Dumping syndrome (rapid emptying syndrome)

The elimination of the function of the sphincter that connects the stomach to the small intestine causes the stomach contents to empty into the small intestine more quickly than normal, resulting in a variety of discomforts after eating.

  • o Early rapid emptying: This occurs within 15-30 minutes or even an hour after eating and lasts between 10 and 60 minutes. It is characterised by a sense of fullness, cramping, flatulence, abdominal pain and bloating, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. This is followed by the appearance of liquid stools, which usually indicates the end of the episode. These symptoms can sometimes be accompanied by dizziness, tachycardia, sweating and weakness. As a result, the patient eats less, leading to weight loss and a high risk of malnutrition. There are foods that aggravate the situation, such as those rich in simple sugars (juices, sugar, honey, sugary drinks, chocolate, pastries, cakes, etc.), alcohol or liquid drunk in large amounts.

  • o Delayed rapid emptying: This is less frequent. It appears between one and a half and three hours after meals. It comes with palpitations, sweating, tiredness, nausea and a sense of hunger. These symptoms are attributed to a drop in blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in reaction to the intake of foods rich in sugars, which empty rapidly in the intestine, causing a sudden rise in blood sugar and a significant release of insulin, which is responsible for the drop in blood sugar.

The recommendations to minimise the dumping effect are the following:

It is recommended to eat more often, but in smaller amounts, with at least six small meals a day or even every two hours. It is important to eat regular meals and try to follow the same pattern most days to educate the new digestive system.

Consume foods rich in soluble fibre at all meals, including rice, potatoes, apples, toast, pears, oatmeal or legumes in the form of purée.
Limit foods rich in insoluble fibre: wholegrain products and foods, fibrous vegetables (artichokes, cabbage, celery, leeks, asparagus, etc.), wheat bran, etc.

White sugar, honey, commercial and natural juices, soft drinks, cakes, pastries, chocolate, jams, jellies, sweetened dairy products, dairy desserts (custard, flan, etc.) and other foods containing agave, syrups, etc.

Some suggested recipes:

Sugar-free ‘Tarta de Santiago’

Oatmeal crepes with ham and cheese

Oatmeal pancakes with ricotta and walnut cream

Easy lentil bread

Alcoholic beverages, caffeinated beverages (coffee, cola, stimulating soft drinks) and tea.

Always drink outside of meals and in small amounts or even sips.

Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.

In case of acid reflux, rest while reclining slightly but not prone.