Someone just asked me why...

Someone just asked me why sugar makes us dump and I couldn't explain. I am pretty sure someone has explained this to me in the pre-op process, but I can't remember. Please let me know the answer.

Cause: Rapid entry of hypertonic chyme into Sm. Intestine. Causes fluid to move into bowel lumen, decreasing plasma volume. Resultant distention of intestine causes GI Sx. Ok, now that you have the medical explanation that is more complicated than taxes, here is a more human responce: Dumping Syndrom is caused by the high osmolarity of simple carbohydrates in the bowel. The various types of sugar all have small molecules, so that a gram of (for example) sucrose has MANY more molecules than a gram of protein, creating a higher concentration (number of molecules per cc) from simple sugars than from other foods. This matters because, inside the body, fluid shifts will generally go toward the higher concentration of molecules. So, if a patient consumes a bite of milk chocolate (lots of sugar), when it gets to the Roux limb it will quickly "suck" a significant amount of fluid into the bowel. This rapid filling of the small bowel causes it to be stretched (which causes cramping pain). This also causes the activation of hormonal and nerve responses that cause the heart to race (palpitations) and cause the individual to become clammy and sweaty. Vomiting or diarrhea may follow as the intestine tries to quickly rid itself of this "irritant." I hope this helps! Darrell Brooks www.ImLosing.net

And this doesn't happen to people who have not had surgery because the stomach is bigger (better) at processing the sugar? Their intestine is longer? Inquiring minds!!!

Thanks Darrell. That is exactly what I wanted to know. I see that we are practically neighbors. Thanks again. Donna

Anytime I can help, feel free to ask, email me, or visit my web site. I myself am still pre-op ****il Sept 28th), but was supposed to have my date In July. My brother in law had his surgery last Monday with minor comlications, my wife this comming monday, and her sister, then myself. With the family all getting WLS we have done tons of research, belonged to a group that was great for information, and have a great doctor, I learned alot, and am always willing to share what I know, or look up & ask what I don't. Good luck, and keep in touch! Darrell Brooks www.ImLosingIt.net

The reason that sugar does not cause dumping in non-operated people is that the stomach, pancreas, and liver work together to prepare nutrients (or sugar) before they reach the small intestine for absorption. The stomach serves as a reservoir that releases food downstream only at a controlled rate, avoiding sudden large influxes of sugar that can occur after a Roux-en-Y. The released food is also mixed with stomach acid, bile, and pancreatic juice to control the chemical makeup of the stuff that goes downstream and avoid all the effects outlined above. Again, hope that helps? Darrell