The greatest waste in the world is the difference between what we are and what we could become.

Ben Herbster

Phillippians 4:13 

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Dumping Syndrome: Is it good or bad?

Many post-ops HATE dumping syndrome, but are glad they get it. Here is more information, and you can decide whether it is good or not.

Dumping typically occurs 30 to 60 minutes after eating high concentrations of sweets, fats or from overeating.  The pylorus, a valve between the stomach and the duodenum that controls the amt of food released into the small intestines, is eliminated with RNY. The pouch empties directly into the jejunum.   The molecules of the food remain fairly large.  The small bowel responds by diluting what we eat through a process of ‘water recruitment’ into the bowel space. The heart may beat rapidly; you may feel dizzy, and tired.  Your stomach may churn and rumble, and may feel bloated.  It is typically followed by diarrhea..  It is not dangerous. ‘Late dumping’ is caused by an insulin response to the ingested food.  One might feel flushed, sweaty, fatigued, and experience all the signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Dumping syndrome is reported in as many as 50 to 70 percent of RNY patients. It can be prevented by avoiding foods that cause it, such as sweets and fatty foods; also, avoid overeating, and drinking with meals.

Ewww, the foamies.

Remember, your pouch is small. It is made from the part of your stomach that has little elasticity. ONE extra bite can make you sick. Your pouch will protect itself if dry, and stuffed by producing a white mucous. This mucous can make you nauseated. The pouch is lubricating itself. Some can even feel this process in their nose, by a full or stuffy sensation. Some can combat the foamies by sipping on acidic juices such as, lemon water, tea with lemon, pickle juice, water with apple cider vinegar in it. Try not to vomit, as vomiting is hard on your pouch.

“Honeymoon syndrome” and your window of opportunity.

The honeymoon syndrome is usually the first 6 months post-op. No matter what you do during this period, you will more than likely (barring mechanical failure of your surgery) lose weight. USE this time to retrain your old habit. Eat right, drink water, and exercise. It won’t always be this easy. Some people tend to get comfortable and assume it will be this easy always… they are sadly mistaken.

The window of opportunity usually lasts up to 14-18 months. During this time, it is still rather easy to lose weight. It is becoming more dependent on your personal habits, and less on the structure of your surgery.

As time goes on, your pouch will stretch. Some can hold 1 cup, others 2. Your body will compensate and your intestines will learn to absorb more nutrients, including calories and fats. The fact of the matter is, is you can still lose and maintain no matter the “size” of your pouch as long as you have good habits.

In the beginning it is 90% surgery, and 10% you to make you lose weight. 2+ years out, it is said to be 90% you and 10% surgery. This is ONLY a tool. You must keep your tool in proper operating condition. You must utilize your tool to the best of your ability. You must keep yourself and your tool healthy by following the rules. Eat right, exercise, drink lots of water, and eat in moderation. You can eat what you want… Just not as much as you used to.