Gastric (Stomach) Resection: What It Involves and What to Expect
By Dr. Rashna Ginwalla, Clearwater Advanced Surgical Associates, LLC
A gastric resection — gastrectomy — involves removing part or all of the stomach. The remaining stomach, or the esophagus in the case of a total gastrectomy, is reconnected to the small intestine so you can continue to eat. I perform this surgery for stomach cancer, severe or recurrent ulcers, tumors, and other conditions affecting the stomach.
What the surgery involves
The extent of the operation depends on the condition being treated. A partial gastrectomy removes the diseased portion. A total gastrectomy removes the entire stomach. Most patients stay in the hospital three to seven days. You'll likely have an IV nutrition line or feeding tube for several days while the surgical connections heal before eating by mouth begins.
What recovery looks like
Eating will be different — permanently. The stomach is smaller (or gone), which changes how much you can eat at once and how quickly food moves into the small intestine. Small, frequent meals — five to six per day — become your new normal. Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly are essential habits, not just recommendations.
Dumping syndrome affects 20 to 50 percent of people after stomach surgery. It happens when food moves too quickly into the small intestine, causing nausea, cramping, sweating, and dizziness shortly after eating, or shakiness and weakness one to three hours later. The main prevention: avoid sugary foods and drinks, don't drink during meals (wait thirty minutes before or after), and eat protein and fat with every meal. Most cases improve within three to twelve months.
Nutritional supplementation is likely long-term. Your stomach produces substances needed to absorb B12, iron, and calcium. After partial or total gastrectomy, deficiencies are common. I'll order periodic blood work and adjust supplementation as needed. A daily multivitamin and often B12 injections are standard.
Weight loss is expected. Significant weight loss in the first three to six months is common. The goal is maintaining adequate nutrition, not a number on the scale. I'll connect you with a dietitian.
Activity. No lifting over ten pounds for the first two weeks. Return to desk work typically by four to six weeks. Full activity clearance at your follow-up.
If your surgery was for cancer, I'll discuss pathology results and any need for additional treatment at your follow-up.
When should you come see me?
If you have a stomach cancer diagnosis, recurrent ulcers that haven't responded to treatment, a stomach tumor, or unexplained upper abdominal pain with weight loss or bleeding, a surgical consultation is warranted. We'll review your imaging and history and determine what the right approach is for your situation.
Call the office at (208) 985-6179, or request an appointment through the patient portal.
This page is a summary. After your consultation, I'll provide you with a detailed packet covering pre-operative preparation, the day of surgery, and post-operative care.
