What does dumping feel like?

Hi all, First of all I don't think I've come anywhere near dumping but I'm starting to get confused as to what exactly dumping consists of and what causes it. I thought I knew. I did my research I listened to my dietician but it seems like lately I have been hearing people referring to "dumping" in ways I did not know were actually dumping. For instance (and I'm going to give fake examples) someone will say they ate a piece of chicken it got stuck and they dumped 30 minutes later. Or someone will say the "dumped" from some other type of food that I would normally NEVER relate to dumping! I was just wondering if some people just use that word very loosely or am I missing some info here? I also was wondering if some of you could explain he actual feeling of dumping what it is like how long after you eat the food and how long does it last? How much of the food do you have to eat before dumping. Sorry so many questions but I have been wondering about this for a long time. marcy

Marcy, I have seen many people on the board refer to dumping, with symptoms that don't match dumping. Dumping is a reaction that occurs in patients after eating food high in sugar, such as candy, pastry, or fruit juice. A large dose of sugar is released rapidly into your small intestine, which triggers the secretion of a large amount of insulin. When the insulin drops your blood sugar level, it may cause cramps, nausea, diarrhea, perspiration, racing pulse, and lightheadedness. Although the symptoms are often extreme enough to require the patient to lie down, they generally subside in 30-60 minutes. Sharon Reach for the Stars Read my story SharonNeva.com

Marcy I know what you are referring too with people using the term "DUMPING".....personally I have had symptoms of dumping when I have had too much protein in one sitting...My symptoms are sweating,shakiness,big time heart palpultations,dizzy and a sudden need to just lay down and sleep.......everyone is different.....When I eat a bit more than I should I usually feel nauseated..........If and when you ever dump....I think you will know it....... Good luck to you stacey

Stacey, thanks for this feedback.  I am having a dumping episode now.  I believe its because I had to much protein.  So grateful that I can relax in my office before my next client.  I am praying I do not get vomiting on top of this awful feeling.  Feeling real sleepy

I noticed the same trend Marcy. (People calling stuck food, or nausea dumping.) I'm glad you asked, and glad Sharon answered. I've been tempted to post and answer those people who say they are dumping (and clearly arent) but just kept quiet. The other poster is right, if it happens, you will know it! I've had hypoglycemic episodes caused by my diabetes meds (before surgery) I was convinced I was gonna die! Heart beating a mile a minute, flushing, sweating, cramping... and finally the inability to stay awake. The one dumping episode I've had was milder than that, it only entailed the flushing, rapid heartbeat, and inability to stay awake. I knew what was happening, and wasn't scared, I just laid down and slept like a rock for about 40 minutes, woke up and was fine =) Then I went to the kitchen and read the ingredients on the bag of banana chips. Yes, I am a dumbass! I thought they were just dehydrated bananas. WRONG! They were fried banana chips, with sugar added! Good thing I only ate a small handful huh? Michele

Marcy, When I dump, it's from eating too much sugar, fat or a combination of both. My symptoms are: Rapid/hard heartbeat Lightheaded Extreme tiredness, I have to lie down & sleep at times Nausea, very bad pouch ache The tiredness will last all day if I have a real bad dumping. This is just my experience. Hope it helps. Take Care, Jackie

