Life After Full Stomach Removal

My stepmom just had her stomach removed last week due to cancer.   Can someone who has had their stomach removed for six months or longer, describe what problems you've experienced, what to expect with food consumption, energy, strength?   How much weight do you really lose? Problems with acid reflux, bile, gas?

I really appreciate any information.

Well my dad had about 70% of his stomach removed back in early July 07. The recovery was harsh (about a week or so) but now he is pretty much back to normal. He gets full quicker, but still has a pretty good appetite...so he just eats more frequently.

He hasnt really gained his weight back, but he's maintaining a healthy number (152lbs)

That's great. Did your father have to have chemo after the surgery?

Yes, he did 3 rounds for 1 week straight each. After his 3rd round, cat scan showed up clean. No new growths or tumors. He just completed round 4 today. He has 2 more rounds then another scan (so 6 rounds total). If that one shows up clean then he will take a chemo break for a while and we will just monitor with cat scans every 2-3 months.

So far all is good, I just pray that his next scan will be clean.

I guess everyone is different, but I have had a lot of trouble with food. My stomach is not digesting the food, so they have me on reglan. Still this is not doing enough, so I am still losing weight. Have lost 73 pounds in the last year. My nutritionist says I may have to depend on more suppliments of fluids than anything. But My sister had the same surgery and she is eating pretty good. The acid reflex is horrible. I am still in a hosptial bed because I get sick if I lay down. Again my sister does not have that trouble. So it may take some trial and error to find what works and what will not work. I know one thing for sure the smaller more frequent meals are very important.

I have been lucky.  Post gastrectomy I have to eat small portions but I eat anything I want. I lost 40 lbs and holding steady.  I occasionally have reflux at night.  We purchased a Tempurpedic bed so the head of the bed is elevated.  I do have cycles of constipation, gas and diarrhea but they are getting better.  I had my surgery last May.  I had chemo before and after surgery, plus radiation post surgery.

 

Tom

 

On 11/19/2007 LabGuy wrote:

I have been lucky.  Post gastrectomy I have to eat small portions but I eat anything I want. I lost 40 lbs and holding steady.  I occasionally have reflux at night.  We purchased a Tempurpedic bed so the head of the bed is elevated.  I do have cycles of constipation, gas and diarrhea but they are getting better.  I had my surgery last May.  I had chemo before and after surgery, plus radiation post surgery.

 

Tom

Tom, what was your staging?  Did you have entire stomach removed?   My mom is doing well also.  She eats what she wants, but, of course, small quantities.   She'll start her first chemo in a few weeks, her stage was 1B.   I wonder if she'll have to do radiation, too.   did the doctor tell you why you had to also have radiation besides chemo?