Are you experiencing pain, bloating, fatigue, or nausea after eating? If you have recently undergone gastric surgery, you could be encountering dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome, also called rapid gastric emptying, is a condition that can develop after gastric bypass surgery and occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the intestines.
Don’t let your health dictate your social plans, energy levels, and personal comfort. Find the relief you deserve by learning more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for dumping syndrome from the experts at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.
What Is Dumping Syndrome (Rapid Gastric Emptying)?
When a person experiences early dumping syndrome, also known as rapid gastric emptying, food is “dumped” into the small intestine without proper digestion. This process leads to uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, swelling, abdominal pain, and other digestive issues.
In addition to these gastrointestinal symptoms, individuals with dumping syndrome may also experience systemic symptoms, including light-headedness and fatigue after meals. These symptoms can manifest anywhere from 10 minutes to 3 hours post-eating. Dumping syndrome is a condition often discussed in the context of digestive and kidney diseases, highlighting its impact on overall health and well-being.
SYMPTOMS OF DUMPING SYNDROME
This can be categorized into two types: early dumping syndrome symptoms and late dumping syndrome. Early dumping syndrome symptoms happen 10 to 30 minutes after a meal, whereas late dumping syndrome happens 1 to 3 hours after eating. Some common symptoms of dumping syndrome include:
- Bloating
- Swelling
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Facial flushing
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Diarrhea
- An uncomfortable feeling of fullness (even after small portions)
CAUSES
To understand the causes of dumping syndrome, it is essential to grasp the workings of the digestive system and the role of rapid gastric emptying. The digestive tract produces and releases hormones that regulate its functions. When food moves too quickly from the stomach to the intestines, a phenomenon known as rapid gastric emptying, the digestive tract releases an excess of these hormones. This triggers the body to shift fluid from the bloodstream into the small intestine. This fluid shift, along with other substances released by the intestines in response to undigested food, leads to the symptoms of dumping syndrome.
Dumping syndrome is commonly associated with gastric bypass surgery and other types of stomach surgery. There are two types of dumping syndrome: early dumping syndrome, which occurs within 10 to 30 minutes after eating, and late dumping syndrome, which can occur 1 to 3 hours after eating. Both types can result from the rapid transit of food into the intestines, causing a range of symptoms from abdominal pain and bloating to light-headedness and fatigue. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing and treating the condition, particularly in digestive and kidney diseases.
HOME REMEDIES
So, what can you do at home to try and treat this condition? The first thing that you need to do is try to change what you eat and how you eat. Some diet changes include:
- Avoid liquids until at least 30 minutes after a meal
- Lie down for 30 minutes after a meal to alleviate symptoms
- Avoid foods high in simple carbohydrates
- Increase your protein and fibre intake
- Avoid dairy products
- Avoid alcohol
Managing your blood sugar levels by avoiding high-sugar foods can also help alleviate symptoms of dumping syndrome.
Eating 6 small meals daily instead of the traditional 3 meals daily may be beneficial. Your doctor will recommend what specific foods you should avoid and any other steps you need to take to prevent dumping syndrome symptoms.
POST-OP BEST PRACTICES AFTER GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY
If you have had stomach surgery and want to try and limit your symptoms, do not attempt to just “power through” dumping syndrome symptoms. Instead, rest whenever you feel tired. Ample rest will allow your body to regulate its processes.
Daily walks may help alleviate feelings of bloating and puffiness if you can. We also recommend not lifting anything that may cause you to strain, such as a vacuum cleaner, a child, bags of dog food, or a heavy briefcase.
Find Relief from Dumping Syndrome
You deserve to enjoy dinner with friends or breakfast with your family without worrying about possible side effects. If you notice any symptoms of dumping syndrome, it’s essential to contact a doctor. A medical professional may recommend an oral glucose tolerance test to diagnose late-phase dumping syndrome. A medical professional will be able to analyze your unique symptoms and advise treatments to give you relief. Don’t let your health dictate your social plans, energy levels, and comfort!
TREATMENT AT BMI SURGERY
If you are struggling with dumping syndrome, don’t hesitate to contact Dr Long and his team today. Doctors may use the Dumping Symptom Rating Scale to assess your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment. Proudly serving the Birmingham area, we specialize in all types of bariatric surgery and can help you with post-op recovery. Call us today at 205-850-1973 or online to schedule a consultation.
We look forward to helping you take back control of your health!
