Understanding and Avoiding Dumping Syndrome 

Dumping syndrome can happen after gastric bypass or other weight loss surgery types. It can cause symptoms as soon as 10 minutes after a meal, and can lead to running to the bathroom. Episodes can result from eating too much sugar at once, so avoiding sugar is key. The BariatricPal Store has plenty of sugar-free foods and beverages that can help you satisfy your sweet tooth while you avoid dumping syndrome and stay on your weight loss meal plan.

What Is Dumping Syndrome?

It is when food is “dumped,” or rapidly moved, from your stomach to your small intestine. The movement of food is so fast that the food is largely undigested. The food is so concentrated that it affects gut hormones and your body sends water into the small intestine. 

Early symptoms can happen 10 to 30 or 60 minutes after eating. They can include these.

• Diarrhea
• Rapid heart rate
• Sweating
• Bloating
• Dizziness

Late symptoms can occur because of low blood sugar. This “reactive hypoglycemia” is a reaction to the high blood sugar and insulin levels from eating too much sugar or starch. When blood sugar drops, these symptoms can occur.

• Hunger
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Fainting

Safe Foods to Prevent Dumping Syndrome

Dumping syndrome is more likely when your foods are high in sugars or starches. So, low-carb, sugar-free foods are safer than sugary, high-carb choices. Plus, eating some protein can slow the movement of food to the small intestine and lower the risk of dumping syndrome.

The BariatricPal Store has plenty of high-protein, low-carb foods that will make you forget that you cannot eat sugary, carb-laden fare. These are just a few examples.

• Low-Carb, High-Protein Pretzels and Chips
• Protein Cereal and Oatmeal
• Protein Cookies, Cakes, and Brownies (single-serve ready-to-eat, and mixes)
• Low-Carb Pancake and Baking Mixes
• Sugar-Free Chocolate and Candy
• Low-Carb Bread and Pasta
• Bean, Cheese, and Fish Snacks

Whatever the occasion and whatever the craving, you can find a low-carb, sugar-free alternative at The BariatricPal Store.

Safe Beverages to Prevent Dumping Syndrome

Sugary drinks can be among the greatest culprits in dumping syndrome. Soft drinks, smoothies, juice drinks, and sweetened coffee can lead to dumping syndrome, and quickly. You do not need to give up your refreshing favorite treats, though. The BariatricPal Store has all kinds of sugar-free choices that also have protein to slow digestion and reduce the risk of dumping syndrome.

• Protein Shakes in all kinds of flavors, including Chocolate, Vanilla, Cinnamon Roll, and Caramel
• Protein Smoothies with fruit flavors such as Mango, Pineapple, Strawberry, and Banana
• Protein Fruit Drinks with flavors such as Apple, Grape, and Cranberry
• Protein Hot Drinks in Mocha, Hot Cocoa, and Cappuccino

Dumping syndrome can be so severe and unpleasant that avoiding it is a top priority. You do need to limit or eliminate added sugars to prevent dumping syndrome, but that does not mean avoiding all sweet treats. The BariatricPal Store has sugar-free foods and beverages that can satisfy cravings without leading to symptoms of dumping syndrome from an overload of sugar.