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

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).