gastectomy as treatment for gastroparesis

[canuk]

My wife has had gastroparesis since gallbladder removal 10 months ago.  She has been on Donparidone from Canada but it is ineffective at best. Her Gastro. Dr. says she needs a complete gastrectomy.  Is this a viable way to treat gastroparesis and if so what can she expect to be like post surgery?

[millmoore]

The way to get used to it is what i was told as trial and error this may seam silly but it has worked for me.. They will give you a guide line on what foods are best for you but i tried a bit of everything to see what my intestines would like and dislike, eat very little and often, eat and chew slowly the more you chew the easier it is for  your intestines to take.  You may suffer with pain after different kins of foods but dont let that put you off just leave it for a couple of weeks, best to avoid dairy products as can make you feel sick, coffee also not a good one to try strait away. Cranberry juice very good for you but little as it may give you bad belly.  You may feel like you will not fit in but in time you do get used to it and after 4 years of having my stomach removed I am more used to it now, you will never be the same and I must admit scary at first but in time you forget what its like to be normal as they call it, but is there really a norm i dont think so as everyone is different.  Healing is very good i found it has helped me imensly but if thats not your preference not to worry.  It will be scary at first but as they say time is a great healer and its true I was scared for years but now im not and my life is as normal as anyone elses, I go out with friends and have a drink on weekends I go out for meals only eating mainly starters, I can eat what ever I choose and dont worry about it, My favorite at the moment is Madras (Chicken), the best part is being able to fit in any sized clothes i will be able to fit into my daughters clothes before long.  I hope this has helped a little but keep your chin up there is hope for all and im a living aspect of one.  I did not loose my stomach through cancer but a stomach disease which ate away at the lining and had a full Gastrectomy my intestine is now linked up to the feeding tube not too sure what its called only ever see my consultant about once a year.  You will need a B12 injection every 12 months and blood samples every year for checking your iron and stuff apart from that vitamin pills, but thats all, its not as bad as you may imagin.

[TracyGromley]

A related discussion, Gastrectomy for Gastroparesis was started.

[poopieboo]

I read a posting by someone who stated that she had her stomach removed about four years ago.  I was surprised to hear that she is still able to eat.  I am puzzled by the fact of her still being able to eat.  Since she has no stomach where does the food go to after she eats?  I have been having trouble off and on with Gastroparesis.  I think my problem stems from my Lupus DDisease.  About three years ago, I went through a period where I couldn't eat or drink anything for about four months, and then God performed a miracle and started my stomach to working again.  Unfortunately, my stomach has started acting up again.  I have always been a little afraid of surgery, so I will try everything to avoid it.  I started surfing the internet for information about Gastroparesis and ran across this forum. After reading some of your postings, I feel strengthened.  

[cjl]

I've had a lot of GI problems for the last 3 1/2 years, gastroparesis and biliary reflux being two of them.  My stomach constantly burned and I felt nauseated most of the time.  Last March, I had a distal gastrectomy (removal of the lower 1/3 of stomach) with a Billroth ll.  I still have some problems, but they're less dominant now.  I've maintained my weight, but do have nausea if I eat too much at a sitting.  The key is eating a little at a time throughout the day.  Dumping syndrome is very common after any type of gastrectomy, esp. a total.  There can be other side effects, so do some research to learn more about this surgery.  You're obviously supportive of your wife, just keep it up, that's half the battle.  It's extremely important to get another opinion on such a radical surgery.  I had three surgeons basically tell me the same thing, so I felt fairly confident that I was making the right decision.  The best advise I can offer is to go to the best surgeon available who has experience in your wife's condition.  I had my surgery at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta and I would do it again, if I had to.  Best of luck to you and your wife!