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The symptoms can be uncomfortable and concerning but are not life-threatening. Fortunately, diet modifications can help prevent or reduce the symptoms experienced for most people.
How common is dumping syndrome? The prevalence of dumping syndrome has been reported to be as much as 85% of bariatric patients . A more recent study confirmed that almost 85% of RYGB and SG patients experienced symptoms of early dumping. Late dumping was not as prevalent (28-36% for RYGB and SG, respectively).
What causes dumping syndrome? Under usual circumstances, it takes several hours for food to move from the stomach to the small intestine. However, after gastric surgery, the food moves through the stomach in a less controlled way and much more quickly.
Additionally, gastric surgery reduces the volume that the stomach can hold at any one time.
Dumping syndrome occurs after eating a meal and it is described as early stage dumping or late stage dumping.
Early-stage dumping vs Late-stage dumping In early-stage dumping, undigested food passes quickly through the stomach. This quick passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine causes a fluid shift.
Fluid from the blood vessels moves to the small intestine causing the individual to feel more full or bloated. The influx of fluid can lead to additional symptoms like cramping and diarrhea.
Additionally, people may experience tachycardia (elevated heart rate) or feel faint because of less fluid in the blood vessels. These symptoms typically occur 30-60 minutes after a meal.
In late-stage dumping, the quick delivery of partially digested foods to the small intestine causes a rise in blood sugar that is faster than normal. This signals the pancreas to release insulin and the quick release of insulin can ultimately lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
This is also referred to as postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia or reactive hypoglycemia. Late dumping may not be seen in the first year immediately after surgery.
Does dumping syndrome vary depending on the bariatric procedure? Since the RYGB surgery is restrictive with some malabsorption, it makes sense that some level of dumping syndrome may occur.
The RYGB procedure involves creating a small gastric pouch and then connecting it lower down the small intestinal tract (jejunum), bypassing a portion of the proximal intestines (duodenum).
This also means that the pylorus, which controls the movement of food to the small intestine is bypassed. The portion of the intestine that is bypassed still provides bile and pancreatic juices to mix with food in the jejunum.
The sleeve gastrectomy (SG) procedure is much more common now. It is a restrictive procedure without malabsorption. This procedure involves making the stomach smaller to limit food intake but the nutrients are absorbed normally.
About 85% of people having undergone RYGB or SG report symptoms of early dumping. Research has found reactive hypoglycemia to be just as common after SG compared to RYGB, although people that had an RYGB could be at greater risk of more severe hypoglycemic events.
It’s a common thought that only RYGB patients battle dumping syndrome; however, it’s a common side-effect of bariatric surgery whether you’ve had the RYGB or SG.
What are the symptoms of dumping syndrome? Symptoms of dumping syndrome can vary depending on whether you are experiencing early or late phase dumping.
Symptoms of early dumping are related to the release of gut hormones and the influx of water into the small intestine. As a result, the symptoms involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
The symptoms of late dumping are those associated with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You should be familiar with symptoms of hypoglycemia which may include:
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Feeling weak Fatigue Lightheaded Dizziness Chills Sweating Nervousness, anxious, or shaky Hunger [/box]
Below is a list of symptoms associated with early and late dumping syndrome:
Early dumping (30-60 minutes post meal) Late dumping (1-3 hrs post meal)
Feel full (even after small meal) Heart palpitations
Bloating Sweat
Flushing Fatigue
Stomach growling Confusion
Abdominal cramps Fainting
Nausea Hunger
Diarrhea Aggression
Sweating Tremors
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Fainting
High heart rate
Heart palpitations
How is dumping syndrome diagnosed? If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after surgery, you should discuss this with your physician.
Reports of symptoms that coincide with meal times (30-60 minutes after a meal) are often enough to diagnose early dumping. In some cases additional testing may be needed.
An oral glucose tolerance test or gastric emptying study test are two options for testing. Your physician would need to order any additional testing.
To confirm a diagnosis of late dumping (postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia), one must be having symptoms a year out from the surgery, keep a food journal, and have confirmatory lab work and testing.
Does dumping syndrome ever go away? The good news is that dumping syndrome can go away. Most experience improvements over time with proper diet modifications. Changes to the diet are the initial approach to treat dumping syndrome.
What changes should I make to my diet? There are several diet modifications that can help mitigate the symptoms associated with dumping syndrome. These include:
Eating 6 small meals daily
Eating small portions as suggested in the bariatric diet
Cutting food into small pieces and chewing well
Stopping eating when you feel full
Avoiding refined sugars
Eating complex carbs (if you are in phase 4/stabilization diet)
Adding fiber
Drinking fluids only 30 minutes before or after a meal
Avoiding alcohol
Avoiding dairy products (if you do not tolerate dairy)
Some of these tips should sound familiar to you already. Many of the diet modifications for dumping syndrome are already part of the post-bariatric procedure diet.
For example, high sugar items like desserts are more likely to lead to GI symptoms associated with dumping but desserts are already on the avoid list of foods. Thus, experiencing symptoms after eating a food that should be avoided, may serve as negative reinforcement.
The following is a list of foods to avoid eating if you are experiencing dumping syndrome:
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As a reminder, you will want to be sure you are following portion sizes recommended for you and emphasize getting protein in first. Additionally, getting a minimum of 64 ounces (8 cups) of fluid daily is recommended but it should be consumed 30 minutes before or after your meal.
Below is a list of foods that you can eat after a RYGB or SG:
[table id=25 /]
What if I still have symptoms of dumping syndrome after changing my diet? Most people see improvement with diet changes but there are a few who don’t. You should call your physician if you don’t see improvement within 2-4 weeks of diet modifications.
In this case, there are a couple of medications that may be prescribed. For late dumping, acarbose may help to slow sugar absorption. Another medication, octreotide, may help to slow gastric emptying. Your physician will assess whether you are a good candidate for either medication.
Summary In summary, nutrition therapy prescribed after your bariatric surgery should help prevent the symptoms associated with dumping syndrome. In some cases, further adjustments to the diet may be needed.
Be sure to discuss with your physician if you are experiencing symptoms of dumping syndrome. Working with your physician and a Registered Dietitian is recommended as those who continue to follow up with their team see the best outcomes after bariatric surgery.