Eating and Drinking

Depending on exactly what surgery you have had, you may now have no stomach at all, or you may have a much smaller stomach. This means that you no longer have the capacity for large amounts of food, but this may gradually increase. The digestion process will be different and it will take a while for you to become used to this. You will feel “full up” more quickly, but the sensation will probably be different. At first it will be easy to over eat and  it will take you a while to judge when you have had enough.  You will also find that your sense of taste keeps changing during the initial weeks. You may find that one week you like something and the next you don’t. Keep eating a wide variety of foods.

Swallowing           

The act of swallowing should not be impaired but some trepidation about food entering the ‘new arrangements’ can make it feel a little difficult and lumpy at first.  Staying on a liquid diet should not be necessary.  Gradually move onto a normal diet as you feel able.  Avoid hard or sharp food pieces during the first six weeks, but well-cooked meat (white in particular) can be included as well as fish without bones.  You should be able to manage a normal diet within about six weeks to three months.  However, crispy foods such as crispbreads and toast may be easier to manage than soft bread since they don’t absorb as much saliva and become a doughy mass.

 Do not be alarmed if in the early weeks you have problems with swallowing. This often occurs due to the join being swollen and tender. See under “Food Sticking”

Appetite

Many people find they have poor appetite during the early stages of recovery so concentrate on things you like.  Initially your sense of taste may be affected with food and drink not tasting of much and possibly a bit unpleasant. You may prefer more sweet or savoury foods than you did before. As said earlier an operation on the digestive system does have major effects, but these vary from one person to another so different solutions are needed. Something not easily digested or liked in the early days may become so after a while. There may have been certain foods or drinks that did not agree with you in the past for whatever reason and these are not likely to change following  surgery.

Stimulating the appetite

• A small drink of sherry or other aperitif, or even a small beer, before a meal may help to stimulate your appetite and improve taste.

• Relax and avoid rushing meals.

• Try using a smaller plate and serve meals which are attractive and colourful.

• If you are too tired to prepare a meal, have a ready meal instead.

• If food has no taste, try highly seasoned or marinated food.

• If hot food upsets you, eat it at room temperature or cold.

• If you find cooking smells a problem, avoid the kitchen or use cold or micro-waved foods. Perhaps someone else can prepare your food for you. However, for some, the smell of food will tempt the appetite.

• If you do not feel like eating you may supplement a snack with a milky drink;   you can fortify the milk by adding dried milk powder to it.  Alternatively, have a food supplement or try one of the nutritious drinks listed in the appendix.

Mealtimes

In the early days talking during meals may affect  ease of swallowing. You may like to sit at the table to eat, or prefer to sit in an armchair with a tray on your lap.  Some people find it easier to eat with a distraction such as  reading or watching TV.  Sitting upright helps to avoid any tendency to choke on food.

A microwave oven is useful for reheating food which has gone cold, as may happen if you are eating slowly.

Sit for a while after a meal.

Little and Often!

The key to eating well after surgery is not to eat large meals, but to eat smaller amounts regularly. You may find this difficult at first, but try to eat SIX times a day; three small meals and nourishing snacks in-between. Eat slowly and chew your food well. This will help you digest your food and prevent you feeling full too quickly.  You will feel uncomfortable if you eat too much at one time. You will gradually get to know what is the right amount for you.

Eating more frequently can be a pleasure - biscuits with coffee in the morning; a scone or cake with tea in the afternoon; a gap between courses of the main meal of the day be it midday or evening;  - one is always eating! Try to make it an enjoyable activity - you now have time for conversation, and there’s no need to grumble at slow service when you are eating out!

Drinking

Drinking is important and you should make sure that you drink plenty of fluids.  However, you must be careful not to fill yourself up before or during a meal or you will not want to eat your food. When eating, just take sips of fluid.                  

There is no reason why alcohol should not be taken but the effect may be felt a little earlier than hitherto - so beware! Moderation in all things!  (Remember certain medicines can react with alcohol - look at the label).