Rapid gastric emptying syndrome: symptoms and treatments

Written by: Laura Arantegui / Date: 06-03-24 / Reading of 5 Minutes

Rapid gastric emptying syndrome, also known as dumping syndrome, is a gastrointestinal disorder that can occur after certain surgical procedures, such as bariatric surgery. This syndrome is characterized by accelerated digestion of food, leading to a number of unpleasant symptoms.

In this blog post, we will explore in detail the rapid gastric emptying syndrome, its symptoms and available treatments.

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Table of Contents

1. What is rapid gastric emptying syndrome?
2. Symptoms of rapid gastric emptying syndrome.
3. Treatments for rapid gastric emptying syndrome.

What is rapid gastric emptying syndrome?

Rapid gastric emptying syndrome is a condition that occurs when food passes too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. This acceleration in the digestion process is due to the loss of natural regulation of the stomach, which often occurs after bariatric or other gastrointestinal surgery. Under normal conditions, the stomach carefully regulates the release of digested food into the small intestine, but in rapid gastric emptying syndrome, this does not occur effectively.

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Symptoms of rapid gastric emptying syndrome

Symptoms of rapid gastric emptying syndrome can vary in severity and may include:

Feeling of abdominal fullness: After eating, people with this syndrome often experience an intense feeling of fullness in the abdomen.
Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain can be a common symptom and may be colicky.
Diarrhea: Acceleration of the passage of food into the small intestine can cause diarrhea.
Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms.
Palpitations and sweating: Some people experience heart palpitations and excessive sweating, especially after consuming sugary foods.
Hypoglycemia: Due to the rapid release of sugar into the blood, the rapid gastric emptying syndrome can cause hypoglycemia, which manifests with symptoms such as tremors, sweating and weakness.
Fatigue: Loss of essential nutrients and variations in blood glucose levels can cause fatigue.
Changes in blood pressure: Some people may experience changes in blood pressure, which may lead to dizziness or fainting.
Headache: Headaches may also be present.

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Rapid gastric emptying syndrome treatments

The treatment of the rapid gastric emptying syndrome focuses on alleviating the symptoms and improving the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Some actions include:

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Dietary changes: Dietary modification is fundamental for the management of this syndrome. It is recommended to avoid foods rich in sugars and refined cereals (pasta, rice, white bread, etc.), as they can trigger symptoms. Instead, it is recommended to eat foods rich in protein and fiber.
Eat small meals: Dividing meals into smaller portions and eating more frequently can help prevent overloading the digestive system.
Avoiding liquids during meals: Not drinking liquids during meals may help slow down the gastric emptying process.
Medications: In some cases, your doctor may recommend the use of some drugs to relieve some of the symptoms.
Nutritional supplementation: Since patients with rapid gastric emptying syndrome may have difficulty absorbing certain nutrients, vitamin and mineral supplements may be needed.

Consultation with a Dietitian-Nutritionist: Working with a dietitian-nutritionist specialized in bariatric surgery can be of great help. He or she will propose an appropriate dietary plan and monitor tolerance.
Stress management: Stress can trigger or worsen the symptoms of rapid gastric emptying syndrome. Practicing stress management techniques, such as relaxation and meditation, may be beneficial.
Regular medical follow-up: It is important to maintain medical follow-up with the bariatric surgery care team. This allows treatment to be adjusted as needed and to ensure that symptoms are being adequately addressed.
Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco and alcohol, can help improve the quality of life of patients with rapid gastric emptying syndrome.
Psychological support: Psychological support, such as supportive therapy, can help patients cope with the emotional aspects of living with this syndrome.
Revision surgery: In exceptional cases and if symptoms are severe and debilitating, revision surgery may be considered to relieve symptoms.

In summary, rapid gastric emptying syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder that can occur after certain surgeries, such as bariatric surgery. If you experience symptoms of this syndrome, it is important to seek the guidance of a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. With a comprehensive approach that includes dietary changes, stress management and regular medical follow-up, it is possible to manage this syndrome and improve quality of life.

Bibliographic references

1. Kassir R, Debs T, Blanc P, Gugenheim J, Ben Amor I, Boutet C, Tiffet O. Complications of bariatric surgery: Presentation and emergency management. Int J Surg. 2016 Mar;27:77-81. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2016.01.067. Epub 2016 Jan 22. PMID: 26808323.

2. Van Beek AP, Emous M, Laville M, Tack J. Dumping syndrome after esophageal, gastric or bariatric surgery: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Obes Rev. 2017 Jan;18(1):68-85. doi: 10.1111/obr.12467. Epub 2016 Oct 17. PMID: 27749997.

3. Scarpellini E, Arts J, Karamanolis G, Laurenius A, Siquini W, Suzuki H, Ukleja A, Van Beek A, Vanuytsel T, Bor S, Ceppa E, Di Lorenzo C, Emous M, Hammer H, Hellström P, Laville M, Lundell L, Masclee A, Ritz P, Tack J. International consensus on the diagnosis and management of dumping syndrome. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2020 Aug;16(8):448-466. doi: 10.1038/s41574-020-0357-5. Epub 2020 May 26. PMID: 32457534; PMCID: PMC7351708.

4. Elrazek AE, Elbanna AE, Bilasy SE. Medical management of patients after bariatric surgery: Principles and guidelines. World J Gastrointest Surg. 2014 Nov 27;6(11):220-8. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v6.i11.220. PMID: 25429323; PMCID: PMC4241489.