Question:
I am so terrified of Dumping

I have heard horror stories of people dumping. I haven't dumped yet and I am absolutely terriefied of dumping. ALthough, I want to try different things. How can I get over this. How many grams of sugar should i stay away from on the back of a product? What about BBQ sauce, does anyone know of a good one to use? ( i read a horror about that also) What about cereal? I LOVEE cereal. What can i eat now? All i eat basically now is fruit and vegetables. I know this is a good thing and my body actually loves it, but i know i will want some ribs and some cereal sometimes. Any suggesstions. What do you guys eat for sweet snacks? (besides veggies..i'm talking about good stuff like cookies or sweets) I don't want to be the one that tries and then dumps. I don't want to go through that experience or be sick. Any help please!!!!!    — Angela A. (posted on November 3, 2000)

November 3, 2000
Angela, don't worry so much about dumping. It's not fun, and it certainly is bad enough to modify my behavior, but it isn't horrific (and it's over in about half an hour). If you eat sweets other than fruit, you will dump. So forget the cookies unless you want to go for sugar-free. But fruit shakes made with a combination of frozen and fresh fruit are very sweet, especially if you mix in vanilla protein powder and vanilla soy milk. You will also dump if you eat too much of anything--but it sounds as though you haven't encountered that problem--yet. I would encourage you to make sure you get enough protein every single day. If you're eating just fruits and veggies, you're not. If you don't put enough protein in, your body will take the protein it needs right out of your muscles (your heart is a muscle, don't forget). Also, you will start to lose your hair after about four months of protein deficit. My doc says I have to get 50 grams of protein a day. Some tell their patients to get 60. I thought there was no way I could eat that much after surgery, but protein powder helps a great deal, and I also use Atkins protein bars (20 grams each) because they have no sugar at all. Also, MET RX has a low-carb (meaning low sugar) protein bar with 34 grams of protein. There may be others, as well. As for sugar in packaged foods, I was told to look at the ingredients and if sugar no higher on the list than 4th, it's okay to eat the product. That works fine for me. Good luck!
   — Julianne C.

November 3, 2000
It's my understanding that not everyone who has the RNY surgery experiences the Dumping Syndrome, but many do. There are surgeries like the Duodenal Switch where dumping isn't an issue. You many want to investigate different surgery types because there are other options where dumping isn't a problem. To learn about the Duodenal Switch procedure, go to: <a href="http://www.duodenalswitch.com">http://www.duodenalswitch.com</a> and read my experience with the DS at: <a href="http://www.mywls.com">My Home Page</a>. Good luck to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 3, 2000
It is unpleasant but certainly nothing to be "terrified" about. It's different with each person...the first time I ever experienced dumping was from eating one sqare inch of overripe watermelon...but I can also eat a bite sized Reeses Peanutbutter Cap and I'm fine!
   — Tracey D.

November 3, 2000
6g per serving ought to keep you safe from dumping. That's total per meal. ANd check EVERYTHING. Skim milk has 12g per serving, OJ is WAY up there like 22g, a can of peas has sugar, peanut butter has sugar--total 'em all up. Dumping is a good thing because sugar can negate your surgery! It's miserable, but survivable. Better to just run from sugar, which is SOOOO addictive. I think you are wise to read the labels and just avoid it ALL. Why even go there? Sugar is a very demanding master and once you toy with it, you'll find yourself just wanting more & more of it. You want YOU to be in charge of your food intake.
   — vitalady

June 4, 2002
Relax! Don't go by other people's horror stories. I am 7 weeks post op and have only dumped once after drinking a glass of lowfat milk. It really wasn't that bad. I felt a little queasy and I did get diarrhea but it was not anywhere as bad as I expected and it did not keep me from trying to incorporate new things into my diet. It's just part of the process. I still drink milk and I haven't had any problems since then. I hope this help you & God Bless
   — Princesa C.

July 12, 2002
Dumping is terrifying - I had my first experience last night - I was sweaty and shaky - I thought I was having a heart attach - I don't know what caused me to dump - I had stewed tomatoes w/small pork pieces in it for dinner I hope it never happens to me again -
   — Dawn B.

July 12, 2002
Dumping is not that big of a deal. Yeah, it's unpleasant but it is over in 20-30 minutes. It is unrealistic to think you won't ever make a "mistake." If you want to be relatively safe, you can limit your sugar grams to 6 per meal. That should be pretty safe for all but the most sensitive dump-ometers. If you want a snack that is sweet there are lots of options out there. Sugar-free stuff is pretty good (personal faves are Murray's sf vanilla wafers and Russel Stovers sf smores cups) but be sure to limit them to just one or two pieces cuz they can cause GAS! LOL If you want something that is low in sugar but tastes sweet, I like Marie Lu cookies. They only have 6 grams of sugar for THREE cookies (not that you HAVE to eat all three!) and a British cookie called Hob-Nobs that is low in sugar (they are crumbly and oatmeal-y). Read the labels. You will be surprised how much sugar some things have and how little others have.<p>I have dumped a good many times and sometimes on things I didn't dump on before and/or things that "shouldn't" have made me dump. It ain't the end of the world. =) I suffer far more and far longer if I overeat than if I dump.<p>BTW, I just had to laugh at the post trying to convert you to the DS camp. I mean, really. You are post op. What are you gonna do? Get a revision? LOL Dumping is a PLUS folks, am I right? It keeps me honest!
   — ctyst

July 12, 2002
Unfortunately, I dont dump. at all. I can eat sugar by the spponful...nothin, nada. Of course, I dont, I try to eat mostly protein, because even at 6 mos out, I still have a very small capacity, and if I waste it on junk, Im not getting in the important stuff. If I want a cookie, I eat one, but its ONE not a half bag like I used to. Ive lost 107 pounds in 6 months, 55 to go, so it hasnt hurt my weight loss at all, Im still losing about 3 pounds a week.
   — donnalawbabe