What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dumping syndrome and to identify associated risk factors in post-operative bariatric patients.

April 17, 2026Open Access

Factors Predisposing to Development of Dumping Syndrome in Post Operative Bariatric Patients: Experience from a Tertiary Unit

ATArkeliana TaseLuton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust AAAlan AskariLuton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust MAMariam AbedLuton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Key Points

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dumping syndrome and to identify associated risk factors in post-operative bariatric patients.
Conducted a prospective observational cohort study at a UK bariatric unit.
Utilized the Sigstad questionnaire to assess patients from January 2024 to June 2025.
Collected data on surgery type, pre- and post-operative weight, body mass index, %TBWL, and diabetes status.
10% of reviewed patients met criteria for dumping syndrome.
Revisional surgery showed a higher risk of dumping syndrome (22% vs. 8.7%).
No significant relationship was found between diabetes mellitus and dumping syndrome.

Abstract

Dumping syndrome (DS) is a recognised complication after bariatric surgery but reported prevalence and associated risk factors vary widely. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DS and to identify predisposing factors in post-operative bariatric patients. A prospective observational cohort study was conducted at a high-volume bariatric unit in the UK. Consecutive patients reviewed between January 2024, and June 2025 were assessed using the Sigstad questionnaire. Data collected included type of surgery, pre- and post-operative weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage total body weight loss (%TBWL), and presence of diabetes mellitus (DM). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. A total of 358 patients were reviewed (median age 45 years, 88% women). Thirty-six patients (10%) scored ≥ 7, meeting criteria for DS. The majority (91.7%) developed symptoms within one year. Revisional surgery was associated with a significantly higher risk of DS (22% vs. 8.7%, p < 0.01). No association was found with pre-existing DM (19% vs. 27%, p = 0.327). Patients with DS had lower post-operative BMI (33.2 vs. 40.5 kg/m²) and greater %TBWL (17.9% vs. 12%), though differences in absolute weight and BMI did not reach significance. An additional 11 patients (3.4%) developed transient, diet-related symptoms that resolved spontaneously. DS was present in 10% of patients, with a further 3.4% experiencing transient symptoms. Revisional surgery emerged as an independent risk factor, whereas no relationship with diabetes was observed. Early multidisciplinary input is recommended for high-risk patients, and multicentre studies are needed to standardise diagnostic and reporting methods. Dumping syndrome affected 10% of patients, with most cases arising in the first post-operative year. Revisional surgery was significantly associated with increased risk of DS. No correlation was found between DS and pre-existing diabetes. Patients with DS demonstrated greater percentage total body weight loss (%TBWL).

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