What to eat after gastrointestinal cancer surgery

After discovering gastric cancer, appropriate treatment methods should be taken in time. Surgical treatment of gastric cancer is a commonly used method in clinical practice. Some patients undergo surgery to remove the diseased stomach, which will cause the stomach function to become worse. After surgery, it is important to adjust the diet of gastric cancer patients. So what should you eat after gastrointestinal cancer surgery? Regarding this issue, let's take a closer look at it below.

1. Excessive intake of sugar can easily cause hyperosmotic dumping syndrome (discomfort symptoms after meals caused by gastrectomy). Therefore, sugar intake should be properly controlled, and sugar energy should account for 56% of total calories. Avoid sweets and focus on starchy foods.

2. Once gastric cancer patients resume eating after surgery, they should eat small and frequent meals every day, eat less at each meal, and eat 4 to 5 meals a day to adapt to the characteristics of the small stomach. Do not overeat.

3. A high-protein diet should be supplemented, and foods that are easily digestible and contain a full range of essential amino acids should be selected, such as eggs, fish, shrimp, lean meat, soy products, etc. The protein energy supply should account for 15% to 20% of the total energy, or be given at a standard of 1.0 to 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight (for example, a person weighing 70 kilograms can consume 70 to 140 grams of protein per day).

4. Increase the intake of vitamins and minerals: Choose animal livers, fresh vegetables, etc. appropriately to increase the intake of various vitamins and minerals. It should be noted that after gastric cancer surgery, patients are prone to iron deficiency anemia, so they can eat lean meat, fish, shrimp, egg yolk, soy products, dates, green leafy vegetables, sesame paste and other foods rich in protein and iron to prevent anemia.

5. Eat small meals frequently: Patients should develop good eating habits, eat at regular times, eat at regular times and in fixed quantities, and eat small meals frequently, with 5 to 6 meals a day being appropriate. The staple food and side dishes should be soft and easy to digest. Eat a little less at each meal to adapt to the small stomach capacity. Do not overeat, and pay attention to food hygiene.

Through the above introduction, I believe everyone has a certain understanding of what gastric cancer patients should eat after surgery. Experts say that gastric cancer patients should not only adjust their diet after surgery, but also maintain an optimistic attitude, which will help to restore health and improve the quality of life of patients. Finally, I wish patients a speedy recovery.