The most frequent postprandial symp

The most frequent postprandial symptoms (Tab. III) were those of reduced gastric volume: abdominal swelling (62%) and early satiety (59%), while the rapid emptying symptoms (dumping syndrome, diarrhea/malabsorption) were practically absent. This fact can be explained by the digestive type of reconstruction employed (Roux-en-Y). A possible limit of this analysis could be liked to the period of follow-up considered in the study (over 4 months after surgery). In fact the symptoms related to a rapid emptying of the stomach usually refer to the early postoperative period, whereas only 5% of the patients suffered from their chronic presence (8). Of the 17 patients suffering from at least 1 intolerance,
a large variety of foods caused postprandial symptoms (Tab. IV),
with 9 patients intolerant of more than 1 food at the same time.
There is no relationship between the length of time elapsed after surgery and the presence of intolerance. However, we did not consider the immediate postoperative period in our analysis, so we cannot estimate whether some patients had had only an early and transient intolerance to a specific food. Our study does not confirm the responsibility of pastry products (percentage of simple carbohydrates) or milk and dairy products in the development of intolerance or symptoms. From our data, we can suppose that food intolerance depends on individual characteristics of the various patients, such as dietary habits, clinical conditions, and social and familial environment.