Tips to Avoid Dumping Syndrome after Weight Loss Surgery

At Advanced Surgicare, we strive to educate our patients about what to expect throughout the entire weight loss surgery journey — both the positives and the potential negatives. One of the post-operative side effects from gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery is dumping syndrome.

Dumping syndrome occurs when a large amount of food (especially sugary food) passes too quickly from the stomach into the small intestines without being digested. This causes a release of hormones that affect heart rate, blood pressure, skin flushing and intestinal transit.

Common symptoms include:

• Lightheadedness
• Sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Abdominal cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pain

There are two types of dumping. In early dumping syndrome, symptoms develop approximately 30 to 60 minutes after eating. In late dumping syndrome, symptoms can develop one to three hours after eating.

The symptoms of dumping syndrome can be very uncomfortable and difficult to manage. But rest assured that our team has some tips to help you avoid dumping syndrome.

Avoid Drinking Liquids with Your Meal

Drinking liquids with a meal can increase the volume of GI contents that enter the small intestines. Waiting at least 30 minutes after a meal to drink liquids can reduce the volume entering the small intestines, cutting down on dumping syndrome.

Lay Down after a Meal

Laying down for 30 minutes after eating can help slow the gastric emptying process.

Avoid Sugary, High-fat Foods and Dairy

Sugary, high-fat foods and dairy products should be avoided, as they tend to cause problems. It’s better to eat high amounts of protein and complex proteins, which take the body longer to break down.

Eat Smaller Meals

Eating five to six smaller meals a day as opposed to three larger meals also helps reduce the volume of GI contents entering the small intestines.

Avoid Very Hot or Cold Foods and Beverages

Consuming foods and beverages that are either very hot (e.g., hot chocolate) or cold (e.g., ice cream) can increase gastric motility and emptying. Our team recommends sticking to foods that are room or warm temperature.

Contact Our Team with Questions

If you have questions about dumping syndrome or other post-operative side effects, Advanced Surgicare clinic is here to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us via the phone on 1300 551 533 or email so we can give you the information you need.