eating after surgery

The issues your husband is experiencing are very common for those of us who have had a “re-arranged” digestive system. It takes time to get used to our new plumbing.

Two things I can tell you from experience. First, it does get better and he will eventually be back to eating most of the same foods he enjoyed in the past. Second, it does take time and during that time he may lose some weight before his diet stabilizes and he regains some of the weight he lost.

I will include some references to web sites that contain helpful information. You may have already gotten these from the nutritionist at the hospital where he had his surgery; but just in case.

A diet guide for people who have had an esophagectomy:

 http://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/education/nutrition/pages/esophagectomy.aspx

A diet guide to avoid “dumping syndrome”

 http://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/education/nutrition/pages/dumping-syndrome-diet.aspx

A high protein / High calorie diet for recovering cancer survivors

 http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/resources/eating-well-during-and-after-your-treatment

These are some “rules of eating” that helped me when I was recovering.

1. Avoid foods that have high concentrations or sugar or simple carbohydrates

2. Eat seven to eight small meals a day

3. Eat slowly and chew all food very thoroughly

4. Rest for approximately 30 minutes after eating (in an upright position)

5. Drink minimal liquid during meals ( drink liquids approximately an hour after eating)

6. High calorie supplement drinks (like Ensure) must be sipped slowly over a long period of time.

I have found that food supplements like BeneCalorie can be mixed in many foods and add calories without the “over full” feeling.

 http://www.nestle-nutrition.com/products/Product.aspx?ProductId=f5f4d29a-d26e-4152-85a4-31ba79059fd0

 I hope these suggestions are helpful. It does take time for your body to adjust to the changes from surgery.  

Best Regards,

Paul Adams

Grand Blanc, MI

•  DX 10/22/2009                  T2N1M0  Stage IIB
•  12/03/2009                         Ivor Lewis
•  2/8 through 6/14/2010       Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU

i had one quator of my stomach removed and all but one inch of my esophagus. back on march3rd 2014 i know exactly what he is going through is he taking omeprazole none of my docters prescribed or told me i needed to take 2 a day i was having a hard time swollowing about  a month and a half ago i started taking it got my throte strethed and am swollowing much better. even gaining weight