Dietary Recommendations Before a Gastrectomy

Diet during the weeks prior to surgery is crucial to reach it in the best possible nutritional state, especially ensuring that the body has all the calories and protein that it needs. If the tumour is very localised, direct surgery will be performed, but surgery is usually preceded by a previous treatment. There is usually six weeks between the end of the treatment and the surgery, so there is time to recover and reach surgery in the best shape possible.

Surgery on the stomach is called a gastrectomy, and depending on the location and size of the tumour, it can be partial (in which the stomach is partially removed) or total (in which the stomach is completely removed).

In order to cope with the dietary requirements of the period prior to surgery, the following is recommended:

  • At as varied and balanced a diet as possible, with an increase in protein to ensure sufficient intake, and with minerals such as iron, zinc and selenium and vitamins like B12 and D to avoid deficits prior to surgery.

  • Adapt food to possible situations, such as:

    • Abdominal discomfort, so an easily digestible diet is recommended.

    • Previous weight loss, so a high-protein and high-calorie diet is recommended.

  • Perform physical activity, according to your capabilities, to try to maintain or regain muscle mass.