What Is Dumping Syndrome?

Dumping syndrome is a complication that can occur after surgery for weight loss or bariatric surgery. It occurs when the stomach begins to empty too quickly, and it can cause a wide range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

What is Dumping Syndrome?

The most common type of bariatric surgery is gastric bypass surgery, in which the stomach is divided into two sections: a small upper section and a larger lower section. The small upper section is then reconnected to the small intestine, bypassing the larger lower section of the stomach. One of the possible complication after bariatric surgery is dumping syndrome. It happens when food dumps from the stomach into the small intestine too quickly. It's also called rapid gastric emptying.

Who is Likely to Experience Dumping Syndrome?

Dumping Syndrome usually occurs in patients who have had stomach or esophageal surgery.

Are There Different Kinds of Dumping Syndrome?

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

• Early dumping syndrome typically occurs within 30 minutes to an hour after eating.
• Late dumping syndrome usually occurs 1-3 hours after eating.

Why Causes Dumping Syndrome?

Experts believe that excess hormones and movement of fluid into your small intestine cause the symptoms associated with early dumping syndrome.

Eating simple sugars (such as sugar, honey, and corn syrup), high-fat foods, or other small-particle foods can cause dumping syndrome in clients who have had bariatric surgery. This occurs when these products are “dumped” from the stomach into the intestine at a rapid rate.

When the body produces excess hormones like insulin, it can lead to low blood glucose and symptoms of late dumping syndrome.

In medical terms "low" means below normal level which could result in fatigue or confusion among other things The effects will come on 1-3 hours after eating a meal due an increased production by your pancreas known as hyperinsulinemia.

Symptoms

Early Dumping Syndrome symptoms occur within 30 minutes of having a meal

• diarrhea
• feeling full or bloated
• nausea
• pain and cramping in your abdomen
• increased loud stomach sounds
• lethargy
• feeling light-headed

Late Dumping Syndrome symptoms occur 1-3 hours after a meal

• feeling light-headed or fainting
• feeling shaky or jittery
• feeling tired
• having a fast or irregular heartbeat
• trouble concentrating
• sweating
• weakness

Preventing Dumping Syndrome

Many people with dumping syndrome have mild symptoms that improve over time with simple changes in eating and diet. Both types of dumping syndrome can be prevented by avoiding high-sugar foods and beverages, eating smaller meals more slowly, and avoiding lying down for at least an hour after eating.

Some things that can help are:

• Eating more small portion meals throughout the day instead of fewer larger portions

• Set a timer and wait at least 30 minutes before drinking liquids after a meal

• Laying down after meals

• Decreasing carbohydrate consumption

• Increasing protein, fiber, and fat consumption

• Avoiding dairy products

If the above suggestions do not help, there are some medications that can be prescribed by your doctor.

We hope that you found this information helpful and informative. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is more than happy to help in any way possible. Additionally, be sure to visit our website for more helpful tips and resources www.DrWadiwala.com