New here: T1 and oesophagectomy/reduced food intake

[Karen82]

Hi all, I'm new here and am looking for advice for my husband. He's T1 (23yrs), is 39, relatively fit/active. He has been diagnosed recently with an aggressive oesophageal cancer requiring an oesophagectomy, which means he will have a very small tube-like stomach and will only ever be able to eat around 50% of what he eats now. He will have to graze-eat during the day but might also suffer from 'dumping' where the food drops out of his stomach so he's on the loo 15-30mins after eating. He thinks it will kill him as he won't be able to manage the diabetes. Does anyone have any experience of this - of managing diabetes as a result of a surgically-created smaller stomach? We'll be seeing specialist dietitians but he needs to hear from real people that it will be manageable. Thank you. Kx

[AoifeMcC]

Hi,

hope that you do not mind my reply. Type 1 diabetic here. I did find it very difficult at first, my poor husband had a tough time with me. I could eat so little post the total esophagectomy surgery (though that increases a good bit with time) - I was at a family wedding in Portgual about 3 months post the surgery when I started to eat a bit more, I tried fish paste so that worked for me, as it was low in volume but high in calories. Please know that everyone that has this surgery is different - I was lactose intolerant at first post the surgery. even now I look for high calorie, low volume foods.

I ate children's portions when dining out for a long time but it does get better and the dumping becomes more infrequent.

Your husband is the first other type 1 diabetic that I have heard of that has had or will be having the surgery.

It is worth it, no regrets about it.

[suramo Star in reply to AoifeMcC]

Yes. A small amount of calorie dense diet. He has to learn controlling gastrocolic reflex. This should be able for him to do with time. He will have to learn food nutrition, calorie and insulin dosage counting. He will be able to do that. For sure.

Good luck to him and the family.

[HOBIEONE]

Hello Karen82. I hope he is ok & getting better. I have been T1 diabetic for more than 51yrs & diet is the trick. please listen to your Drs & eat the things they recommend. Google & I always look at Livestrong. If he can win cycle races all over the world I want some of his pills. Good luck !