Question:
Will it last forever?

I am currently 5 weeks post-op and I've experienced dumping syndrome more times than I care to admit. I have been trying to experiment with different foods and I find that I dump on things I wouldn't expect to (ex. sugar free jam). Is this something that will last forever?    — Tracy J. (posted on January 15, 2003)

January 15, 2003
Hi! I'm 7 1/2 mos. out Lap RNY -120 lbs. I always call myself the Queen of dumping. In the begining It seemed like I could watch somebody else eat something high in fat or with more then 6 grams of sugar in it and I would be curled up in a ball crying that I just wanted to die! I am also now Lactose intolarent too. Now at 7 1/2 mos. out I am noticing that I can handle a little more sugar and fat at a time! Maybe more like 12 grams of sugar at a time! It doesn't seem like it, but really, you and I are the lucky ones, I know, for myself, that If I didn't dump so easily I would be too tempted into my old ways! 5 weeks out, your still going through VERY difficult times with your eating I bet! But It does get better...I don't know if we will Dump forever, maybe someone with a few years under their belt will answer that for us! GOOD LUCK to YOU!
   — Tambi B.

January 15, 2003
I dump on odd things too. Sugar free jelly is also one of mine. One teaspoon of sugar free/fat free ice cream and I am done for. I am glad I dump tho, keeps me honest to the diet needs. I am 11 weeks out and down 57 lbs.
   — Wendy H.

January 15, 2003
I'm 17 mos. post-op. I dumped like crazy for the first four mos or so, and then gradually two things happened: 1) My body adjusted and became more tolerant and, 2) I became used to my threshold for dumping. Dumping early-on is a challenge because it takes so little to set you off. Now, I am grateful for dumping. It's my own biological policeman that keeps me healthy. Hang in there... it gets better.
   — Nancy G.

January 16, 2003
I also dump fairly easy, I can handle yogurt, but only up to 8 grams of sugar. Fat seems to hit me like a ton of bricks, and I am so happy. At 5 mo. out now I don't know if I can tolerate more, because I don't want to find that I can, I just tell myself that I will get sick if I eat it and I am completely ok with that. I did hear at support group that by going back to the basics, no sugar, low fat and protein only for about a week will re-set your dump-o-meter if it gets to the point where you can eat to much sugar again. I agree, we are the lucky ones, my boss can eat quite a bit of sugar (her yogurt has 35 grams) and she doesn't dump, I kinda feel sorry for her. But on the other hand, I don't know if I would even try to eat something with that much sugar. Why test it? This has been such a major life changing journey, I want to get the best benefits I can. I noticed that I also dump on some sugar free candies and gum, just depends on the day. It gets better the further you get out, but I think it keeps us on the right path. I just started adding a few bites of fruit to my diet, because before now, I was terrified of getting sick. You'll notice that around three months, you'll be eating so much better, the first couple months is trial and error. It really does get better.
   — Dana B.

January 16, 2003
It was much stronger when I was early postop, but I sure hope mine does last forever, it is a good reminder to not eat badly. Don't get me wrong, I still eat pretty much what I want, and sometimes I roll the dice. I am 2 1/2 years postop, and I will eat sweets and fats on occasion. Sometimes I'm the windshield, and sometimes I'm the bug! Good Luck.
   — Cara F.