Question:
Why doesn't Sugar affect some of us?

And please no attacks....(I gather that some might get upset about this question), but why don't I dump from sugar and I've heard of a few others on here, who don't dump (the brave one's who will admit to it, that is) from any kind of sweets/sugar, etc...It's not a problem, because I can control my desire for something sweet and "bad" the majority of the time (and have lost 121 pounds in under 8 months), but I just do not have an affect from sugar and trust me, I've tried things with loads of sugar too (granted I don't eat a lot of it, just a few bites or what not on special/rare occassions), but like I said, it doesn't bother me. I thought anyone with RNY was supposed to have "dumping" from high sugar foods. Anyone know the answer to this?    — Ladybug M. (posted on May 1, 2003)

May 1, 2003
About 30% of post-op RNYs don't dump from sugar - I don't know the percentage that don't dump on fats. I don't think that they have a handle on why some people don't dump. Even in those who dump, there is a whole range of symptoms. The rapid passage of the concentrated sweets (and/or fats) into the small intestine is what triggers both types of dumping, so I don't know if the answer is in the size of the pouch, the size of the stoma, the amount bypassed or all of the above or none of the above...JR
   — John Rushton

May 1, 2003
I am almost 9 months out and I found out that I can handle some sweets without dumping. That scares me some but it is a good thing sweets aren't my weakness, breads are but I dont dare eat hardly any of that. I also find I can eat a whole lot more so I really have to watch it! 210lbs gone so far as of March 30th, time to weigh again! Good luck hun on your journey! God Bless!
   — Donna O.

May 1, 2003
I never thought I would dump on sugar. I told my nutrionist I wouldn't and I can pretty much eat cake, candy, pies with no problem. I have found if I go over a certain gram of sugar (apx. 30 grams) I get nauseous. Well during Christmas, I drank about a cup of eggnog and had my first experience with dumping. I've been told that drinking things with sugar can trigger it more so then eating things with sugar. That's fine with me, because it keeps me away from eggnog, milkshakes and ice cream which are the real no-no's when it comes to the bypass surgery. I'm only going to be able to eat so much cake before I get full.
   — Lisa N M.

May 1, 2003
Hey, JR! That was quite the scientific answer! LOL!! Just kiddin! I don't know why some don't dump either. I don't really dump either, on most sugary things. It depends on what form they are in. I can eat a cookie, but not dough. Things like that... I don't see anything wrong with eating things in moderation. I can do that now, and I couldn't do that before surgery. I can eat a cookie, or even 3, but not the whole bag. I can eat a piece of cake, but not half the cake. I try not to eat any of those things, but I'm human. I eat them on occaison. But I don't eat them constantly, like I use to. I've also realized that if I drink my protein, I crave sugar a LOT less.
   — Diana L.

May 1, 2003
I'm only 3 mos post-op and I have not dumped from eating sugar either. Granted, at 3 mos, I can't eat much but I was surprised too. Pre-op, I was a sugar addict. Now, I can have a bite or two of something sweet and not crave more. Like others here I marvel at that, at the ability to not binge on sweets like I did before. (And my cravings for sugar are satisfied with just a bite--so cool!) But I DO apparently dump on fats and this was really odd for me. I dumped on alfredo sauce (from The Olive Garden) and queso (jalapeno cheese dip) from a local restaurant. That really surprised me. But I am grateful for that. It's really neat for my body to be telling me that something unhealthy that I am eating is truly going to make me sick! I love it! Good luck!
   — Lisa I.

May 1, 2003
i too have a "immunity" to dumping.im like you i eat a few bites and leave it alone.just a bite or 2 stops mt craving for something sweet and im satisfied.i dont push my luck tho.i keep it at 1 or 2 bites.i drink sweetened ice tea all the time and sugar in my coffee.however hot chocolate is a big no no.i get sick as a dog
   — Tammy L.

May 2, 2003
I don't think there is an answer to your question as to why some dump and others don't. JR is right, the percent is around 30 percent who do not dump and there are many others who dump in different amounts, from just a little to severe. Also, for those who do indulge in sugar, and I am one of those, be careful. The further out you go and the more sugar you consume, the more your body adjusts to the new amounts and less dumping takes place. Some have suggested that you can reset the dump-o-meter by refraining from sugar for a while, which is nice to know. I enjoy sugar products and have every intention of continuing to eat them as long as my weight does not go up, but I do exercise constraint by not eating too many sugar grams at one time. Liquid sugars are a definite no-no as I found out by having just 4 gulps of a white chocolate mocha coffee at Starbucks at 4 months post-op-experienced the full fledged dumping. Never again.
   — Cindy R.

December 27, 2004
JUST WAIT I DID NOT DUMP FOR 2YR THAN MY BLOODSUGAR WAS SO LOW I STOPPED BREATHING AND GOT CPR PLEASE BE CAREFUL
   — missysandy