During gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon makes the stomach smaller and reconnects the stomach to the small intestine, as noted by Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. This procedure can help you lose weight, because you cannot eat too much food at one time. After having gastric bypass surgery, you have to alter your eating habits. Certain foods may trigger a condition called the dumping syndrome, in which large amounts of food and liquid enter the small intestine from the stomach at too rapid a speed, according to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, or UPMC. Dumping syndrome is not life-threatening, but it can be uncomfortable, causing abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and fatigue, It is important to avoid foods that may cause gastric dumping.
Sugar-Sweetened Drinks
Sugar-sweetened drinks can trigger the dumping syndrome. Examples of these drinks include fruit drinks sweetened with sugar, sport drinks like Gatorade or Powerade, and high-sugar coffee drinks, as noted by UPMC. High sugar supplement drinks may also cause this abdominal problem after bypass surgery. Diet drinks or other beverages sweetened with artificial sweeteners usually do not cause dumping syndrome, according to West Penn Allegheny Health System Bariatric Surgery Center.
Fried and Fatty Foods
Foods with high amounts of fat or grease tend to be irritating and can lead to an occurrence of the dumping syndrome, as noted by West Penn Allegheny Health System Bariatric Surgery Center. Fried chicken, French fries and other greasy fried greasy foods should be avoided. Leaner cuts of meats that are not fried are less likely to trigger dumping. Chew food thoroughly to decrease the risk of irritation, according to MayoClinic.com.
Sweetened Breads and Cereals
Presweetened cereals, sweet rolls, doughnuts, cakes and cookies all contain high amounts of sugar and can lead to dumping in those who have undergone bypass surgery, as noted by UPMC. Regular breads and unsweetened cereals are acceptable foods. Baked goods that are made with artificial sweeteners are also fine, according to West Penn Allegheny Health System Bariatric Surgery Center.
Sweetened Fruits
Canned fruits with added sugar, frozen sweetened fruit and candied fruit all have excess sugar, according to UPMC. Fresh fruits are better options. Fruits like apples and pears contain fiber, which helps slow down the emptying of the stomach and prevents dumping, as noted by the American Motility Society. Canned unsweetened fruits with the extra syrup drained can be eaten without much trouble, and 100 percent pure fruit juice can also be consumed one hour after meals.
Sweetened Dairy Products
After bypass surgery, you will have to determine what foods irritate your stomach. Many patients may not be able to tolerate milk and other milk products, as noted by the American Motility Society. Sweetened dairy products, like yogurt, ice cream, milkshakes and chocolate milk, that contain added sugar can all cause dumping symptoms, according to UPMC. It is important to maintain enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet, so try unsweetened yogurt or lactose-free products to see if you can tolerate them.
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