What is Dumping Syndrome?

Dumping syndrome, also known as rapid gastric emptying, is a common side effect of some bariatric surgeries, particularly gastric bypass procedures. It occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. There are two types of dumping syndrome: early and late.

• Early dumping syndrome typically occurs within 30 minutes of eating.
• Late dumping syndrome happens 1-3 hours after a meal.

Both types have their own set of symptoms, which can range from mild to severe.

Common Symptoms of Dumping Syndrome:

1. Early Dumping Syndrome Symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

2. Late Dumping Syndrome Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Shakiness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

What Can I Do to Manage Dumping Syndrome After Bariatric Surgery?

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Importance of Protein

Protein has many different roles to play within the body. It is required to build and maintain muscle mass and it also acts as a source of energy. Eating enough protein is important after bariatric surgery to prevent muscle loss and to keep hair skin and nails strong.

Often if your diet does not provide enough protein thinning of hair or hair loss can be experienced after weight loss surgery. Furthermore, muscle loss can occur which can lead to excess or sagging skin post-surgery. Our bodies cannot make protein without food so it is important that our diet is rich in food sources of protein.

How much protein do I need after bariatric surgery?

It is recommended to consume 60-80g of protein a day after bariatric surgery. While this does not seem like a lot before surgery it can be difficult to consume enough protein with your new, smaller stomach.

High-protein foods include meat, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, and yoghurt. Plant-based sources of protein include tofu, beans, legumes, nuts and soy products.

It is advised to include a source of protein at all meals and snacks. In the early days, post-surgery protein supplements or protein-added foods such as protein milk or protein yoghurt may be required to ensure you meet your protein goals. Have a look at the table below to see if you are meeting the recommended protein requirements.

The post Diet After Bariatric Surgery: Prioritise your Protein appeared first on Blackrock WeightCare.

Blackrock WeightCare dietitians will be on hand to guide you through the changes, answer your questions and keep in touch with you as you recover from surgery. We are always on hand to help!
Immediately after Surgery

Initially, to allow the stomach to heal, post-surgery textures of food and portion sizes need to be modified. It is important to follow the dietary guidelines to prevent damage or stretching of the stomach and to minimise side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

Essentially the dietary recommendations after surgery consist of 4 Stages:

1. Stage 1 – Thin pureed diet (days 1-2 post-op)
   A thin pureed diet will be started in the hospital. You will be offered foods that are thin, smooth and lump-free such as yogurt, pureed porridge or pureed chicken/fish and pureed potato. It is recommended to take 2-3 tablespoons at each meal.
2. Stage 2 – Smoothly pureed diet (from discharge to week 2)
   On discharge from the hospital, you will progress to a smoothly pureed diet. This includes foods that are smooth and lump free. A blender/food processor may be required to achieve this texture. It is recommended to aim for 4-6 small meals and snacks during this stage.
3. Stage 3 – Soft diet (Weeks 2-8, approximately)
   After about 2 weeks of the pureed diet, you will gradually start to introduce soft textured foods. Soft foods should mash easily with a fork. Portion sizes taken will gradually start to increase at this time.
4. Stage 4 –Normal texture diet (Usually from weeks 8-10)
   About 8 weeks after surgery you will start to introduce normal texture foods. The idea at this stage is to continue to include foods from stage 3 and gradually introduce whole foods. In the early stages post-surgery, portion sizes will remain small. Using a side plate will help with portion control.

Protein

Consuming enough protein is important after bariatric surgery. Protein helps you maintain and build your muscle mass. It is also required for recovery and repair after surgery. Protein foods include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans and legumes. At each dietary stage, it is advised to prioritize your protein intake i.e. ‘eat your protein first’.

The Pace of Eating

It is also important to change your eating behaviours after surgery such as your pace of eating. Chewing your food well and eating slowly will help aid digestion. It takes some time to adapt and the more you are prepared for the changes the better. Our dietetic team work with you before surgery, during your hospital stay and after you go home to ease the process and make it as easy as possible.

Fluids after Surgery

Fluid intake also looks different after surgery. It is advised to drink liquids between meals rather than at mealtimes. Sugar-sweetened and carbonated beverages should be avoided. Alcohol is a frequent question – You can drink alcohol after bariatric surgery but only after some time and with modifications. We generally advise that alcohol is avoided for 6 months after surgery but will advise you about this during your consultations with us.

Is surgery for? You can contact us here to discuss the available options.

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