Gastrectomy and issues afterward

Anyone familiar with a Gastrectomy (total stomach removal. I have questions…

Looking for some advice and tips
I am 6 months out of TG which has seemingly gone very well on the recovery angle. Recently since a change in my medication (for fibromyalgia) I have started suffering from insomnia. I believe after doing some research that I have an increased bile production and bile reflux which is causing some problems. The main one is where I start to eat, can’t eat, literally and figuratively and then my intestines start to act as though something is fermenting in there, bubbling, gurgling getting bloated, this in turn leads to an increase of ‘smelly wind’. It is very similar to dumping syndrome but without the having to run to the toilet. Doctor is working on the problem but not fast enough Lol. Anyone got recommendations for remedies? Natural remedies like teas etc, any advice would be welcome.

Thank you so much. I have already had my stomach removed & I am struggling. I feel I am on too many heavy duty pain meds on top of the meds that allow me eat.
I am desperately trying to avoid a feeding tube. My previous experience was horrible. I am up to 85lbs before my surgical team wants me at 120 lbs.
I am so grateful for your link! It is a pretty rare surgery & I’ve never met anyone who has had one! What a wealth on information.
Of, about 5 yrs ago I stated to develop ulcers in my stomach. The Dr.s decided it was due to my high stress job. Then the ulcers began to bleed. They were cauterised and I received dozens of blood transfusions.
On one such occasion, an ER doc stated I was in organ failure. Second Dr agreed & in 15 mins I was getting prepped for surgery.
I wish I had more time to research the procedure. I didn’t know one could live without a stomach.
Most people have this procedure due to cancer.
Thank-you so much,
Cyberkitty

@jlharsh

Hi Janell, it was more than 10 years ago since i logged on mayo connect the last time. How to do things changed and thank you for your suggestion.

The background is that he had TG in October 2025 (5 months ago). The problem started when he had stomachache on and off, and the cause was unknown until he was taken to A&E in Jan 25, when they discovered a hole and a lump in the stomach. The hospital suggested that the hole was created due to an extended use of aspirin for his heart issue. Then, the biopsy came back with cancer diagnosis with no spread. He had a course of chemo until July 25 and immunotherapy until September 25. Then he had to choose either continuing chemo for the rest of his life or TG, because the lump was right in the middle of stomach. So unlucky that it was located in the middle, so it had to be TG.

Hospital advised the new diet, which he is following to the letter. The problem is that a lot of food he is allowed to eat makes him ill. I perused the mayo connect and found that someone suggested in some discussion to log what he ate, how he prepared the food and how much he ate to identify the trigger. I thought that was brilliant and told him to start that. That is as far as we got.

We would appreciate to hear the experience of other patients and hopefully suggestions.

Hi @rm51 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You are kind and thoughtful to help your friend work through eating difficulties post-gastrectomy. I assume your comment is meant for @freeflow to get an update and advice after creating this discussion about Gastrectomy and issues afterward.

You may be interested to review conversation others are having on another Connect Digestive Health Support Group Discussion:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-i-eat-after-digestive-tract-surgery/
It may help others know how to comment for you to share a bit about your friends situation. What was the reason he had a gastrectomy, and was it a total or partial procedure?

My dear friend had gastrectomy 4 months ago, and he has a difficulty in eating. A lot of food he is allowed to eat make him sick. We would like to hear from you about your experience and advice.

My friends brother had that surgery where his stomach was removed .
First he had a gastric sleeve for years than he got worse and they removed his stomach . I think 💭 like you he went through a lot afterwards. He’s 59 now and doing better.
I have a whole lot of chronic gastrointestinal issues myself . 10 years and counting . Hope things ease up soon .

Were you ever checked for H Pylori? Were you put on a PPI?
Sorry to hear about your condition.

Best of luck. I just want to die!!

Welcome, @cyberkitty. You will find other members talking about their experiences with gastrectomy in this related discussion:
- Total Gastrectomy for stomach cancer: What can I expect?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/total-gastrectomy/

Are you preparing for this operation soon? What condition led to your needing a gastrectomy?