Awaiting Total Gastrectomy with trepidation

Welcome to our group! I took a couple of short nightdresses as I would rather not wear the hospital gowns. A phone charger, phone and iPad. I downloaded Headspace and listened to it using earbuds. It helped me stay calm and cope with anxiety 

The main thing was to get information on the recovery and starting drinking and eating. The medical team should ensure that you follow a pathway but I found it helpful to understand it myself.  Once you can eat it’s very important to eat tiny amounts and build it up. 
If you can get as fit physically and mentally as you can! I walked a lot prior to surgery.  Your body will undergo a significant impact so being as fit as possible will help! 

Good luck! 

Thank you Jacquiw10 very helpful advice. I’m trying to get built up with food and exercise - Heat not helping! I’ve also ordered the art of eating without a stomach book best to be prepared! I’m very grateful for this site and hearing other’s experiences -very reassuring that life can be good again. 

That’s good! I found that book very helpful. It’s a lot of trial and error at first!

I found the surgery much easier than chemo! I was absolutely terrified but very well looked after by the medical team. I was on an Enhanced Recovery Pathway which helped. I walked out of HDU after 5 days.. there were no porters!! 
And went home the next day! 
I was back at work on a phased return after six weeks! I was lucky there were no complications after surgery. 
Fingers crossed for you! X

Thank you again, so encouraging - I’m starting to make a few plans now I have hope for the future. First 3 chemos I had no bad problem, last one knocked me for 6 along with other stuff, if you look in my profile you’ll understand - hopefully there’s a way ahead on both counts now. 

Hi LadyRacer, just looked at your profile and see you’re having you’re operation Notts hospital, my husband had his TG there 2 1/2 years ago, very good and out on the 7th day.

Hope everything works out for you x

Hi Sue

thats good to know thank you - and that I could be out fairly quickly, hope your husband is OK now 

Im beginning to feel more confident  in life after TG and planning for the future.

Xxx

Will your sisters be able to cook for you for the first couple of weeks? Or they can cook the liquidised foods now and freeze them in small portions (I’d say go for half a cup and a cup). 

Thanks for that, I’ve been putting small amounts of things in the freezer so I’ve only got to micro them. I’ll have to cook for myself really so getting prepared.