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Can anyone give me some info on partial gastrectomy?

(7 Posts)
Katek Sat 30-Sept-17 23:09:43

I have a friend who has recently had this surgery for cancer and she just doesn't seem to be picking up very well. In the two months since the surgery she's lost two stone and still can't face the thought of food as it makes her feel sick. Is tjus a normal response to this type of surgery? I know very little about this but hoping some of you grans can help. I'm very concerned about her.

Serkeen Sun 01-Oct-17 01:58:02

A partial gastrectomy is the removal of a part of the stomach. It's usually the lower half that's removed. A full gastrectomy is the removal of the entire stomach. A sleeve gastrectomy is the removal of the left side of the stomach. This is usually performed as part of a surgery for weight loss

You'll probably have to eat smallermeals more frequentlyfor a fairly long time after having a gastrectomy. However, over time your remaining stomach and small intestine will stretch and you'll gradually be able to eat larger, less frequent meals. Adietitian should be able to help you withthis adjustment.

After a gastrectomy, you'll need regular blood tests to check you're getting the correct amount of vitamins and minerals in your diet. If you don't have the correct nutrition, you can develop problems such as anaemia.

If you go on the NHS website there is lots more info

Katek Sun 01-Oct-17 08:53:36

Thanks Serkeen

MawBroon Sun 01-Oct-17 09:46:54

May I ask if this is stomach cancer or Oesophageal cancer katek?
My friends BIL was diagnosed with the latter 2 years ago and had the operation 18 months ago. Much of what he eats is puréed or at least soft and he does find it hard to take in enough calories etc.so he has the various dietary supplements which are available. In the early stages, he was fed through a line directly into his stomach.
The good news is that he is still here and although thin, very fit, all things considered. Good luck to your friend!

Katek Sun 01-Oct-17 11:51:47

Maw - it's stomach and small intestine cancer-she also had bowel resection at same time and now has a stoma. All pathology is positive - good, clear margins and no lymph node involvement. It was all very sudden and I think she's as much psychologically shocked as physical. Apart from visiting and chatting I just don't know how to help her and would like to understand more about the recovery from this type of surgery.

MawBroon Sun 01-Oct-17 12:14:09

That sounds really promising, KateK and I wish her well. As well as the NHS site serkeen quoted these seems to be no end of information on Dr Google, but perhaps a support group of people who have “been there” might be more helpful. Could Macmillan point you or her in the right direction?
Paw had a small bowel resection 9 years ago when a perforated bowel revealed a tumour and subsequent monoclonal antibody therapy for Lymphoma, but fortunately no stoma was needed.
Absorption of nutrients, dietary iron, vitamins etc etc are an ongoing problem for him and iron-deficiency anaemia means he needs regular blood transfusions, but there are other contributory issues there.
Your friend’s nutrition is going to be paramount to help with the healing process and maintain her strength, so do look at dietary supplement (Ensure Plus fruit juices as well as shakes) - you can get these on prescription, lots of high protein snacks, low fibre food, full fat yogurts, milk cheese etc and little but OFTEN meals. It is a challenge when a person has no appetite but every whim can be indulged!
Best of luck, she is fortunate indeed to have friends who are so concerned for her welfare!

Katek Mon 02-Oct-17 11:41:36

Thanks for the dietary info Maw - I shall take gifts of nice things to eat when she's feeling a bit better! She's barely tolerating fluids at times but it's very early days. Hope Paw is keeping a little better.