Cancer- Recovery from Surgery
Stomach Cancer- Postoperative Recovery & Care
Things to keep in mind while recovering from stomach cancer treatment.
Summary: 60 Second Read
- WHAT IS THE TYPICAL RECOVERY PROCESS AFTER A GASTRECTOMY?- The recovery process will depend on how much of the stomach a surgeon removes.
- HOW CAN I IMPROVE SYMPTOMS AFTER STOMACH CANCER SURGERY?- Eating smaller, more frequent meals can improve or help prevent uncomfortable symptoms after a gastrectomy. A high-protein and low-carb diet may also help patients feel better after eating.
If your doctor has recommended surgery to treat stomach cancer you may have many questions.
What is the typical recovery process after a gastrectomy?
The recovery process will depend on how much of the stomach a surgeon removes. Patients who undergo a partial gastrectomy can expect to:
- Spend three to five days in the hospital after surgery
- Lose weight for one month to six weeks
- Resume normal (or near normal) eating patterns three to six months after surgery
For total gastrectomy, patients can expect to:
- Spend five to eight days in the hospital after surgery
- Lose weight for at least two months
- Adjust to a new dietary “normal” over the next several months, as the digestive system heals
- Take a multivitamin, such as calcium and iron, to avoid anemia
- Take a vitamin B12 supplement
After surgery, many patients experience dumping syndrome. These symptoms happen a short time after eating, when food travels too fast into the intestine. You may feel:
- Abdominal cramping
- Pain
- Diarrhea
- Lightheadedness
How can I improve symptoms after stomach cancer surgery?
Eating smaller, more frequent meals can improve or help prevent uncomfortable symptoms after a gastrectomy. A high-protein and low-carb diet may also help patients feel better after eating.
Adjusting to a new way of eating after stomach surgery can take time and patience. It may be helpful to know that uncomfortable symptoms such as abdominal cramping and pain generally improve or resolve with time. Many people are back to their normal (or near-normal) eating habits one year after surgery.
Bottomline
As life changing as any major surgery can be, you are not alone in your journey on this road to recovery. Follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare team to get back to your new normal and consult your doctor immediately in case of any health issue.
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