Surgery planned

Sorry to hear this, I had stage 4 cancer had FLOT chemo then total gastrectomy followed by more chemo, I recovered well from surgery, it does take time and a total new way of life but I have finally got back to work, keep your spirits up every day is different but the specialists are incredible- good luck xx

Hi, thank you, could I ask how long recovery was for you and what to expect with regards to eating and drinking x

Well 22 months later, I eat and drink little and often, it’s a difficult one, if you have breast cancer you can get reconstructive surgery, stomach cancer you cannot have that choice, up side you can eat anything so full fats, ice cream, cheese etc, I am a foodie so not easy but I still love cooking and watching food programmes! It’s learning every day and keep a food diary! X

Hi Sop, my husband had  TG 14 months ago, he’s 81 next month, he’s absolutely fine. Only difference now is he eats  smaller meals, but with all the snacks, ice creams, 3 meals a day and whatever he fancies I’d say he’s eating as much as he did before. At the beginning he didn’t want to eat but knew he had to, we just go for things with a lot of calories. 
I’d say it will take a year to get to where you were before but you’ll see results month to month. 
Good luck with the operation and I hope all goes well X

Thank you for your reply, I’m a 60 year old female and you have helped ease my anxiety x

Just asked you on another thread and then saw this. Best of luck!

Hi. The thought of living without a stomach is very scary! I remember asking the consultant..how will this affect my life?  The answer.. you will live a normal life!  Five years on from a partial gastrectomy, I eat and drink much as before, albeit smaller portions.  Recovery from a total gastrectomy takes longer but lots of people on this group will share their experiences.

I found research helpful in preparing me .. not eating and drinking at the same time.  Soft foods for the first six weeks.. high protein and high calorie foods!  I read the book The Art of Eating without a Stomach!  Who knew!  The advice leaflet’s from the Oesophageal Patient Association was really helpful 

https://opa.org.uk

I was really careful about tiny portions at first and gradually increased it!  I started with about a small cupful when I got home, as it is difficult to know when you are full and it can feel uncomfortable! I ate small amounts every few hours at first but gradually you can build it up! 
Good luck!

Thank you for your reply, I’m going to get the book to read x