Bariatric Surgery/Palpitations

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Expert: - 8/12/2010


Question
After I eat carbs, candy and a handful of chips I get Bad palpitaions.  They tell me it is normal, dumping syndrome. Some times they go on for almost an hour.  I had a holter monitor on and they put me on metoprolol. It still is not helping.  I am backing off the carbs and aweets.  My dumping is hot flashes, stools and palpitations--is this normal???

Answer
Julie,
Dumping syndrome is supposed to happen after gastric bypass, if you eat carbs.  Your symptoms sound exactly like dumping syndrome so you are having the expected effects from your surgery, if that was a gastric bypass.

You asked, "is this normal?"  Really the answer is no.  The right thing to do as a patient is to stick with proteins and vegetables.  It seems like a pretty good bet that your surgical program provided you with this type of information prior to surgery - if you are having trouble identifying the right foods to eat then I strongly encourage you to follow up with your surgical team and deepen your understanding.

Best of luck,
Dr JP

Bariatric Surgery

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Volunteer

John Pilcher, MD

Expertise

I can answer medically oriented questions about bariatric surgery including: patient selection, preparation for surgery, differences between types of bariatric surgery, aftercare following bariatric surgery. I can answer detailed questions about gastric bypass, Lap-Band, gastric sleeve, and revision bariatric surgery. I am only somewhat familiar with Biliopancreatic diversion. I am not prepared to answer insurance or other financial questions related to bariatric surgery.

Experience

I have been a practicing bariatric surgeon since 1995. About 85% of my current practice consists of bariatric surgery, including all of the above procedures except biliopancreatic diversion. I am the senior surgeon of a 5-surgeon group. I am recognized among surgeons and other medical professionals as the most experienced bariatric surgeon in my region.

Organizations
Fellow of American College of Surgeons Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Education/Credentials
BA in Biochemistry - University of Virginia Medical Degree - University of Virginia Surgical Residency - University of Virginia

Awards and Honors
Alpha Omega Alpha

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