Dumping Syndrome: How to avoid it this summer

Learn more about WLS Dumping in our Spring Season: Unit 4 of Project 2014
 

Summer is a time to celebrate warm weather, sunshine, good friends and good times - often with food and drink. But for people with weight loss surgery celebrations bring the potential for a dietary crisis called dumping syndrome that has the potential to ruin a day of good old fashioned summer time fun.

Gastric Dumping Syndrome, or rapid gastric emptying, is a condition where partially digested food bypasses the stomach too rapidly and enters the small intestine. This causes the pancreas to release excessive amounts of insulin into the bloodstream and symptoms of hypoglycemia occur. Dumping Syndrome is most commonly associated with malabsorptive gastric surgery, specifically gastric bypass surgery. Patients will experience the symptoms of dumping syndrome immediately after eating or within three hours of eating. The symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, profuse sweating followed by chills, dizziness and fatigue. When insulin levels return to normal symptoms subside. Many patients experiencing dumping syndrome find comfort in lying down or sipping fortified water or energy drinks served at warm temperature.

Clearly an episode of dumping syndrome will disrupt any celebration and most weight loss surgery patients will benefit from taking precautions to avoid such an occurrence. Here are four basic dietary and lifestyle guidelines to follow that will help prevent a dumping episode from ruining your summer celebration:

Hydration. Drinking lots of water is the second sacred rule of weight loss surgery. This is of keen importance during the hot summer months when bodies release more fluid through perspiration thus becoming susceptible to dehydration. On warm days filled with outdoor activity be mindful to sip water throughout the day. As a guideline drink one ounce of water for every two pounds of body weight to ensure proper hydration. Vitamin fortified water or non-calorie sports drinks fortified to balance electrolytes may be enjoyed as well to prevent hydration. The symptoms of dehydration often feel like mild dumping syndrome, and some weight loss surgery patients report a higher likelihood of dumping syndrome when they are not properly hydrated.

Protein First. It is particularly important to follow the first rule of weight loss surgery, "Protein First" when partaking from an array of party foods including barbecue, picnic salads and sides, and bountiful desserts. Eating protein first will buffer foods that may potentially cause a dumping episode. Be wary of barbecue sauces that may be high in sugar or breaded and fried protein which is also known to cause dumping. If fried chicken is the only protein offered remove and discard the skin and breading and enjoy the meat without it. Remember to eat two bites of protein to every one bite of complex carbohydrate. When taking small bites of protein three forks will measure about one ounce of protein. The tight feeling in the gastric surgical pouch is a sign of fullness and the signal to stop eating. Avoid discomfort by following this signal and cease eating.

Taste Wisely. Celebrations are often a showcase for friends and relations to share their best dishes including gorgeous calorie and fat laden desserts. Who has not been tempted by the display of outrageous desserts at the annual family reunion? For the weight loss surgery patient unchecked enjoyment of such foods is likely to cause dumping syndrome in the short term and, in the worst case, weight gain in the long run. Patients can find a safe place in simply tasting one or two select desserts without imminent fear of dumping if they have stayed hydrated throughout the day and if they have eating a reasonable amount of lean protein prior to sweet indulgence. One or two bites of a sweet dessert should satisfy the palate and the persistent requests of a beloved relative who urges, "Come on, one little piece of my deluxe super duper chocolate mess is not going to hurt you."

Contribute Good Food. When the occasion allows take the opportunity to provide a weight loss surgery friendly side dish or dessert that you can safely enjoy and others may enjoy as well. It is a great time to demonstrate that healthy can be delicious and attractive. Present salads or side dishes featuring fresh seasonal ingredients and homemade dressings made of pure ingredients that are low in fat and sugar. Prepare sugar-free desserts or snacks following recipes that use popular sugar substitutes which, when enjoyed in moderation, do not cause dumping syndrome. Sugar free pudding and gelatin dishes also fare well at any potluck summer celebration. When a weight loss surgery patient provides safe food for a potluck meal they decrease the temptation to eat foods that are likely to cause dumping syndrome and ruin an otherwise fabulous summer celebration.


Learn more about WLS Dumping in our Spring Season: Unit 4 of Project 2014