How to Prepare for a Gastrectomy

Undergoing a gastrectomy as part of stomach (or gastric) cancer treatment can be intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. While it is normal to feel this way, learning how to prepare for this major procedure can be very helpful and make the whole experience less unnerving.

A gastrectomy is a surgical procedure where all or part of the stomach is removed. Gastrectomies are often performed as part of treatment for gastric cancer. Depending on the location of the cancer in your stomach and how far it has spread, your doctors will decide if you are due for a total gastrectomy or a partial gastrectomy. The former involves removal of the entire stomach, whereas in the latter, only part of the stomach is resected.

Here are five tips on preparing yourself for a gastrectomy.

#1: Learn more about gastrectomies

Going for a gastrectomy can feel extremely scary, but it doesn't have to be. Knowing as much as you can about the surgical procedure can alleviate some of the anxiety you’re experiencing. It can also help you stay on top of your discussions with your doctors about your treatment and care.

There are many ways to learn more about gastrectomies. Health websites like ours have numerous posts, articles and links to reference materials for you to read up on this type of surgical procedure. You could also speak with your cancer care team or even other cancer patients who have undergone a gastrectomy. These are people who would gladly share more information with you about the procedure and what to do before and after the surgery.

#2: Improve your nutrition and diet

Good nutrition is crucial prior to surgery as it will help you cope better during recovery. Because your body will need a lot of protein to help with the healing process, try your best to include high-protein foods or sugar-free protein drinks in your diet. Your doctor and dietician may also prescribe oral supplements to boost your nutrition and reduce your risk of postoperative infections.

Removing your stomach, even just a part of it, has big implications on your diet. After a gastrectomy, you likely won’t be able to consume regular-sized meals and your body may not be able to digest and absorb nutrients from food properly. This means you will need to adjust your eating habits after the operation if you want to avoid long-term complications. To prepare for this change, try taking five to six smaller meals throughout the day and practice eating at a slower pace.

#3: Keep yourself physically fit

It is very important to be physically prepared for a gastrectomy. Having heart and lung problems or being overweight can increase the risk of complications after surgery and hinder your recovery process. Being physically fit can put you in a much stronger condition to get better if you develop postoperative complications.

If possible, try to get 30 minutes of gentle to moderate intensity exercise every day for at least a month prior to surgery. This can be as simple as engaging in light physical activity such as brisk walking or cycling around your neighborhood. If you need help losing weight or improving your cardiovascular health, please consult your cancer care team. They will be able to offer you helpful suggestions and advice on effective ways to better your physical well-being before you undergo surgery.

#4: Stop smoking

If you are a smoker, it is highly recommended that you cease smoking for at least a month before your surgery. This is because smoking is a significant risk factor for gastric cancer and can increase the risk of complications during and after your gastrectomy. Consult your doctors or other members of your care team if you need help to quit smoking.

#5: Seek advice from your doctors about medication

Please let your cancer care team know if you are taking any medication or supplements. You may need to stop taking certain types of medication several weeks prior to the surgery, especially those that may increase the risk of bleeding. An example would be blood-thinning agents such as aspirin and warfarin.

Preparing yourself for a gastrectomy is crucial and following these tips can contribute to a safer procedure. These tips not only aid in minimizing the risk of complications but also help you transition to your new lifestyle. For instance, one of the steps you can take is to stock up your fridge with foods that are in line with your dietary requirements after the procedure. This way, you can rest assured that you are better prepared for the changes ahead and have a better chance of a smoother recovery.