Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Dumping Syndrome

How should I change my eating habits if I have dumping syndrome?

The first step in treating dumping syndrome is changing how and what you eat. Many people with dumping syndrome have mild symptoms that improve over time with simple changes in eating and diet.

Changing how you eat

Your doctor may recommend

• eating six small meals a day, instead of three larger meals
• waiting to drink liquids until at least 30 minutes after a meal
• lying down for 30 minutes after you eat a meal

Your doctor may recommend eating six small meals a day, instead of three larger meals.

Changing what you eat

Your doctor may recommend

• eating more protein, fiber, and fat
• eating less carbohydrates and choosing foods that contain complex carbohydrates—such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables—rather than foods that contain simple sugars—such as candies, cookies, sugary drinks, and other foods and drinks that have added sugar
• avoiding milk and milk products
• adding pectin or guar gum—plant extracts used as thickening agents—to your food