Question:
Is this dumping?

Last night I had 2 meatballs that I made myself. They are not high in sugar content or anything. I also used the 85% lean hamburger meat. About 2 and a half hours later, I was in a very hot shower, and I got really sick. I dry heaved five times in a row, then I sat down in the shower and ran cold water over myself. I was instantly fine. I felt like I was going to pass out. Was this dumping? I am 6 weeks and 3 days post-op. Thank you for your answers!    — robynshelton (posted on December 15, 2003)

December 15, 2003
It maybe the ground beef did not agree with you. The same thing happened to my husband at about the same time frame, 6 wks. Think back to how fast you ate and how much, it may have been too greasy also. If it was too greasy, then yes you may have dumped. Many PO cannot handle ground beef, I did not have a problem with it at all. Good Luck.
   — ChristineB

December 15, 2003
I copied this from a doctors site, also maybe it was too soon to eat meats. what stage are you? Dumping: Physiological reaction that the intestinal system of some bypass patients has when exposed to refined sugars (sometimes fat or lactose as well.) It may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, heart palpitations, dizziness, and other things.
   — Naes Wls J.

December 15, 2003
My experience has been that dumping occurs within 1/2 hour after eating sugar or high fat foods....sounds like the meatballs didn't agree with you. 85% lean would still be tough for me to handle 13 months out, I use 96-97% lean, it is easier to digest. Also, watch for hidden sugars in sauces and gravies. (I did eat meatballs at 6 weeks out)
   — Linda 1.

December 15, 2003
I am 5 months post op and up until 2 days ago, I bragged that I had never dumped. I had a glass of wine and a couple of peanuts. I stood up and felt like there were a ton of bricks on my chest, I couldn't breathe! I was sweating so bad that I had to take my pants and socks off (I was at home)! I went limp, almost like a rag doll. It scared my husband and me to death! He carried me to the front door to get some fresh air, I couldn't stand up! After about 10-15 minutes, it went away just as fast as it came on. Afterwards, I looked at the contents of the wine and it was loaded with sugar - I poured that junk out! From what I can tell, you didn't dump, however, you were close to it. Make sure that you are eating very slowly and that the meat is almost like a paste before you swallow. Good luck, I hope you never have to experience this dumping thing...it is not fun!!!
   — Danette C.

December 16, 2003
I just wanted to post my experience. I had the exact same thing with meatballs back when i was around 8-12 weeks postop. It was the hamburger that didnt sit well. I just recently had another one and it went down fine and all was okay. I think i either ate too much or too fast or not chewed well enough. usually dumping happens within 1/2 of eating - but i am not sure because when i do dump, its not severe and barely noticeable.
   — Kerry R.

December 16, 2003
I have to be honest, it does not sound like a classic dumping too me. Understand that some people do dump on fatty items regardless of the amount of fat. 6 weeks seems awfully soon for a meatball. I am basing this on the posts over the last year on AMOS. Best wishes.
   — M B.

December 16, 2003
I have had episodes of this type of thing after taking hot baths. I think that it could have just been your bodies reaction to all the heat. ~Kristy (lap rny 9/18/03 - 320/269/168)
   — kristynush

December 20, 2003
You did not dump. As the other posters stated, it happens within a short time of eating. What you had was a blood pressure reaction to the very hot shower you were in most likely. If you've ever gone into a hot tub at a hotel or other place, it has a sign on it stating that if you have heart problems, blood pressure issues, etc, be careful or don't use it. In a hot shower, the blood vessels are dialated and causes decreased blood flow to the internal organs as blood flows to the heated area of the body. Remember why you put a hot pad on a body area? to increase blood flow to the area. In a hot shower or hot tub, your entire skin area is heated and causes blood flow to increase to your largest organ - your skin! Consequently you have less blood flow to internal organs. If you are standing up, they puts increased pressure on the heart to pump blood up to the brain. So, what happens? your blood pressure goes down. You feel sick & dry heaved. (I've noticed that I do that more as a reaction to any kind of physcial stressor since the surgery.) The key to your answer is what happened when you put cold water over your body!! The dialated vessels restricted, your blood flow to the internal organs improved and you felt fine. Who knows, you may be slightly dehydrated and your blood pressure was low anyway, and the hot water just made it worse. You just may need to not take such very hot showers and you'll be fine. Of course if you have any questions/problems, see your doctor. Hope this helps! karen morris, RN (open rny 9/6/01, 297/141)
   — Karen M.