinking too much water or gulping liquids in the first two weeks after surgery can also cause discomfort. WeightWise dietitians and surgeons will discuss the proper eating habits in the weeks, months, and years after a weight loss procedure to help keep dumping syndrome at bay.
How to Lessen Symptoms
The best way to treat dumping syndrome is to make changes to your diet, such as avoiding sugary foods and eating small meals. It can also help to eat slowly and chew food thoroughly. Especially at the start, your digestive tract is still adjusting to the procedure and must be given the opportunity to adapt.
Your doctor may also recommend medication that can reduce the symptoms of dumping syndrome, but the real treatment for early and late dumping syndrome is avoiding simple carbs. Surgery may be recommended if other treatments are not successful. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice after weight loss surgery to ensure you don’t develop dumping syndrome.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of dumping syndrome, see a doctor for treatment and further evaluation. They can help diagnose the condition and provide options that best suit your needs. And there could be other issues in play if you have been following diet recommendations all along.
It is also important to see a doctor if you experience any sudden or severe symptoms of dumping syndrome, such as an elevated heart rate, shortness of breath, or fainting. Your doctor can also provide advice on lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments that can keep your weight loss journey on track.
Your doctor may also recommend taking multivitamins and mineral supplements to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs for optimal health. Additionally, it’s important to drink plenty of water (slowly and throughout the day) and get regular exercise to help keep your weight loss journey on track.
Following these tips can help reduce the risk of developing dumping syndrome, and ensure that you achieve your desired results from weight loss surgery. If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of dumping syndrome, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Dumping Syndrome FAQs
Q: What causes dumping syndrome?
A: Dumping syndrome occurs when the contents of the stomach move too quickly into the small intestine. This can be caused by gastric surgery, such as gastric sleeve, duodenal switch, and gastric bypass, as well as eating sugary foods or meals that are too large.
Q: How can I prevent dumping syndrome?
A: The best way to prevent dumping syndrome is to follow your doctor’s advice after weight loss surgery, including eating a low carb diet, taking multivitamins and mineral supplements, avoiding sugary foods, and eating smaller meals more often.
Q: When should I see a doctor for dumping syndrome?
A: If you are experiencing the symptoms of dumping syndrome or any sudden or severe symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation.
Q: What are the long-term effects of dumping syndrome?
A: The long-term effects of dumping syndrome depend on the severity and frequency of symptoms, as well as the treatment that is being used to manage the condition. In some cases, long-term side effects can include nutrient deficiencies due to malabsorption and weight gain due to eating large amounts of food in one sitting.
Q: Can dumping syndrome be cured?
A: Dumping syndrome can be managed with lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice and make necessary changes to reduce the risk of developing more serious complications associated with dumping syndrome.
Q: What foods should be avoided to prevent dumping syndrome?
A: To reduce the risk of developing dumping syndrome, it’s best to avoid sugary foods, simple carbohydrates of any sort and meals that are too large. Eating smaller meals more often can also help prevent symptoms of dumping syndrome. Additionally, it’s important to eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.
Avoid Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome is a collection of symptoms that can occur after weight loss surgery, such as gastric sleeve, duodenal switch, and gastric bypass. The main symptom is abdominal cramps and bloating after eating, usually occurring within 30 minutes of eating too much simple carbs, too much or too fast.
The best way to treat dumping syndrome is to make changes to your diet. It’s also important to follow your doctor’s advice after weight loss surgery to ensure you don’t develop dumping syndrome, including eating an appropriate diet, taking multivitamins and mineral supplements, eating slowly, and chewing food thoroughly.
By understanding more about dumping syndrome and taking the necessary steps to prevent or manage it, you can ensure that your weight loss journey is successful. With the right lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments, you can reduce the risk of developing more serious complications associated with dumping syndrome.
The most important thing is to listen to your body and take the necessary steps to prevent or manage symptoms of dumping syndrome. With the right approach, you can ensure that you get the desired results from weight loss surgery and enjoy a healthy lifestyle for many years to come.