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Compliance with the post-surgical dietary guidelines may
not always be easy, but the Obesity Treatment Center staff
provides support and guidance. The first few months are
a time of adjustment. When a regular diet resumes,
some patients experience what is known as "dumping
syndrome." This condition occurs when large amounts
of high-calorie foods, especially those containing sugar,
pass quickly from the stomach pouch into the intestine.
Fluid rushes into the small intestine to dilute the high
concentration of sugar. The patient may feel faint, break
out in a cold sweat, and have intestinal cramps followed
by diarrhea. Fortunately, "dumping syndrome"
can usually be averted simply by avoiding high intakes
of sweets. There are other side effects associated
with gastric bypass. Some people find they can no longer
tolerate lactose-containing products. Hair loss is another
consequence, as the body adapts to having a sudden reduction
in calories and protein. The significant weight loss
can also lead to or contribute to stress in marital
and family relationships; counseling may be helpful
in certain situations.
Patients will need to take nutritional supplements
to make up for certain vitamin deficiencies related
to the surgery. Specifically, food now bypasses the
duodenum, where iron and calcium primarily are absorbed.
Without sufficient iron, anemia can develop, and when
there is not enough calcium intake, osteoporosis and
metabolic bone disease can occur. That is why it is
important for patients to take the nutritional supplements
as directed by their doctor.
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Life
After Surgery
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