Page 1 of 2 Eating Guidelines for Dumping Syndrome Post-gastrectomy Normally, food moves slowly from the stomach to To prevent dumping syndrome: the small bowel. But your surgery may have changed how quickly food leaves the stomach. 1. Eat 6 or more small meals every day. When food moves too quickly into the small bowel, 2. Eat slowly and chew food well. this is called “dumping syndrome.” 3. Limit sweets such as cookies, cake, candy, syrup, Signs of dumping syndrome include: soda pop, sugar, jam and jelly. • Feeling full 4. Include fat with meals. It slows digestion. Fat is a good source of calories if you have trouble • Nausea keeping your weight up. • Painful cramps with diarrhea (loose or watery 5. Eat high-protein foods at each meal (meat, fish, stools) 30 to 60 minutes after eating dairy or eggs). • Feeling warm, dizzy, weak or faint 6. Drink fluids (slowly) between meals. • Faster pulse rate 7. Drink fluids a half hour after meals. Limit fluids to ½ to 1 cup at a time. • Sudden, cold sweat 8. Drinks fluids at warm, cool or room temperature. Very hot or cold liquids may cause problems. 9. You may have trouble digesting the lactose in milk (lactose intolerance). This problem may not last. Drink small amounts of milk. If you have no symptoms, slowly increase the amount of milk in your diet. 10. Lie down after eating. For informational purposes only. Not to replace the advice of your health care provider. Clinically reviewed by Dana Melink, RD. Copyright © 2006 Fairview Health Services. All rights reserved. SMARTworks 520514 – REV 11/20. Page 2 of 2 Meal Plan after Gastric Surgery The menu below is an example of 6 small meals without sugars (such as fruit juices, fruits, jelly, honey, syrup or sweets made with sugar). Breakfast 1 boiled egg ½ plain bagel with 2 teaspoons cream cheese 30 minutes to 1 hour later: 8 ounces decaf coffee with half-and- half creamer Snack 2 ounces smooth peanut butter 6 whole-wheat crackers 30 minutes to 1 hour later: 1 cup soymilk with added calcium Lunch ½ cup chicken salad (2 ounces chicken and 1 teaspoon mayonnaise) 2 slices whole wheat bread ½ cup sugar-free canned peaches 30 minutes to 1 hour later: 12 ounces sugar-free soda pop (Note: pour the drink and let the bubbles break so the drink is somewhat flat.) Snack 1 cup yogurt Evening meal 5 ounces broiled salmon 1 cup mashed potatoes 1 cup green beans 30 minutes to 1 hour later: Caffeine-free herbal tea Snack 2 ounces Swiss cheese 6 small whole-wheat crackers 30 minutes to 1 hour later: 1 cup soymilk with added calcium .