Question:
Proteins make me dump, can someone please tell what I should do?

Food high in protein make me dump, what should I do?    — Lisa C. (posted on September 23, 2003)

September 23, 2003
I have never heard of dumping on protein. Are you sure you are dumping and not just getting sick from eating too much, too fast, or not chewing thoroughly? When you dump you get a very rapid heartbeat, may break out in a cold sweat, nausea and diarreah usually follow within about 20 minutes. Sugar and fat are the usual culprits. You can get a very painful reaction on dense foods that are too dry (chicken breast if not cooked perfectly, for me). When that happens you feel like there is a mass stuck in your chest and all in the world you want is for it to either go down or come back up. Lying in the fetal position sometimes gives some relief. I have also had this happen when I ate too gristle-ly a piece of steak, ate too fast, or took too large a bite.<p>I suggest you determine whether it is dumping or this texture/retraining thing. Try softer protein foods and make sure that you eat tiny, tiny bites and take time to chew them into oblivion.<p>(open RNY 9/11/01 -140# from a size 22 to a 6)
   — phoebe

September 23, 2003
Are you sure it isn't fat making you dump??? I have never heard of dumping on protein either, check with your doc!
   — Saxbyd

September 23, 2003
I agree with the previous posters. I have thrown up after eating various foods (pork is not my friend), however it is not dumping. It's just the texture of the meat. Try some string cheese, eggs, or some cottage cheese...eat slowly and chew thoroughly. These are pretty good protein sources if you can keep them down. If you continue to vomit these soft foods - whether it is truly dumping or not - you should contact your surgeon.
   — Carolyn M.

September 23, 2003
Lisa- There are two different feelings, both of which are sometimes called "dumping"--- neither one can really be caused by protein. First, after a gastric bypass, the stomach can not break down sugars; as a result, they are dumped undigested into the intestine whose receptors cause insulin to be over-produced. The resulting feeling is like a terrible, immediate flu bug with (for many people) stomach pain diarrehea. The second situation sometimes called "dumping" happens when post-ops eat too much too quickly stimulating an increase in blood flow to the stomach; as a result, the post-op gets lightheaded, dizzy and, feels like crap. So, either you are using protein supplements that are too high in sugar (like Ensure would be) or your are consuming the proper protein supplements but are taking them in too rapidly. Check the ingredient label for your protein supplement (I have had the best success with Isopure powder in the chocolate flavor) and consume them very slowly--- as slowly as you would "real" food. Good luck. The second chance for a long and healthy life is well worth all the aggrevation that these problems cause. Good luck.
   — SteveColarossi