OncoLink Cancer Treatment and Resources
Link to OncoLink

"Dumping Syndrome" after Surgery

OncoLink
Ultima Vez Modificado: 8 de mayo del 2012

Question

Can you help me better manage "dumping syndrome?" I have had such a hard time with eating after my stomach cancer surgery. Do certain foods make it worse? Is this going to be a permanent problem?

Answer

Katrina Claghorn, Registered Dietician at Penn Medicine responds:

Dumping Syndrome is usually a temporary problem experienced after gastric surgery. The foods best tolerated are:

  • high protein foods and complex carbohydrates
  • avoid simple carbohydrates such as soda, desserts, candy
  • monitor your tolerance for milk and dairy foods - milk intolerance is common but usually disappears after a couple of weeks
  • eat small frequent meals - try to eat about 300 calories every 3 hours
  • and separate fluids and foods - try to alternate drinking foods in between meals

I would also suggest you meet with a Registered Dietitian to help you develop a meal plan that addresses your GI problems while meeting your nutritional needs.

This question and answer was part of the OncoLink Brown Bag Chat Series. View the entire transcript from the Focus on GI Cancers webchat.

OncoLink I wish u knew...

Ms. Wagner discusses diet during cancer treatment and balancing nutritional needs and side effects. Read more.

Cancer Types
Bone Cancer
Brain Tumors
Breast Cancer
Carcinoid Tumors
Endocrine System Cancers
Gastrointestinal Cancers
Gynecologic Cancers
Head and Neck Cancers
Leukemia
Lung Cancers
Lymphomas
Myelomas
Pediatric Cancers
Penile Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Sarcomas
Skin Cancers
Testicular Cancer
Thyroid Cancer
Urinary Tract Cancers
OncoLink Vet

Cancer Treatment
Biologic Therapy
Bone Marrow Transplants
Chemotherapy

Clinical Trials
Complementary Medicine
Gene Therapy
General Treatment Concerns
Hormone Therapy
PDT Center
Proton Therapy
Radiation Oncology
Surgical Oncology
Targeted Therapies
Vaccine Therapies

Cancer Support
Caregivers
Hospice Care and Bereavement
Nutrition and Cancer
Sexuality & Fertility
Side Effects
Support
Survivorship
Exercise and Cancer

Cancer Resources
Cancer News
OncoLink University
Nurses' Notes
Conferences
Newly Diagnosed Patients
Causes and Prevention
Legal and Financial Information for Patients
LGBT Resources
NCI Resources
Global Resources
Cancer Resource List
Resources for Young Adults

OncoLink Media Library
OncoLink TV
Book, Music and Video Reviews


Ask the Experts
Brown Bag Chat
Tracy's Corner

About OncoLink
About OncoLink
Giving to OncoLink
Contact Information
Usage Policy
Editorial Board
How to Partner with OncoLink
Link to OncoLink
Mission Statement

OncoLink Cancer Resources RSS What's New RSS