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Recovery of Cancer of the stomach

You will have an intravenous drip to maintain your bodily fluids until you are able to eat and drink. You will find that you are only be able to eat small amounts for the first few days and you may have a naso-gastric tube (thin tube that passes down your nose into your stomach or small intestine) in place for the first few days.

You may need to take painkillers for a few days after your operation. Most people are ready to go home after about two weeks. 

If you have had some or all of your stomach removed you will only be able to eat small meals for the first few months after the operation. Some people need to be fed by a tube after an operation to treat stomach cancer, but most people are able to eat and drink normally.

As well as follow up appointments at the hospital, you will be encouraged to speak to a dietician about coping with the changes you will need to make after your operation. This is because certain foods may upset your digestion. You will find that you will have to eat smaller meals more regularly (every two hours), and avoid too much fibre because the stomach will not be able to cope. You may have to take nutrients or eat foods containing certain vitamins so that you do not become undernourished or underweight.

‘Dumping syndrome’ is common after surgery for stomach cancer. This is when you stomach empties too quickly after eating, causing a drop in blood sugar and making you feel dizzy and faint. To avoid this happening try to reduce the amount of liquids you consume, avoid sugary food and drink and eat smaller more regular meals.

Other problems you may experience after stomach surgery are diarrhoea, indigestion and vomiting in the mornings. You should take to your dietician about how to minimise these problems.

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