Diets For People That Have Had Their Stomach Removed.

My Name is Bernadine, I have friend that is 56 years old that has stomach cancer, His entire stomach was removed August 12, 2004. He seems to be doing very good and the doctor told him that they got all of the cancer. He is taking chemo now. He told me the doctor told him he could eat whatever he wanted to eat, (which didn't sound right to me) and he has been eating whatever he wants. I prepare food for him and I would like like to know what foods are best for him to eat since he does not have a stomach and what foods he should avoid. Ensure, Boost and Soy Milk gives him a lot of gas after drinkig them. I would like to know if there is anything else on that order that he could try. After he eats, his stomach boils (correction his intestine boils) and he has a lot of gas. I don't know anyone that does not have a stomach, but believe that part of his discomfort is a result of his diet. I would like for anyone that can offer me some advice to respond to me. Thank You.

Hi!
I also have had a total gastrectomy where my whole stomach was removed since Nov, 2002. I had been struggling with the diet myself. I find that anything high in sugar content, above 14 grams can cause rumbling of the intestines and gas & diarrhea. When I drink Ensure or Boost, I have to cut it in half with ice or water or Lactaid. I drink Lactaid, about 4 oz and I take my time - about 30 minutes and that sort of settle the intestines.
My doctor also told me I can eat anything. However, it is in small amounts- about 2-4 oz. and I have to chew it really well so that it is digested in the mouth already before swallowing the food. It has to be high in protein, high in calories but low in sugar. The Atkins or the Low Carb diets and snacks are what I eat to increase the calories especially when on chemo.
I hope that this would give you an idea. Also, allow at least 30 minutes to an hour after eating to drink any fluids since drinking after eating can cause "dumping syndrome" - diarrhea and intestinal pain and sweating.
Marilou

Is there anyone out there who has had total stomach removal and is doing ok. How long ago was your surgery and can you eat pretty normally? Thank you for any responses. My daughter-in-law is waiting on surgery to remove her whole stomach. She is 32 years old and has 2 very small children. She is terrified and I would like to give her any reassurance that she will be ok.

I'm afraid I don't have much reassurance to offer.  Our situation is a little complicated so maybe your DIL won't have the same complications we do. 

My mother is nearly 64 and had a full gastrectomy in June '06. At the same time she had a whipple procedure (removing the bowel duct/head of the pancreas).  She has a unique situation in that 23 years ago she had all but 7 inches removed of her colon.  All the surgeries were preventative.  They had to be done because she had hundreds of polyps in each organ and one that was changing in her bowel duct.

All this to say - this surgery has wiped her out.  Seven months later and she has lost 60 pounds+ and can't figure out how to keep food down.  The information about drinking after meals and avoiding sugar is very helpful.  Mother can't take any Ensure, etc, because with practically no colon she has a direct shot to eliminate food.  She can't control that kind of liquid. I truly fear that she will die of malnutrition if something isn't done.  She has no energy because she can't get any nutrition.  Her blood work doesn't show any kind of anemia. Are any of you receiving B12 shots?  Have they made a difference?

While the doctors are doing their best it's just not good enough.  She needs to interact with someone who can tell her "I know. I've been there and this is what I did." It's sounds as though some of you need the same.

I desperately want to get in touch with the 11 cousins who had this surgery.  Do you remember them?  Their story broke last June just as mother came out of surgery. It's sounds as though they all struggled with the same things (dairy, too much weight loss, etc) but are doing really well now. Anybody know how to contact them?

Amy

(Sorry it's a long message.  Thanks for reading it all.)

 

 

Hi,

 Does spitting up a foam like substance sound familiar to anyone who has had there stomach removed? If so please let me know.

Thanks.