Gastric Bypass Dumping Syndrome: How to Avoid It

Weight loss surgery patients who have gastric bypasseating behavior your blood sugar will not fluctuate and
can suffer from what is called dumping syndrome.you will not dump. Most patients, who crave a taste of
Dumping syndrome is described as a shock-like statesomething sweet, have learned they can tolerate a
when small, easily absorbed food particles rapidlybite of fruit at the end of the meal. Each person must
dump into the digestive system. This results in a veryproceed with caution and discover what works for
unpleasant feeling with symptoms such as a coldtheir body.
clammy sweat, pallor, butterflies in the stomach and aIt is important to note that the dumping experience is
pounding pulse. These symptoms may be followed bydifferent for every person. Some will always have
cramps and diarrhea. This state can last for 30-60extreme dumps and others more mild episodes.
minutes and is quite uncomfortable.Individuals will notice dumping episodes will vary by
A small percentage of long-term post-operativeincident. No two people experience dumping syndrome
patients build a tolerance and do not dump on foodsthe and no two dumping episodes are the same.
that would normally cause dumping syndrome with theDumping is a bittersweet result of the malabsorptive
malabsorptive gastrointestinal system. However, mostgastric bypass surgery. Because patients are
patients learn to avoid the foods that cause dumpingchallenged daily to retrain their eating habits an
because it is so unpleasant.occasional dumping episode is likely to occur.
Foods that typically cause dumping are sweets, fatsAdherence to the four rules will prevent dumping in
and processed carbohydrates. If a person ismost cases. However, every now and again we will
dehydrated the symptoms of dumping will bebe blindsided by a dump caused by a food never
exaggerated.suspected. Keeping a list of poorly tolerated foods will
The most efficient way to avoid dumping is to maintainhelp you avoid them. The acutely dramatic event of
the strict regimen practiced during bariatric infancy:dumping is a convincing motivator to follow the rules
follow the four rules. Eat protein first making sure itand avoid the foods that have trigged a dumping
comprises one-half of every meal. Avoid snacking.episode.
Avoid all sources of simple sugar and yes, this includesTo learn more about the four rules of living well after
cookies, cakes, candy, sodas, ice cream and sorbet.weight loss surgery visit LivingAfterWLS Four Rules.
Sip water throughout the day. When you practice this