Dumping Syndrome
Dumping Syndrome is a condition that can cause unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, lightheadedness, cold sweats, weakness, tiredness, fast heart rate and stomach cramping. This occurs in the gastric bypass patients when foods pass too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. Dumping Syndrome can be caused by eating foods high in sugar or fat, or by drinking liquids and solids together after gastric bypass surgery. Regardless of the surgery, foods high in sugar and fat content are discouraged due to the high calorie content.
Nausea /Vomiting/Pain
This is often caused by eating too much or too fast. Following surgery, patients will not be able to eat the quantity of food they presently eat. Other causes of nausea and vomiting include ulcers or stricture, as well as drinking liquids with foods, and not chewing or blenderizing foods well enough. Be sure to eat in a slow, calm manner. If vomiting, nausea or pain persist, call your doctor to rule out ulcers or stricture.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is a side effect of weight loss surgery. You may not see hair loss initially. Often it takes several months after surgery for hair loss to begin. Hair loss should resolve when weight and nutritional intake stabilizes. Hair loss can occur from a low protein and zinc intake, and a severe decrease in overall nutrition. It is important eat foods high in protein and take a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement which provides a source of zinc.
Constipation
Constipation after gastric bypass surgery and restrictive procedures is common and should be prevented. Decreased intake of food, fiber and fluid along with iron and calcium supplementation can lead to constipation. Your doctor may recommend a stool softener or laxative.
Tips to prevent constipation:
Lactose Intolerance
Some people may experience intolerance to milk products after some types of weight loss surgery. Symptoms are gas, cramps and diarrhea. This occurs if the body is not making enough of the enzyme lactase. Lactase is the enzyme needed to digest milk sugar or lactose. Some people may become intolerant to some but not all milk products. Should lactose intolerance occur, soy products or products that are lactose free or low lactose can be used. There are also tablets, which if chewed well can be used before dairy containing meals to improve tolerance to lactose.
Food Intolerance
Some common problem foods are red meat, bread, pasta, rice and the membrane of citrus fruits. Toasted bread is better tolerated than untoasted bread. Red meat should be tried last. Red meats are high in muscle fiber, which is difficult to separate even with a great deal of chewing. Always be very careful and chew well.
Loss of Muscle Mass
Loss of muscle mass can occur after weight loss surgery, but it is preventable. It is very important to exercise after surgery. After weight loss surgery, the body is trying to combat starvation and will consume unused muscle for energy and you will lose muscle mass and strength. It is important to start walking as soon as you go home. Always follow your physician's advice on when to exercise.
Exercise
Exercise must become a part of your daily life after surgery. Exercise and a healthy diet can accelerate your weight loss. It is much more difficult to lose weight and keep it off if you do not exercise.
Medication
Do not take any pills that are larger in size than a small fingernail. If a pill is the size of a thumbnail or larger, be sure to cut, crush or grind it. Some medications come in chewable or liquid forms. Some medications in capsule form can be opened and mixed with a food item such as applesauce. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist to determine if your medication can be crushed, ground or opened.