Question:
Hi all. I am five weeks post op. I have had one dumping episode on a protein shake.

I'm really scared of dumping again. My question is...what kinds of fruit can I eat and how much without dumping on the sugar in them? Thanks.    — Bonnie R. (posted on June 11, 2003)

June 11, 2003
Describe dumping, describe the protein shake.
   — vitalady

June 11, 2003
Sounds like you are adding fruit, and/or milk or something, to your protein shake, which may be the culprit for your symptoms. More details?
   — Suzy C.

June 11, 2003
OMG! I am 4 weeks post op and had a dumping episode yesterday on a strawberry Atkins shake. I had actually taken my liquid vitamins not too long before I drank it, and not sure if that had anything to do with it. The Vitamins (Isotonics) have a couple of grams of sugar per dose so not sure if that had anything to do with it, but I felt horrible. I was taking my shower and nearly passed out, had nausea and diarhea and was very shaky. I layed down and slept for about an hour and then woke with a headache that is still with me today, even after taking tylenol. Atkins shakes have Whey protien, so I thought it being lactose free would keep me from dumping. Anyone got a clue?
   — Happy I.

June 12, 2003
During week one...I discovered I dumped on 100% fruit juice. During week 3, I dumped on a protein supplement that a guy at a local nutrition store recommended (muscle milk). Now, at almost 4.5 months still have mild dumping (lightheaded then VERY sleepy for an hour) if I add fruit, or peanut butter, to any of my otherwise tolerable shakes....not to mention that I can hardly get them down when they are 'thicker'. You might just be one of those who dumps easily. I would suggest ordering some samples and trying them plain (add nothing but WATER - milk has a lot of it's own natural sugar) - maybe in the evening before bed - and see what happens. You should be able to find something that you like and won't make you dump. Then, you could 'experiment' with adding things to it to find out what you can tolerate. I don't use them, but I've heard many people add sugar free flavorings to their protein...maybe you could try that as well. Good luck!
   — eaamc

June 12, 2003
Hi, original poster here. I guess I didn't phrase my question right. I don't drink protein shakes at all anymore because of dumping (extreme nausea and dry heaves). I want to eat some plain fresh fruit but I don't know about the sugar in it. How much fruit and what kinds are safe without causing dumping?
   — Bonnie R.

June 13, 2003
I'm not sure what type of surgery you had but... I had lap RNY (8 wks post). I have fresh melon as often as I like. I have no problem with natural fruit sugars. This is not to say I have them in unlimited doses. I add a banana (or 1/2 depending on banana size) and 3 frozen strawberries to my protein drinks regularly. I also use soy milk & add ice to make it thick. I just recently switched to Real Meals and find them to be decent. Things are really on a trial basis. I had a scrambled egg & did fine. Two weeks later I couldn't tolerate it at all. Tried it again the other day and did fine. It all depends on sooo many things. I agree with the previous poster who said to order things in sample packets and not to go hog-wild in ordering once you find something you like. Things change too much month to month. Good luck!
   — Diane S.

June 13, 2003
Thought being that no one else answered, I would try again! At about 8 weeks (and beyond) I started adding some fruit to my salads (along with cheese and nuts)...mandarin oranges, apple, strawberries, etc. I have found that even though I dump easily in general, I can eat fruit in very small amounts, 1/8 slice of an apple, 4 mandarin oranges, 1 large or two small strawberries, 10 blueberries, two slices of frozen peach, etc. You are just going to have to experiment...I would start with a small amount and see how it goes then add a bit more the next time. You also might find that you can tolerate different amounts of different fruits. Another helpful hint is to not eat the fruit on a totally empty stomach. I find it helps if I've had some protien first...I don't tend to dump as easily that way...with not just fruit, but any higher carb foods in general. Hope that helps some!
   — eaamc