Question:
Is it the amount of something or the thing itself that causes dumping?

I'm interested in the opinions of others regarding whether dumping is caused by the make-up of a certain food, or whether the amount eaten has the effect? I ask this because I have experimented with foods that are not and SHOULD NOT be a regular dietary item (ie. real ice cream) and have not dumped. However, I'm wondering if eating more of that item will cause the symptoms. I'm being very careful not to dump, but at the same time testing my limits. I ate about 1/2 cup of ice cream once, and a minature candy bar another time, both with no problem. I'm wondering if (and weirdly enough kinda hoping) dumping would occur with more volume? Any thoughts? Thanks.    — Tracy L. (posted on November 1, 2001)

November 1, 2001
Tracy I'm the same way. At 4 months I finally broke down and tried some sugar. I had maybe 2 forkfuls of pie. Nothing happened. It is my understanding that it's the concentration of the sugar that causes some rny patients to dump. But it isn't a guarantee. I'm still too scared to eat more and find out. I had diarrhea and the "weird" feeling where I felt like lying down for 1/2 hour once after eating chinese food (no msg). I think it was the sauce on the food that caused the diarrhea. I was in and out of the bathroom for about 2 hours. Good luck!
   — Kimberly L.

November 1, 2001
I think it must be the amount of sugar at a time. The three times that I believe I experienced dumping: 6oz coffee with lots of cream and sugar, twice drinking boost. Lots of sugar in that. I have had small bites of candy -- like one or two whoppers which I let melt in my mouth and had no reaction.
   — Jennifer H.

November 1, 2001
I had the surgery 5-31-01 and have dumped twice. The first time it was a 1/2 cup of lemon pudding made with rice not dairy and contained 11 grams of sugar, I ate it after eating other food and didn't think it would be a problem, I wasn't really testing the surgery I honestly thought it would not be a problem, BUT, the symptoms were classic dumping syndrome, the second time was about 1 month ago, I ate a single fig newton (one little square cookie!) and had mild to medium symptoms, apparently I am one of the 'lucky' ones who dumps easily, also luckily for me I am still not craving any sugar, even my protein drinks are too sweet tasting to me with 2 grams of sugar. Don't hate me.
   — potterylady

November 1, 2001
Like the previous posters said, it depends upon the person. I don't dump on sugar as much as fat. I cannot touch fried foods. Nor can I eat regular ice cream... I can eat a bite of a fried chicken cutlet or a tablespoon or two of ice cream. I can also eat fun size candies (Halloween size). Others may get sick as dog from it. It's fat that tends to get me. Sugars for others. 10 grams for some, 20 for others. Everyone's body is different regarding dumping, weight loss, plateus, and quantity. I think we think that there is a gold standard that we all need to follow, (I am safe with 5 gms sugar, no more. I know that because my friend Mary is okay with that). Well the bottom line is we all are different and it takes a full year or so to get to know your body again. Hope this helps!
   — Jeannet