Need help with how to eat after stomach being removed.

My Mom-in-law had her stomach removed July, 2008.  The was her third type of cancer, had colon cancer 25 years ago, breast cancer 8 years ago and now stomach cancer.  She is a talk lady and weighed around 175 but now weighs 112.  She can not get anyone to tell her how she needs to eat, they just say you can eat anything you want just in smaller portions.  She was told she only need to eat 1/2 cup at a time.  She will do good eating like this for several days then she gets pains and starts throwing up and running to the bathroom.  I need someone to help us get her back on track.  I don't know what to do. 

Dear Molly Although I do not have a loved going through what you are I do know the frustration you are feeling b/c you are not getting any answers you need to help. I was talking to a Sr Oncologist at CCTA and he gave me some great websites to search in my area for a Nutritionist and a Naturopathic doctor. I think a Nutritionist that has dealt with this and worked with patients like your loved one is key. I really feel like when something like this changes your life and world you also have to change and adapt with the cards that are dealt to you. You can't NOT change and you can't eat the same things in moderation. I wish you the best of luck and I pray that God helps you in the ways you need Him. Good luck to you and God bless. www.naturopathic.org www.nanp.org (National Assoc of Nutrition Professional www.eatright.org I hope these hep you or at least point you in the right direction. Praying for you in Oklahoma

Dear DeanaSusan:

 Thank you for the websites, I will check them out right now.  Also thank you for the prayer.  That is how we are getting through this. 

 

My husband, too, had his stomach removed just about a year ago.  We have been on a rollercoaster ever since; the eating just one but big part of the picture.  We consulted with 3 dieticians (the hospital, the cancer center, and VNA).  Each one had a different twist; basically the direction was to try different things to see what his body could tolerate.  We found definates to avoid were:  too much sugar, grainy meats (hamburg), lettuce, peppers, too many fats at one time, soda (anything carbonated).  For him these things went right through him, diarrhea followed by cramps. He  then had to lie down for a while.  He lost 85 lbs in the year (probably needed to lose 30 anyway), now he is very thin, but holding his own.  A few hints on snacks I can't call them meals because the portions are so small) he enjoys and tolerates:  this is the best, a milkshake made with Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added variety), ice cream (no sugar added), yogurt, 1/2 banana, and benecal ( a liquid supplement with 300+ calories in a little container; need to ask at a pharmacy; made by nestle).  My husband just drank those for a while. Also potatoes in various forms with whatever he likes added to it, grilled cheese sandwiches (cut in fourths so he can nibble through the day. He also strays at times knowing the results; but he is willing to deal with  the discomfort after.  Hope this helped a little.  Good Luck to all.

Carolyn

 

On 5/18/2009 mollybrown wrote:

My Mom-in-law had her stomach removed July, 2008.  The was her third type of cancer, had colon cancer 25 years ago, breast cancer 8 years ago and now stomach cancer.  She is a talk lady and weighed around 175 but now weighs 112.  She can not get anyone to tell her how she needs to eat, they just say you can eat anything you want just in smaller portions.  She was told she only need to eat 1/2 cup at a time.  She will do good eating like this for several days then she gets pains and starts throwing up and running to the bathroom.  I need someone to help us get her back on track.  I don't know what to do. 

I know exactly what your going through....   My mother had her entire stomach and part of her esophacis removed in
June 2005.  After many rounds of chemo and radiation she is now cancer
free but she still has problems eating.  She had a feeding tube for
quite some time but it was finally removed.  Pre-operation she weighed
160 lbs and now weighs 78 lbs.  She has to eat very small portions all
throughout the day and not eat anything acidity, sugary, no raw
vegetables or high fibre, and not drink when eating.  If she does she
will get heaves, bring up bile, get very bad gas pains.  This takes a
toll on her and she will stay in bed and just sleep.  Need to keep her
moving to keep her muscle tone and keep from getting phemonia.  She
gets Vitamin B12 shot, takes vitamin D and multivitamin. Recently she
started a protein/whey drink from GNC (nutrition store).  She managed
to gain three pounds but she doesn't like the drink very much.  We
tried putting ice cream in it and she seems to tolerate it. Depression
sets in sometimes but with family and friends rally around her she
pulls out it everytime.  Tell your mother not to give up, she's
not alone and that its very important she has to eat the correct way or she'll never get
better.  I wish her better health!