Treatment for Dumping Syndrome

Nutritional Treatment for Dumping Syndrome

A physician can determine the best treatment plan. A physician may create a basic nutritional plan. The gastric patient may be advised to enjoy smaller meals filled with less sugar, more protein and limited fat.

For instance, pre-gastric bypass, breakfast may have consisted of two slices of plain white bread with jelly and a bowl of sugar-coated cereal. This breakfast is filled with high-carbohydrate foods and high sugar. The white bread and sugar-coated cereal are high in simple carbohydrates, which may cause the body to absorb the food contents rapidly.

To avoid dumping syndrome, a patient may choose complex carbohydrates, which allows the digestive system to absorb food slowly. An example of a revised breakfast is two slices of whole-wheat bread topped with peanut butter for protein. Alternatively, a patient may choose a bran cereal with skim milk topped with blackberries for extra fiber.

Another example of meal revisions may be found in lunch, which may previously have consisted of a ham sandwich made with white bread and mayonnaise, served with a glass of soda. As an alternative, a patient may choose a whole-wheat lean turkey sandwich with low-fat mayonnaise and a small cup of water that may be flavored with sliced limes. The changes are because the ham may contain too much fat, while the lean turkey provides protein with a small amount of fat. The whole-wheat bread provides fiber. Also, skipping soda lessens the chance for stomach acid production, which may irritate the digestive system.

Medications for Dumping Syndrome

Dietary changes are a common treatment for dumping syndrome under a physician’s guidance. However, drug therapy may be used for gastric patients who do not respond to dietary changes after several attempts. On the other hand, a physician may combine treatment to include nutrition and medications for the best results.

Medications used to treat dumping syndrome depends on a patient’s symptoms. For instance, a gastric patient who experiences nausea may be advised to take a mild over-the-counter medication to control this digestive symptom. Alternatively, a patient made by prescribed oral drugs and it is important for a patient to follow the physician’s medical treatment.

Remember, some patients do not respond to nutritional therapy alone, so medications may need to be prescribed.

Sources: Rapid Gastric Emptying