What can you eat after a gastrectomy?

Category: medical health surgery
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Eat meals that have protein. This is found in red meats, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese and other dairy products, and peanut butter and other nut butters. High-sugar foods increase the chance of dumping syndrome. These include desserts, soda pop, and fruit juices.



Moreover, how long does it take to recover from a total gastrectomy?

A gastrectomy is a major operation, so recovery can take a long time. You will usually have to stay in hospital for one or two weeks after the procedure, where you may receive nutrition into a vein until you can eat and drink again. You will eventually be able to digest most foods and liquids after a gastrectomy.

Furthermore, how can I gain weight after total gastrectomy? Drink only nutritious beverages. Nutrient dense liquids can provide a lot of calories and are sometimes easier to get down than solid foods especially just after surgery. Try milk, eggnog, or unsweetened juice instead of coffee, tea, diet soda or water.

One may also ask, what can you not eat after stomach surgery?

During the six week recovery period after surgery, choose light brown or white breads, cook vegetables and keep servings sizes to ½ cup per meal, and peel raw fruit or used canned versions instead. Minimize your intake of fried, greasy foods and avoid having several high fat foods in one meal.

Can you drink alcohol after total gastrectomy?

If you drink alcohol regularly, you may be at risk for other complications during and after your surgery. These include bleeding, infections, heart problems, greater dependence on nursing care, and longer hospital stay.

29 Related Question Answers Found

Does the stomach grow back?

The stomach is built to stretch when food enters. When the stomach reaches capacity, it alerts your body that it's full so you will stop eating. If this is a rare occurrence, the stomach will simply shrink back to the previous size. If overeating happens regularly, the stomach may grow permanently larger.

What are the complications of gastrectomy?

Possible complications associated with gastrectomy include:
  • Pushing food from your stomach to your small bowel too quickly (dumping syndrome)
  • Acid reflux.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Chest infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia.
  • Internal bleeding.
  • Nausea and vomiting.

What happens after a total gastrectomy?

Recovery from a gastrectomy can take a long time. Eventually, your stomach and small intestine will stretch. Then, you'll be able to consume more fiber and eat larger meals. You'll need to have regular blood tests after the procedure to make sure that you're getting enough vitamins and minerals.

Can you live a normal life without a stomach?


It may be surprising to learn a person can live without a stomach. But the body is able to bypass the stomach's main function of storing and breaking down food to gradually pass to the intestines. Absent a stomach, food consumed in small quantities can move directly from the esophagus to the small intestine.

How long does a subtotal gastrectomy take?

The operation can take between 2 – 6 hours. During the operation, the diseased section of your stomach will be removed, along with some of the lymph nodes around it.

What happens after stomach surgery?

You may develop side effects after you recover from surgery. These can include nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, particularly after eating. These side effects result from the fact that once part or all of the stomach is removed, food enters the intestines too quickly after eating.

Are bananas good after surgery?

Soft Fruit (banana, papaya, berries, canned peaches or pears) Applesauce. Popsicles. Ice Cream, Milkshakes.

How do you poop after surgery?

After surgery, you should also plan to take a stool softener, such as docusate (Colace). A fiber laxative, such as psyllium (Metamucil), may also be helpful. Purchase a laxative or stool softener before your surgery so that you have it available when you return home.

What surgery has the longest recovery time?


The longest average recovery period we found was that of a total knee replacement, which can take from three months to one full year. This is typical with many knee injuries. An ACL injury, for example, can take six months or more to recover from.

What helps you heal faster after surgery?

Eat right for recovery.
Foods you consume should include: Protein – Protein is essential to wound healing, so try to get plenty of foods like chicken and eggs. Vitamin C – Some research shows that Vitamin C and zinc can help with healing, so eat the recommended amount of fruit each day.

How can I speed up healing after surgery?

Six ways to help speed your recovery after surgery
  1. Don't smoke.
  2. Eat well.
  3. Keep your weight down to a healthy level.
  4. Take care of your health condition.
  5. Make sure you understand and follow directions for your care after surgery.
  6. Make sure you understand what medications you should be taking (or not taking) after your surgery.

Is Pineapple Juice Good After Surgery?

Eating pineapples may reduce the time it takes to recover from surgery or exercise. This is largely due to the anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain. Several studies have shown that bromelain may reduce the inflammation, swelling, bruising and pain that often occurs after surgery.

How do I wake up my bowels after surgery?

Bowel Function
  1. Drink warm liquids.
  2. Walk outside your room three to four times daily.
  3. After meals: walk, and then sit up in a chair for 30 to 60 minutes.
  4. Sit upright in a chair three to four times daily.
  5. Lie on your left side rather than on your back to help move gas through your bowels.
  6. Eat slowly.
  7. Eat small amounts.
  8. Chew your food well.

Can I eat mashed potatoes after gastric bypass?


Consistency of thinned mashed potatoes or applesauce. At first, you may have to eat more frequent meals and consume smaller amounts at each meal. Try to take in 24 ounces (three cups) of nutritious liquids or puréed consistency food every day.

What to eat to heal faster after surgery?

Eat These Foods to Speed Up Recovery After Surgery
  • Protein – soy, dairy, beans, eggs, cottage cheese, poultry, fish, meat, and nuts are all excellent sources of protein.
  • Vitamin C – vitamin C helps your body make collagen.

Can you eat after total gastrectomy?

General Diet Guidelines After Your Gastrectomy. After your surgery, your stomach won't be able to hold as much as it did before surgery. You will need to have 6 or more small meals a day instead of 3 main meals. This will help you eat the right amount of food, even though your stomach is smaller or gone.