Question:
what is the dumping syndrome?

   — ceelybee (posted on March 8, 2007)

March 8, 2007

   — Dina McBride

March 8, 2007
Here is a link into a Mayo Clinic description of the Dumping Syndrome: <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dumping-syndrome/DS00715>. It's EXCELLENT! Actually "dumping" refers to the dumping of undigested stomach contents into the jejunum, not the (often) regurgitation of a meal. So "dumping" is the cause, not the effect. I look upon the dumping symdrome as a blessing in disguise. When I select what and how much I eat, I try to do it with the idea of avoiding the syndrome since it is not pleasant. The avoidance of the symdrome via eating less and eating the right kinds of food has been a very positive factor in helping me lose a lot of weight since RNY surgery in 7/06. This is one reason why I highly recomment RNY over lapband. With lapband, I understand that there is no dumping syndrome; therefore, less incentive to "toe the mark" with your diet. The dumping symdrome acts like a traffic cop. If the 'cop' sees you violating the "rules" of eating, it issues you a summons and you have to appear in "court". The judge usually finds you guilty and sentences you to a trip to the toilet where you up-chuck your meal -- or at least some of it.
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 8, 2007
Hi Cecille, thanks for writing. It looks like the other two posts were full of information, so I won't repeat what they said. I will say that dumping syndrome is different for everyone. Some get it all the time, some not at all, some get all the symptoms, and some done. I had real dumping probably 2 or 3 times the first six months after surgery, but that was it. I am 3 years out now. However, if I eat the wrong foods or too much of something then I can also get a form of dumping now and it will "clean me out". Sometimes I am really thankful for that. I had a wonderful spinach salad this past week with veggies and bacon dressing, it was wonderful, but I completely cleaned out in the middle of the night. It was clearly the salad. However, no regrets, I was cleaned out, and had the salad of my dreams, so I feel like it was a win/win situation. I don't think it was the bacon dressing, but the spinach that made the "move". Too much roughage can do that and I think that is what happened. No nausea, no illness, just cleaning out. The truth is you won't know what you have until you are on the other side, and it also depends on if you try and cheat or not. But I will say that if you are not willing to follow the rules and change "for good", don't go here. You may lose all you want in the beginning, but you will regain in the end and be sorry you went through the surgery. It is not a miracle, but a tool. Use your tool and it will benefit you, abuse the tool, you lose, just not weight. I am glad you started a page on obesityhelp. Take a look at my journey, and be sure to log your own. I loved having all my research and thoughts on a personal page. I never lost it, and always knew where to go to find it. Take care, and best to you. Patricia P
   — Patricia P