Total gastrectomy

Hi, I’m sorry to hear your news, please consider having the gastrectomy, there’s lots of people on here that have done really well following this surgery, it probably does feel overwhelming for you especially with the breast cancer as well, speak to your specialist nurse team, I’m sure they wouldn’t have suggested surgery if they’d thought you couldn’t recover from it, the MacMillan team will also talk with you, please don’t give up, everyone is here for you 

Thanks for the reply, have you had the op? Or anyone else who has viewed my post, give me some idea of how your life has changed? 

Hi, I had a sub total in April 2024, 85% removal,  and life is now pretty much how it was before, its a scary thought and I did a lot of research about how to manage without a stomach. I did a lot of preparation beforehand, batch cooking very small portions and freezing them, I'm sure others will reply to your message as I know that a number of this forums members had a total gastrectomy will be happy to share their experience. Take time to process the information, you can survive stomach cancer, good luck.

This book is really useful: The Art Of Eating Without A Stomach: How To Thrive After Gastrectomy For Stomach Cancer
by Dr Peter Thatcher (Author) there is a kindle version

Thank you, do you still have a very limited diet with several small portions a day and eating slowly. 

I can now eat reasonable sized meals and most things that I ate before and  at more regular meal times, just like before, I take Creon capsules during meals to help with nutrient absorption which helps me to digest food,(helps to stop food being digested too quickly). It takes time, you  just have to follow your own body, you will get there 

It’s seven years since I had a partial gastrectomy.  I didn’t believe it was possible to live a normal life, but I do! There are many people on this group who have had a total gastrectomy..all ages and though the recovery takes time, you can eat and drink much as before! 
Do speak to your medical team about their treatment plan for you.  I remember reading a great post on this site…treatment for cancer is like climbing a mountain, but there will be places to rest on the way up, and you will get there with small steps! 

I will speak from my experience "I was angry and very apprehensive " I ended up having the surgery i healed very well. Surgery was back in February, driving after 3 weeks (shouldn't I just pushed myself a little more)

Am eating all the foods I was having before toilet habits normal juat a few adjustments in terms of frequency eating 

Positivity mind over matter helps easy to say better if done. I am sorry to hear about diagnosis.

Hi

I had  TG in January 2026. It was very successful I am pleased to say. However, it is life changing. My recovery was going as expected until I started post-op chemo. I only had 3 of the recommended 4 because it made me so nauseous, food was going straight through me, I got dehydrated and ended up in hospital twice. I was relieved not to have the 4th dose.

Now,  3 months post chemo I am feeling a lot better although I'm still struggling with food and drink. I take Creon with every meal which helps digestion but I am randomly running to the loo after food and if I drink to much or too quickly it is really uncomfortable in my throat and sometimes makes me sick.

The dieticians are checking in with me often and trying new medications and making dietary suggestions.

That said, looking back to this time last year I was very frightened for my future but this surgery has given me my life back so there is no way I wouldn't of had it.

Yes it is difficult and yes im still struggling a bit but I am still here and slowly getting my life back on track.

Sorry for your diagnosis. Feel free to ask me any questions

Regards, Lin

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm sorry to hear you still have some problems, hope they improve for you soon. 

I have agreed to surgery, it's the 27th of this month. 

Have you any tips for me, or anything you would do differently? 

1. Best wishes Pam

Hi Pam

My first tip is .... eat loads of what you like now without worrying about weight, if you can !!

After surgery you will definitely need help for a few weeks. I hope you have someone or a few people who can make you food and do housework etc.

Its important to keep your food intake at 6 + times a day and drink in-between. I found cup a soups a good snack option and ice lollies as a drink alternative.

Rest, rest, rest. I still get really tired now and if you push yourself too much you will feel ill.

It won't be easy but it will be worth it.

Best wishes, Lin