What Causes Dumping Syndrome?

Posted on Mon, 2 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 2 Jun 2014 Answered on

Wed, 18 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been having a strange thing happening to me. This has happened about five times to me since last August. It always happens in the morning. I wake up, eat my oatmeal, feel fine for about 1/2 hour then I have terrible cold sweat, shake, and feel very weak. I have all I can do to get to the kitchen for a drink of water and a handful of trailmix and walk to my bed to sit down. The next thing I remember is waking up anywhere between 3 to 6 hours later and I feel fine. I have had a stress test and cardio testing and my heart is fine. I have had blood work done to check for diabetes too. What could be happening to me. This has all started since I had a Heller Myotomy with partial fundoplication. I am 57 years old, 5'9" and weigh 153 lbs. Any idea what could be happening?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
?Dumping syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Than ks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
You might be experiencing what is medically termed Dumping syndrome which is following your surgical procedure.

As per medical literature, Dumping syndrome is a constellation of gastrointestinal and vasomotor symptoms resulting from changes in the anatomy and physiology of the stomach created by gastric surgery. Dumping syndrome is frequently attributed to the rapid emptying of gastric content into the small bowel.

Most patients with dumping syndrome can be treated conservatively with dietary modifications. Octreotide is the most effective drug therapy for patients with incapacitating symptoms.

Please discuss your symptoms with your doctor in details.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar