Intro

[Rico3]

Hi I’m new to the site. I’m male 42. I was diagnosed with stomach cancer Nov 17 and got my stomach removed March 18. I was 11 stone pre op now I’m 9. I’m having trouble eating and gaining weight can anyone help

[Golf1910]

Hi, I had total gastrectomy just over 6 years ago now and lost a lot of weight, used to be 14.5 stone , I was in hospital 7 weeks as needed 2nd op due join leaking and lost 2 stone in hospital, lost further 2 stone over next couple of years and seemed to keep around 10 stone for some time, over past year I have lost a further stone so down to just over 9 at present. You should be seeing your upper GI nurse and dietitian who will monitor what you eating and suggest supplements etc. It is difficult as what you liked before the op isn't the same after. I was over weight so happy to have lost but not too happy to lose more, I am eating fairly well but suffer with swallowing still and is painful going through the oesophagus I also regurgitate the first few mouthfuls of food, not always but quite a lot.

I was 74 when had op and just had my 80th, still have lots of energy and always doing something including playing golf so guess a lot of my weight issues is where I burn off. Discuss with your upper GI nurse and dietitian but it does take time and like me not unusual to keep it off. Becomes expensive I started XL then L then M now S. Rob

[Alan_M]

Removal of the stomach is a major change to your digestive system and will affect how much you can eat, and what kind of food you will be able to cope with. If you can maintain a stable weight and take in enough nutrition to keep up healthy levels of nutrition vitamins and minerals, you should be relatively pleased (although know it won't feel like that). Putting on weight is not a sign of healthy recovery from your operation in itself, so do not try and eat simply for the purpose of putting on weight. You may simply have to accept that you have a new normal weight.

But do take seriously the advice you have no doubt received about 'little and often'. You might end up having two or three mouthfuls six or seven times a day.