General surgeon Dr. Elijah Mobley has been providing health care and general surgery for the residents of the Montclair area in the beautiful San Bernardino County of California for many years.
A Gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all or part of your stomach. Many people find it difficult to believe that they can live with a stomach, yet it is very possible and many people are living proof.
The symptoms that lead to a person requiring Gastrectomy surgery depend on the causes that are listed below:
- Stomach Cancer
- Bleeding Gastric Ulcers
- Perforation (Hole) in the Stomach Wall
- Benign Polyps
The human stomach is a J-shaped organ that is located in the upper portion of the abdomen. The stomach is a part of your digestive system that processes the nutrients, proteins, carbs, minerals, vitamins, and water from the food you eat.
The food you eat, then moves from the throat into your stomach through a muscular, hollow tube known as the esophagus. After the food leaves your stomach, it is partially digested from there it moves into your small intestine and then into the large intestine. Where the waste is eventually passed through your anus.
Partial Gastrectomy
A partial gastrectomy is when the general surgeon removes only a part of your stomach. The remaining part of your stomach then continues to perform its digestive function.
Full Gastrectomy
Your entire stomach is surgically removed; your esophagus is attached directly to your small intestine, where the digestion process now begins. If you have a full Gastrectomy, you must make considerable changes to your diet.
Diet After a Full or Partial Gastrectomy
At first you will probably lose weight. You will most likely start eating about a week after your surgery. In the mean time you will be given IV fluids and or a nasogastric tube (this is a very thin tube that is inserted in one of your nostrils and threaded into your stomach (partial) or your intestines (full Gastrectomy.)
Once you are able to eat the regular way again, you need to eat foods that are healthy and high in calories. Experts suggest eating six to eight very small meals a day. If you are having trouble eating after your surgery, then try nutritional drinks/shakes to make sure you are getting enough calories.
Recovery Period for a Gastrectomy
You will likely be hospitalized for one to two weeks after your surgery. Over time you will be able to increase the amount of food you eat. You may still need pain medications once you are discharged from the hospital. Don’t get discouraged it could take a few months to several months before you feel like yourself again.
Important Note
A Gastrectomy should not be confused with a gastric bypass surgery. Even though the surgery is very similar in nature to a partial Gastrectomy. The reasons for a partial and full Gastrectomy in this situation is entirely different. People who have this surgery are at risk of losing their life due to stomach cancer and other life threatening conditions. They are not the slightest bit interested in weight loss.
Dr. Elijah Mobley can perform general surgery to help relieve your pain and remove your potentially life threatening condition.