Great info: 64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:HZ3buRiui9oJ:www.vandenberg.af.mil/30sw/30_MDG/Handouts/Pg140.pdf+early+late+dumping&hl=en General Information DEFINITION--A group of symptoms that are a complication of surgical removal of all or part of the stomach. Most patients experience the problem to a minor degree for 1 to 6 months after surgery. It becomes a serious problem in 1% or 2% of patients. The symptoms are of 2 types--early dumping syndrome and late dumping syndrome. Symptoms of the first begin a few minutes to 45 minutes after every meal. Symptoms of the second begin 2 to 3 hours after eating. Most persons experience late dumping syndrome--one person does not have both forms. BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Gastrointestinal system; cardiovascular system. SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes of adults following surgery on the stomach. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Early dumping syndrome: Weakness and fainting. Sweating. Irregular or rapid heartbeat. Decreased blood pressure. Flushing of skin. Dizziness. Shortness of breath. Vomiting. Explosive diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Late dumping syndrome: Sweating, anxiety and tremors. Exhaustion and faintness. Decreased blood pressure. Headache. CAUSES > Early dumping syndrome: Rapid entry of food and fluids directly into the small intestine, producing decreased blood pressure and increased blood flow to the intestines. > Late dumping syndrome: Low blood sugar caused by excess insulin produced in response to sudden dumping of food and fluids into the intestine. RISK INCREASES WITH--The larger the amount of stomach removed, the more severe the dumping syndrome. HOW TO PREVENT--Some degree cannot be prevented, but recurrence and severity can be minimized with dietary changes (see Diet). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What To Expect DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES-- Your own observation of symptoms. Medical history and physical exam by a doctor. Laboratory studies of blood sugar levels. APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE Self-care after diagnosis. Doctor's treatment. POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS Malnutrition and weight loss. Anxiety. PROBABLE OUTCOME--Spontaneous recovery for most patients. Early dumping syndrome usually lasts 3 to 4 months. Late dumping syndrome usually lasts 1 year, but it may persist for many years. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How To Treat GENERAL MEASURES-- Early syndrome: Lie down for 45 minutes until symptoms pass. Late syndrome: Eat small amounts of sugar candy or drink sweetened orange juice. MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe: Anticholinergics to block the dumping-syndrome reflex. Pectin to reduce the severity of diarrhea. Vitamin and mineral supplements to compensate for poor absorption. ACTIVITY-- Between symptoms: no restrictions. With symptoms: rest until they pass. DIET-- Early dumping syndrome: Diet control is the most important treatment. Eat a diet low in sugar and other simple carbohydrates. Increase fat and protein consumption. Eat 6 small, evenly spaced meals a day. Take meals dry--withou****er or beverages--and drink fluids only between meals. Late dumping syndrome: Avoid refined sugar.

Claddagh Katie.....
Thank you SO much for that information on dumping.  I will be three years out this January and once in a while I experience this.  I thought maybe it was hypoglycemia and then it was suggested maybe it was "dumping".  I only thought dumping was right after surgery for maybe a year.
AFter I eat my stomach hurts but I do not throw up.  I lay down....then the cold sweats that are so bad that the sheet under me is soaked.  I shake and my heart pounds.  I feel faint so I do not dare get out of bed.( in fact, I have fainted just trying to get to the bed).  The faint only lasts for a few seconds.  This happens about once every two months.  I have noticed that if I have a couple of glasses of wine with friends and family on a special occasion, in the evening, this has happened.  I hate to give up wine.....  but it will happen without wine once in a great while.  My doctor is not concerned but I believe that it is because he doesn't know that much about weight loss surgery.  He gave me Xanax and that does help the awful heart pounding.
Anyway, thanks so much for the informative information.  Everyone has been so helpful.
elliejon

A dumping incident  landed me in an ambulance whisked off to ER. I had never had one of these attacks, and I hope I never do. I was in Petsmart, I could not remember what I wanted, I got to the register and told the lady,  I don't feel good, she called her manager, they sat me down and  the manager called the medics.
The hospital staff had no idea what happened. After many tests I was sent home with no instructions but to consult my provider.  When I though about what i had to eat just before i left for petmart and dinner with friends. Yeah it was dumping, low blood sugar, yikes, it is scary and worrisome but I know now I can avoid it. Making sure I eat protein no sugar. very few if any carbs.

I am 19 months out of rny, I have lost 140 lbs and weight 222 from 360
Patricia

I'm 2 1/2 years post surgery and have had some mild dumping symptoms in the past, but I want to know exactly what others have felt...be descriptive! I just had an episode that lasted about an hour and a half with cramps in my stomach (not lower but my actual stomach) that felt like I had swallowed a handful of Exacto blades! SHARP, knife like pain.vomiting too but mostly because I was trying to make the PAIN stop! I have not had anything like that before....was that dumping or something else?