Patient Appointments: 404-977-5824 | Hospitals & physicians: 404-881-8020
Skip to main content

What is Dumping Syndrome?

Dumping Syndrome is a fairly common result of gastric bypass patients eating high fat or high sugar foods after surgery. Dumping can also happen as a result of drinking water or other liquids during a meal rather than between meals.

Generally speaking, dumping syndrome is not a life-threatening emergency, but it is very uncomfortable. It occurs when the food consumed passes through the stomach too quickly, dumping into the small intestine with very little digestion having taken place. It is also called rapid gastric emptying.

Symptoms of dumping syndrome include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sweatiness, fatigue and other undesirable side effects. These symptoms are usually accentuated in gastric bypass patients since the majority of the stomach has been cut away and the small intestine has been altered. Dumping can happen immediately or up to a few hours after a meal depending on the food consumed and the individual’s metabolism.

There is no sure way to avoid dumping syndrome except to eliminate the foods and actions that cause it. Following your dietitian’s nutritional plan and staying away from high fat and high sugar foods is a must. Patients should also avoid drinking any kind of liquid with a meal. Rather drink water and other liquids 45 minutes before or after a meal.

If you have any questions about dumping syndrome or how to avoid it, speak to your physician or our office. If you have any severe symptoms and believe you are having a medical emergency please call 911 immediately.

You Might Also Enjoy...

5 Ways to Maintain Your Weight Loss Surgery Results

5 Ways to Maintain Your Weight Loss Surgery Results

Reaching your weight loss goal can be thrilling, but maintaining your results is challenging, even after weight loss surgery. We have some strategies to help you stay at your new weight so you can continue to thrive.
What to Expect from Your Sleeve Retightening Procedure

What to Expect from Your Sleeve Retightening Procedure

If you’ve had a sleeve gastrectomy but don’t seem to be losing weight anymore, it may be time to consider a sleeve retightening procedure. Let’s look at why it might be necessary and what you can expect if the surgery is the right fit for you.
Why Is Weight Loss More Difficult After 40?

Why Is Weight Loss More Difficult After 40?

Losing weight can be complicated at any age, but there are factors that make it more difficult as you age. Here’s what you need to know about weight loss and why it may feel harder to shed weight after age 40.
Pros and Cons of Lap-Band Surgery

Pros and Cons of Lap-Band Surgery

Lap-Band® surgery is one of the many tools available to help you lose a significant amount of weight, but as with any surgery, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding if it’s the right weight loss option for you.
Help! I'm Beginning to Regain Weight

Help! I'm Beginning to Regain Weight

Regaining some weight after bariatric surgery isn’t unusual, and about a quarter of patients struggle with considerable weight regain. But we can help. Here’s what you need to know about weight regain after bariatric surgery, and what you can do.