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Post Gastrectomy Care & Diet

A gastrectomy removes part of the stomach, or in some cases all of the stomach. The post-surgery care and diet is an important part of recovery. The surgery is performed to treat bleeding ulcers, stomach cancer and tears in the stomach wall. It can also be performed to remove polyps in the stomach that are not cancerous. The foods that are eaten after this surgery are vital to recovery.

  1. Care After Discharge

    • The amount of time spent in the hospital will depend on how well the patient recovers and the extent of the surgery, but the average hospital stay is between seven and 10 days. Gastrectomy is usually an open surgery, and patients will experience pain at the incision site.

      Pain medication and antibiotics are continued at home to manage the pain associated with the surgery and to prevent infection. Patients should watch the incision for reddening and inflammation that might indicate infection. Pain that worsens after returning home should be immediately evaluated by the doctor.

      A gastrectomy patient should participate in light activity during recovery. A follow-up appointment is set for two weeks after surgery to evaluate recovery.

    Anti-dumping Diet

    • Dumping syndrome occurs in patients who have undergone a gastrectomy when food is introduced to the intestines too quickly. The symptoms of this condition include dizziness, nausea, bloating, diarrhea and rapid heartbeat. These symptoms usually begin about 30 to 60 minutes after eating.

      Gastrectomy patients are instructed to eat six small meals a day instead of three larger meals to prevent concentrated sugar from entering the intestines too rapidly. Liquids should be consumed at least 30 minutes before a meal or one hour after the meal to slow down the progression of food through the gastrointestinal tract. Liquids consumed with a meal should be limited to a half-cup.

      Laying down after meals for 15 minutes can slow down the progression of food through the digestive system as well. Slowing down foods also increases the absorption of nutrients from foods. Sugar-laden foods should be avoided to prevent the symptoms of dumping syndrome.

    Vitamins and Minerals

    • Some patients require additional vitamins and minerals after a gastrectomy because of poor absorption. Iron, vitamin B12 and folate are commonly given to patients after a gastrectomy. Vitamin B12 levels will be checked after surgery and might be supplemented with injections of the vitamin to ensure absorption.

      The diet changes that occur after a gastrectomy might only be a temporary consideration. Some patients continue to follow the changes to diet and supplement with vitamin and minerals to make sure that proper nutrition is followed.

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