Dumping Syndrome After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Dumping syndrome is a condition that can occur after gastric bypass surgery. It happens when food, especially sugar, moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. It can induce uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

After gastric bypass surgery, changes occur in how your digestive system handles food. As a result, it is important to follow a gastric bypass diet and know how many calories should you eat post-op.

Certain foods like sugar and other carbohydrates can move quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. This is called rapid gastric emptying. Rapid gastric emptying may cause dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome usually happens within 30 to 60 minutes after eating or drinking. If you eat too much food at one time, you may experience dumping syndrome.

Furthermore, dumping syndrome happens after any stomach surgery. Therefore, it is crucial to speak to your doctor after your gastric sleeve surgery in Lubbock so as to know how you can manage the condition.

What are the Symptoms?

There are two types of dumping syndrome: early and late. Early signs and symptoms usually occur within the first hour after a meal or drink. They include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Abdominal cramps or pain

Diarrhea or loose stools that are watery and pale in color

Bloating, belching, flatulence (passing gas)

Later signs and symptoms usually occur after one to three hours. They include:

Dizziness or feeling lightheaded

Weakness and fatigue

Feeling faint or passing out (syncope)

How is Dumping Syndrome Treated?

There is no cure for dumping syndrome. However, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. These include:

Changing your diet – you may need to follow a gastric bypass diet instructed by the doctor & eat several small meals instead of three large meals throughout the day. You must also avoid certain foods, such as:

Sugar and other sweets or foods containing sugar (such as candy or ice cream).

Fruits, juices, and dried fruits.

White rice and white bread (instead, choose whole grains).

Foods with a high-fat content (such as fried foods, pastries, and pies).

Carbonated drinks or alcohol.

Taking medicine – you may need to take a medication that slows the rate at which your stomach empties into your intestines. It helps to prevent dumping syndrome from occurring after eating.

Adjusting your activity level – you may need to reduce the amount of exercise you do until your symptoms improve. Exercising too soon after eating can make dumping syndrome worse.