Page 13 - Family Help

Life after an oesophagectomy or gastrectomy

Vitamin B12 and stomach surgery

Your body may experience difficulty in absorbing certain vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in making red blood cells. So, if you have had
your stomach removed, you will need an injection of B12 at your GP surgery,
usually every 3 months. If you have only had a part of your stomach removed, or if
you have had an oesophagectomy, ask your doctor to check your levels of B12.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
After all types of stomach and oesophageal surgery it can be difficult to take in the
right amount of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, we strongly recommend that
you take a daily A–Z complete multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. Look for one
with at least 12mg of iron.

Unexpected symptoms
Following your operation, it will take your body some time to settle down and find
how to work with your new body. This may cause you unexpected symptoms.
Most of these will subside with time.

Dumping Syndrome
Normally, the stomach controls the release of food into the bowel. After an
operation to remove part or all of your stomach, the loss of this slow and steady
release can result in a number symptoms known as Dumping Syndrome. The
symptoms occur when the food you have eaten passes rapidly through the
digestive system and into the bowel. It can be unpleasant and distressing, or the
symptoms may be mild, but it is not serious and generally the frequency of
episodes becomes less. The effects normally disappear in half an hour or so. In
most cases, Dumping Syndrome symptoms can be avoided or managed by
reducing your portion sizes, reducing the amount of refined carbohydrate or
sugary foods. Speak to your Dietitian if you suspect you may have it. It is
important to try to limit the frequency of Dumping Syndrome to ensure that you are
absorbing enough energy, protein and vitamins and minerals to support recovery.

There are two types of Dumping Syndrome: Early and Late: –

• Early Dumping Syndrome
This can occur within 30 minutes of eating. It is due to a high concentration
of undigested food moving too quickly into the bowel from the stomach,
stomach tube or oesophagus.

The stomach usually acts as a reservoir to store food while it is mixed with
digestive juices, churned and broken into smaller particles.

When food is delivered too quickly into the bowel either due to the loss of
the stomach or loss of its reservoir function, water will follow causing a drop
in blood pressure. This can cause bloating, nausea and diarrhoea.

• Late Dumping Syndrome
Late dumping occurs 1–3 hours after eating. This happens when the food
delivered into the bowel is absorbed more quickly than usual. In response,
the body releases insulin, a hormone which causes blood sugar levels to

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