Question:
Why is it some people dump and others don't???

I seem to belong to the non-dumping group. I'm a distal RNY and I just can't understand, with all that amount of intestine bypassed (5'), WHY I don't dump. Darn it! And I'm a weak-willed person, so it's harder for me in the will-power department. Also I was wondering, can one not have dumping at first, and then acquire it later on? Or is it safe to say that if you don't have dumping from the start, then you won't develop it later? I'm almost 8 weeks post-op now. I btw have lost 61 lbs. so far & I'm thrilled!    — lalasmommy (posted on July 14, 2001)

July 14, 2001
sounds to me that you want to have the dumping syndrome so when you cheat and eat foods you are not suppose you can dump and then beat yourself up about it. why do that to yourself? some of us feel we should beat up on ourselves society has, for some family has as well...and we most of all beat up on ourselves..you are doing great don't worry that you don't dump i hope u never do focus on eating the right things and working out and losing the weight...good luck to u
   — [Anonymous]

July 14, 2001
Caution! I thought I was a non-dumper at first but over the first 3 months I discovered that several foods (that I didn't even realize were high sugar - like milk) make me dump or get queasy. Mostly things that hit my system as a liquid like frozen yogurt, milk, fruit juices and some protien/energy drinks. Some things I could eat right after surgery no longer agree and some things I could not eat after surgery are now fine. Every day is an adventure! Good Luck and God Bless.
   — Andrea P.

July 14, 2001
Although, I can not answer your question exactly, I have read that the opposite can happen. That some people dump at first and then, over time, the dumping disappears. I am not sure if they develop a tolerance to sugar, or what. Also, the anonymous poster obvious doesn't understand the rationale behind dumping. It is NOT to beat yourself up after eating something that you shouldn't. It is to deter you from eating those things in the first place. After you eat something that makes you feel EXTREMELY awful, then you won't want to eat them again. Dumping syndrome is one aspect of this surgery, along with malabsorption and limited capacity. The three components are to work together. Even those that don't dump will have the other 2 to assist their weight loss. Some people are thankful that they don't dump. Others, wish they did. I haven't "tested" mine yet, and I'm 6 months post op and down 106 pounds.
   — Shelley.

July 14, 2001
Yes, no. It is possible that you do not dump. It is possible that you could. So, if you have been following the typical post-op diet that is high sugar, such as Ensure or milk + CIB, baby food, applesauce, juices stuff like that, you can be raising your tolerance to sugars without even knowing it. Many people are able to reset their dump-o-meters by going cold turkey one sugars for 2 weeks. That would be reading every single label, assuming nothing and holding yourself to a single digit g per meal. If there's any chance that you'll dump, this oughta do it. I am SO glad I do. Oh sure, not when I am, but it does keep me from wandering in places that I do not want to go.
   — vitalady