WHAT IS DUMPING SYNDROME?
Dumping syndrome is one of the known complications of Gastric Bypass surgery, and is a physiological reaction which alerts the body to inappropriate eating.  The symptoms are highly unpleasant, so extreme that they create a powerful incentive to carefully control food intake.

Medically speaking the process is the rapid flushing of stomach contents into the small intestine, a "dumping" that occurs much faster than would normally. This dumping is immediately followed by a cascade of sensations as the body's chemistry is shocked and then reacts.  The reaction is in the form of excess fluid added to the small intestine, which in turn generates the dumping symptoms.  Symptoms can include nausea, rapid pulse, diarrhea, cold sweats, abdominal cramping, and general weakness or lightheadedness.


Of course the dumping experience is different for each person and will vary by incident. Different food types will cause different reactions.  Also unpredictably, the time interval between intake and reaction can vary with early dumping occurring either during or immediately following a meal and late dumping from 1 to 2 hours later.

THE SOLUTION
The easiest and most reliable way to avoid dumping is by careful control of diet.  That means avoiding the foods known to induce a dumping reaction.  Since the main culprit is sugar, you must avoid sugary foods and that means even foods with natural sugar such as fruit juice, which should be mixed with water before drinking.  Of course it's not easy to avoid sweets, but you'll be surprised how much your cravings will decrease after surgery.  And if that doesn't work, then a single episode of dumping will be more than enough to dissuade you from satisfying any residual "sweet tooth" you may have.


Another useful idea is to eat several small meals during the day instead of three big ones. This can make life easier on your digestive system and will be less likely to shock it.  And while you are eating, try to avoid drinking anything during or after meals as this will be more likely to increase the speed which food passes through your stomach into your intestine.

Finally, over time you should try to transition to a low carbohydrate diet with emphasis on whole grains and vegetables combined with moderate amounts of protein and fiber.  And don't forget to take your doctor recommended vitamins.  Your nutritional profile will not be complete without them.