Dumping Syndrome – What you need to know.

What is Dumping Syndrome?

Dumping syndrome commonly occurs after certain types of surgeries, notably bariatric surgery.  The primary cause is the rapid gastric emptying of undigested food into the small intestine, triggering difficult and debilitating symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Dumping Syndrome?

There are two types of Dumping Syndrome; early stage and advanced stage (Late dumping).

People suffering with Early Stage Dumping Syndrome may experience symptoms as soon as 10-30 minutes after eating.

Symptoms include;

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Bloating
• Weakness
• Cold sweats
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Cramps

Late Dumping Syndrome usually occurs around 1-3 hours after eating. Late Dumping Syndrome occurs when sugars move too from the stomach to the small intestine causing blood sugar levels to rise. The pancreas   tries to combat the rise in blood sugar levels by releasing insulin to help blood sugar levels drop.

Symptoms of Late Dumping Syndrome include:

• Low blood sugar
• Rapid heartbeat
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Cold sweats

How to reduce symptoms of Dumping Syndrome

 Many sufferers reduce their symptoms of dumping syndrome by making simple changes to their eating habits.

Dietary changes include (but are not limited to):

• increasing protein consumption, fibre and fat
• Eating fewer carbs – when carbs are eaten the focus should be on complex carbs (wholegrains, fruits, veggies) not simple sugars such sweets and biscuits which are known to exacerbate symptoms of dumping syndrome.
• Avoiding milk and milk products
• Adding thickening agents like pectin or guar gum to your food.

Changing the way in which you eat can also help, for instance,  eating small meals throughout the day as opposed to 3 larger ones,  delaying fluid intake until 30 minutes after each meal. Lying down after eating can also help to slow the food’s progression through your digestive system which can help avoid dumping syndrome.