After bariatric surgery, food and fluids will generally enter your small intestine faster and in larger amounts than before. This can sometimes lead to experiencing dumping syndrome. In this article, we will explain what dumping syndrome is and how it can be identified. We also discuss how you can manage the symptoms.
If you are having any difficulties following bariatric surgery, make an appointment to see Dr. Blake Movitz at Detroit Weight Loss Center in Commerce Charter Twp or Southfield, Michigan. We can provide expert advice and treatment to help you with your weight loss journey.
Dumping syndrome is a common occurrence following Roux en Y gastric bypass (RNYBG) surgery. This occurs when food travels from your stomach pouch into your small intestine before it is fully digested.
You can experience early dumping 10 to 30 minutes after eating or late dumping 1 to 3 hours after a meal. The symptoms of each type are different.
Early dumping syndrome is very common after bariatric surgery. Symptoms can occur after 30-60 minutes and continue for 60 minutes. Typical early dumping symptoms include:
Late dumping syndrome occurs in about 1 in 4 gastric bypass patients. Late dumping symptoms are related to low blood sugar and include the following:
The triggers of early dumping syndrome and late dumping syndrome differ from one another.
Early Dumping Syndrome occurs when sugars or carbohydrates from the stomach pouch are dumped into the small intestine at an earlier stage of digestion, triggering the release of gut hormones. These hormones cause fluid from your bloodstream to pass into your intestines, causing bloating and fullness.
The extra fluid in your intestine can also lead to an episode of diarrhea within 30 – 60 minutes. The release of these hormones will also affect blood pressure, heart rate, and intestinal transit, causing symptoms like lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, and skin flushing.
Late Dumping Syndrome happens due to a drop in blood sugar levels (reactive hypoglycemia) following a large insulin surge after consuming sugar. This low blood sugar usually occurs 1 to 3 hours after eating.
Meals high in starches or sugars, including fructose or table sugar, increase the likelihood of late dumping syndrome. The high insulin levels subsequently cause blood sugar to drop excessively.
Dumping syndrome is a common occurrence for those who have had gastric surgery. Some studies have shown that it can occur in 85% of patients who have had RNYGB surgery. The extent of your symptoms will depend on your surgery, ranging from mild to severe.
Eating certain foods will put you at greater risk of experiencing dumping syndrome. If you eat refined sugars such as high fructose corn syrup or carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, you will more likely experience dumping syndrome. Eating dairy and fried foods, as well as some fats, can also put you at risk.
Contact Dr. Blake Movitz at Detroit Weight Loss Center if you have any of the symptoms above. He will diagnose dumping syndrome based on the symptoms you experience. He will want to know what foods and liquids trigger the condition. You may need to perform a glucose tolerance test or hydrogen breath test to complete your diagnosis.
Dumping syndrome is often managed by making changes to your diet or the way you eat. Try the following suggestions may help relieve the symptoms of dumping syndrome:
If you continue to have dumping syndrome after making these dietary changes, tell your healthcare team. They may decide to give you medications such as Acarbose or Somatostatin to help with your symptoms.
If you are struggling with symptoms of dumping syndrome, book an appointment with Dr. Blake Movitz at Detroit Weight Loss Center in Commerce Charter Township or Southfield, Michigan. We can offer individualized solutions to help you with all your post-bariatric surgical needs. Contact us today!
Dr. Blake Movitz
Fellowship trained from the Mayo Clinic in Minimally Invasive Advanced GI Surgery, Complex Endoscopy and Bariatric Surgery.
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“I highly recommend Dr. Movitz for his exceptional and comprehensive approach to healthcare. He meticulously reviewed all past tests and considered every aspect of my case then provided me with a well-rounded plan of action. He is truly a knowledgeable, caring, and personable professional.” Carol W.