Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is dumping syndrome?
Dumping syndrome happens when food moves too quickly from your stomach into your small intestine.
This can happen when your stomach empties faster than normal. It is more common in people who have had surgery on their stomach or food pipe (oesophagus).
Why does dumping syndrome happen?
At the bottom of the stomach is a small muscle called the pyloric sphincter. This muscle controls how fast food leaves the stomach. After some operations, this muscle may be removed or may not work as well. This means food can rush into the small intestine too fast.
Who might get dumping syndrome?
Dumping syndrome can happen after:
- Gastrectomy (some or all of the stomach removed)
- Bariatric surgery (weight‑loss surgery)
- Oesophagectomy (some or all of the food pipe removed)
What symptoms can it cause?
There are two types of dumping syndrome, which have different symptoms:
Early Dumping Syndrome (during or soon after eating)
- Symptoms may include:
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Tummy cramps or bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Sweating or feeling hot
- Heart beating fast
Late Dumping Syndrome (2–3 hours after eating)
- Symptoms may include:
- Feeling very hungry
- Feeling weak or very tired
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Trouble concentrating
Foods that may cause dumping syndrome
Foods high in simple sugars can make symptoms worse. These include:
- Biscuits, cakes, chocolate, sweets
- Sweet drinks like fizzy drinks, fruit juice and milkshakes
- Yoghurts with added sugar
- Honey, syrups and sugary cereals
General hints
- Eat small meals often – aim for 6 small meals a day.
- Do not drink during meals. Drink between meals instead.
- Eat slowly and chew food well.
- Try not to lie down straight after eating. Sitting upright or resting can help.
- Reduce foods high in simple sugars.
- Choose “complex carbohydrates” which release energy more slowly (wholegrain bread, oats, beans, lentils).
- If high‑fibre foods make your tummy hurt (e.g., orange pith, tomato skins, nuts), try avoiding them.
- Your doctor may suggest vitamins or supplements like vitamin B12 or iron.
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Reduce these foods |
Better choices |
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Sugar, glucose, dextrose and sucrose |
Artificial sweeteners, e.g. Hermesetas, Canderel, Sweetex |
|
Jam, marmalade, honey, lemon curd, treacle and golden syrup |
Reduced sugar jams and marmalades, pure fruit spreads |
|
Sweet drinks, e.g. coke, fruit juice, Lucozade, milkshakes |
Diet fizzy drinks, sugar free squash, soda water, mineral water |
|
Sweets, chocolate, mints, chewing gum |
Sugar free chewing gum, sugar free mints |
|
Sugar or honey coated breakfast cereals, e.g. Coco Pops, Frosties |
Low sugar breakfast cereals, e.g. Weetabix, shredded wheat, porridge, unsweetened muesli |
|
Chocolate coated and cream filled biscuits |
Plain biscuits in moderation, e.g. rich tea, digestives, crispbreads, oatcakes |
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Yoghurts, fromage frais |
Low fat and sugar free diets yoghurts and fromage frais |
|
Sweet puddings, crumbles, sponge puddings, trifle, cheesecake, mousse, instant and tinned puddings, fruit in syrup |
Fruit in natural juice, sugar free jelly, sugar free puddings, skimmed milk, rice, semolina, custard |
|
Cakes, pies, tarts, pastries |
Low sugar baked foods (use half amount of sugar), e.g. scones, tea breads, potato scones |
|
Sweetened condensed milk, drinking chocolate |
Evaporated milk, cocoa, ‘low sugar’ varieties of milky drinks |
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Dietetics service.
About this information
Service:
Dietetics
Reference:
DT/062
Approval date:
1 May 2026
Review date:
1 May 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.