Undoubtedly, the stomach has important tasks in the digestion of our food. However, even if the stomach has been removed, digestion can still take place. If you consider the changes in the digestive tract that occur with the removal of the stomach, some changes in dietary behavior can provide relief for most complaints.
- Basically, you can eat whatever you can tolerate and whatever you feel like. Try it out for yourself and do not let it spoil the pleasure of eating.
- In the absence of the stomach as a reservoir for food, this function should be controlled by the frequency of meals. Eat many small (6-8 or more), rather than 2-3 large meals.
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Remember that your stomach can no longer perform the function of mixing and crushing.
- Drink little with meals, but rather between meals to avoid feeling full early. However, make sure you drink a sufficient amount of at least 1.5 liters overall.
- Eat a diet rich in protein and low in fat. Therefore, prefer lean meat and fish, lean sausage varieties (eg poultry sausage, cooked ham, raw ham without fat edge, corned beef), lean milk and dairy products.
- Avoid large amounts of high-sugar foods and beverages, such as candy, jam, cakes and sodas. These products more easily lead to dumping syndrome. Instead of sugar, use sweetener instead. Maybe test out diabetic products as a substitute for sweets.
- Some foods may cause intolerance in the early stages: flatulent fruits and vegetables (dried fruits, cabbage and legumes), milk, fried foods, carbonated drinks, hot spices, foods that are too hot or too cold. Carefully test the individual tolerance with these foods.
- Drink alcohol with caution, possibly your body reacts differently than you are used to due to the changed situation.
- One function of stomach acid is to kill harmful germs in food. Since this function is omitted, make sure that the food is processed hygienically and always store leftovers covered in the refrigerator to minimize the absorption of harmful germs.
- Have regular vitamin D, calcium, folic acid and iron checks and take them as supplements when needed.
- Remember that ¼ yearly vitamin B.
12
Is injected by the family doctor.
For most patients, the above advice can provide relief for existing complaints. Sometimes, however, a beyond individual advice is required. Consult a qualified nutritionist for this purpose.
