Q&A: What is dumping syndrome and will I get it after my sleeve?

You might have heard of Dumping Syndrome, especially if you’ve spent some time on forums or in weight loss surgery groups. In this post, I explain what Dumping Syndrome is, why you might get it and what to do about it if you do!

What is dumping syndrome?

Dumping Syndrome is the name for a bunch of symptoms that occur after eating certain foods. In a normal digestive system, food will be sent from the stomach to the small intestine slowly, and in small bits. After some stomach surgeries, including weight loss surgeries, this normal process is interrupted and food enters the small intestine faster and in larger amounts. The symptoms of “dumping” occur when your small intestine receives sugars (which are usually partially digested by the time they arrive) and reacts badly.

There are two types of dumping syndrome: early dumping and late dumping:

• Early dumping usually starts within 20-30 minutes after a meal and can last for up to an hour. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea and bloating as well as fatigue, flushing, rapid heart rate, sweating and fainting.
• Late dumping usually starts 1-3 hours after the meal and gives the symptoms of low blood sugar like sweating, palpitation, hunger, fatigue, confusion, tremors and fainting. Late dumping is much less common that early dumping.

Will “dumping” happen to me??

Dumping syndrome is most common in those who have had gastric bypass. Whilst not so common after a sleeve, it can still happen and studies show around 25% of people with a sleeve can have some sort of dumping symptoms after a sugary meal.

What foods should I avoid?

Usually, foods that will set off “dumping” are those that are high in refined sugars (or high GI). Common triggers for dumping include:

• Dairy products like milkshakes or sugary yoghurts.
• High calorie liquids, especially juices, smoothies or soft drinks.
• Sweets, lollies, cakes or deserts.

The best way to avoid the symptoms is to avoid eating these foods in the first instance. Choose lower GI carbohydrates like whole grains, starchy vegies or fruit for carbs instead.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of dumping syndrome and avoiding the above foods doesn’t help, see your Dietitian and your surgeon for help. In some cases medication or further changes to your diet might be needed.

Finally, if you’ve got any more questions about dumping syndrome, please post a comment below. And, feel free to share if you think someone you know might like this post, too!