Everything you need to know can be found on the following link:-

https://www.nostomachforcancer.org/about/life-without-a-stomach/gastrectomy/preparing-for-gastrectomy

Initially after surgery you will not be able to eat very much. Certain food and drinks that you could consume prior to surgery maybe on the NO GO list, or at least for a while. Food which could potentially cause blockages (i.e peas, corn, celery, carrots), fruits high in sugar, yoghurt or drinks containing lactose, alcohol, pasta and rice are types of foods which you may need to adjust or live without depending on how your body reacts.

Some members like to keep a food journal and others use phone apps to monitor daily calories. You will find over the course of a year what you couldn’t eat in the first few months, you can try again. It will change. The main thing now is to start focusing on what you can eat, not what you can’t.

https://www.nostomachforcancer.org/about/life-without-a-stomach/nutrition-after-gastrectomy

Please follow this link from No Stomach for Cancer for all other special concerns regarding dumping syndrome, nutritional deficiencies, fat maldigesting, lactose intolerance and bone disease post surgery.

https://www.nostomachforcancer.org/about/life-without-a-stomach/special-concerns

https://debbiesdream.org/nutrition/

https://gastriccancer.org/nutrition/

Yes, although your body will take around a year to find it’s new normal. If you like to exercise or go to the gym then consult your doctor prior to undertaking any new physical activity. Hernias are quite common post-surgery and all care must be taken when lifting or exerting yourself.  Check out our videos library for some inspirational videos from members of our community.

We have had several Facebook members have successful pregnancies post surgery. Summer Dawn, one of our Facebook Administrators has started her own Facebook Group for those wanting to connect and discuss all things pregnancy and babies.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/262870400860370

For other FAQ’s regarding pregnancy, you may also like to read this link from the No Stomach for Cancer Website.

https://www.nostomachforcancer.org/about/life-without-a-stomach/pregnancy

• Dramatic Weight Loss
You may experience changes as your body reacts to the rapid weight loss in the first three to six months after gastric surgery, including:

• Body aches
• Feeling tired, as if you have the fl
• Feeling cold
• Dry skin
• Hair thinning and hair loss
• Mood changes

• PTSD, Anxiety, Depression
If you feel you are suffering from any of these conditions please consult your medical team.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/dxc-20308550

• Increase in Gas
It happens to the best of us! Try a daily probiotic and Google the FODMAPS diet. There are some foods that you can avoid to help elevate some of your gas issues.

• Dumping Syndrome
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dumping-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20371915

• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption
https://patient.info/digestive-health/coeliac-disease-leaflet/gastrointestinal-malabsorption

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/malabsorption-syndrome#1

• Reactive Hypoglycaemia
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/reactive-hypoglycemia/faq-20057778

• Gall Stones associated with rapid weight loss.

• Dehydration

Feedback from the Support Page Community recommend at least a 3 months recovery. Your body will tell you how ready you are and often if you go back to work too early your healing will take a few steps backwards. If you have a physically demanding job, you may need a little longer. Get the all clear from your doctors before you take the step to back to work.

Typically from 3 days onwards. Your hospital stay will depend on your state of health, the type of surgery you are having and which location in the world you are having it in. This is one of the questions you may like to discuss with your surgeon.

Yes you can. The prep is still extremely unpleasant and if you have issues with dehydration then consult your doctors. (Personally, I make sure I am always first on the list for the procedure. After fasting for a day and no liquids after midnight I get extremely low blood pressure. Once the procedure is done you can resume eating normally. – Michelle)  You may wish to be admitted overnight if you have difficulty consuming the prep. Any concerns consult your doctor.

Iron infusions are very common post surgery. A blood test can determine if your levels are low.

Yes. B12 is essential especially if you have had a Total Gastrectomy.  It is available via injections, oral spray and sublingual tablets. Please discuss with your doctor what will work best for you. Regular blood tests are required to monitor your B12 levels.

https://www.nostomachforcancer.org/about/life-without-a-stomach/special-concerns/nutrient-deficiencies

A DEXA scan measures the density of your bones. This scan is generally performed at the same clinic every two years to keep a record of your bone density. As we are more susceptible to osteoporosis due to malnutrition deficiencies this is one way to keep an active eye on our health.

If you live in Australia this should be covered under Medicare due to your medical condition.

https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/guide/dexa-scan

Esophageal dilation is quite common after a gastrectomy.

It is a procedure that allows your doctor to dilate, or stretch, a narrowed area of your esophagus [swallowing tube]. Doctors can use various techniques for this procedure. Your doctor might perform the procedure as part of a sedated endoscopy. Alternatively, your doctor might apply a local anesthetic spray to the back of your throat and then pass a weighted dilator through your mouth and into your esophagus.

The most common cause of narrowing of the esophagus, or stricture, is scarring of the esophagus from reflux of stomach acid occurring in patients with heartburn. Patients with a narrowed portion of the esophagus often have trouble swallowing; food feels like it is “stuck” in the chest region, causing discomfort or pain. Less common causes of esophageal narrowing are webs or rings (which are thin layers of excess tissue), cancer of the esophagus, scarring after radiation treatment or a disorder of the way the esophagus moves [motility disorder].

(Ref https://www.asge.org/home/for-patients/patient-information/understanding-eso-dilation-updated )

Resources:-

https://www.nostomachforcancer.org/about/life-without-a-stomach/tips-experiences

https://debbiesdream.org/resources/

https://gastriccancer.org/patient-resources/

https://gastriccancer.org/patient-resources/