Before and after bariatric surgery, there are possible complications you should be aware of – one of which is dumping syndrome. What is it, what are the symptoms and how can you help prevent it?
Key takeaways
- Dumping syndrome occurs in 10–75% of gastric bypass patients and 33% of gastric sleeve patients.
- Early dumping occurs within the first hour after eating; late dumping (reactive hypoglycaemia) 1–3 hours after eating.
- Diet modification is the first step in prevention.
- Contact your surgical team if you think you are experiencing dumping syndrome.
Symptoms of dumping syndrome
Dumping syndrome can vary in symptoms and is most common in gastric bypass patients. It has been found to occur in 10–75% of gastric bypass patients, as well as in 33% of gastric sleeve patients.2 It tends to be a self-inflicted complication: when high-sugar foods are consumed, they tend to pass through the stomach undigested, causing a reaction in your small intestine that draws in water. This fluid shift causes the first stage, known as early dumping.1
| Early dumping | Late dumping (reactive hypoglycaemia) | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Within the first hour after eating | 1–3 hours after eating |
| Cause | Fluid shift into the small intestine | Increased release of insulin, resulting in hypoglycaemia2 |
| Symptoms | Diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal cramping and a high heart rate2 | Very similar to low blood sugar: feeling shaky, sweaty, extremely tired and weak |
You may not experience all these symptoms. Just one is typically uncomfortable enough to make you avoid that food in the future.
Ways to prevent dumping syndrome
Preventing dumping syndrome can be simple, but it is not guaranteed. The first step is diet modification. For mild cases, it is recommended to:3
- not drink fluids for at least 30 minutes after a solid meal;
- avoid simple sugars;
- eat small amounts 6 times a day;
- avoid milk and dairy products.
If a case is more severe, or does not respond to diet modification, alternative measures can be taken, including medication and/or surgical interventions.2
If you are (or think you are) experiencing dumping syndrome, always contact your surgical team. They will be your best coach on how to combat it.
Sources
- Hui C, Dhakal A, Bauza GJ. Dumping Syndrome. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2 July 2020.
- Parrott JM, et al. The optimal nutritional programme for bariatric and metabolic surgery. Current Obesity Reports. 2020;9(3):326–338. doi:10.1007/s13679-020-00384-z
- Ramadan M, et al. Risk of dumping syndrome after sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: early results of a multicentre prospective study. Gastroenterology Research and Practice. 2016;2016:1–5. doi:10.1155/2016/2570237
This article is for general information only and does not replace personal medical advice. Always discuss your situation, blood test results and supplementation with your bariatric team or healthcare provider.