Expected Changes

• Dumping: Dumping syndrome occurs when you eat foods that are high in sugar or fat after having gastric bypass. These foods can go straight from your stomach to your intestines only partially digested, which can lead to bloating, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Once you feel the symptoms, there is nothing you can do but wait for an hour or so for them to go away.
• Gas: After weight loss surgery, you might experience gas more often. Limit your gas by avoiding carbonated beverages and eating fewer foods that cause gas, such as beans, products made with refined sugar and flour, certain vegetables, and foods made with Splenda.
• Constipation: Since you eat less after surgery, your fiber consumption is not what it was pre-surgery. This can result in some constipation. Add more fiber-filled vegetables and fruit to your diet and add more water in order to combat this. If necessary, you may add fiber supplements and mild laxatives two weeks after your surgery.
• Diarrhea: After duodenal switch or gastric bypass surgery, you may be able to absorb fewer liquids within your intestinal tract, which could lead to loose stools. You may even find yourself suddenly lactose intolerant after having no prior problems with dairy. If the diarrhea, cramping, gas, or bloating happens only after consuming dairy products, switch to soy-based products or those made specifically for lactose intolerant individuals. If your diarrhea happens on random occasions, reduce your intake of sugar and add a fiber supplement to your diet.
• Nausea and vomiting: You may notice that you have a decreased tolerance for strong smells (like perfume), eating food quickly, eating large amounts of food, and the smell of certain foods. These sensitivities can lead to nausea and vomiting. To avoid them, be sure to follow your doctor-suggested diet to the letter, eliminate those foods that irritate your stomach, eat slowly, chew well, and eat small portions. You should also avoid lying down directly after a meal, since this can sometimes upset your stomach. For nausea that reduces your consumption of fluid, drink green tea or peppermint tea to settle your stomach and increase your hydration.
• Dehydration: You may become dehydrated more often, as many patients forget to drink enough water post-surgery. Dehydration can lead to  fatigue, fainting, and more, so it’s important that you make a concerted effort to drink 40 to 64 ounces of water each day.

As always, consult your doctor if any of the above symptoms persists for 48 hours.