Modified Diet: Diet Plan after Gastrectomy HF#463

Diet Plan after Gastrectomy

 

This diet is for patients who have had part or all of their stomach removed.  You must follow a special diet so that food does not pass through the digestive system too quickly.

 

What is dumping syndrome?

 

Dumping syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur after stomach surgery.  It is caused by rapid entry of food into the small intestine. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and feeling full after eating only a small amount of food.

 

How do I prevent dumping syndrome?

 

• Eat six small meals daily to avoid eating too much at one time.  Have at least 6 small meals each day
• Do not drink liquids with meals. Drink liquids 30-45 minutes before meals and wait for 1 hour after meals. This will help prevent food from moving too quickly through your digestive system.
• Avoid sugars and alcohol.  Try sugar-free foods.
• Eating foods high in fiber will slow down digestion.
• Eating foods with more fat will slow down digestion.
• Do not eat very hot or cold foods.
• Chew foods well and eat slowly.
• Rest after eating to decrease movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine.
• Lactose in dairy products may cause diarrhea and cramping. If so, try lactose free products or lactase enzymes (Dairy Ease®) with meals. 

 What Foods Should I Eat?

 

In general, a diet high in protein and low in sugary foods is best. Everyone reacts differently to foods and beverages. The chart below lists “Foods to Eat” that tend to be better tolerated, and “Foods to Avoid” that may cause dumping symptoms in some people. 

 

Food Group	Foods to Eat	Foods to Avoid
Starches	Breads, unsweetened cereals, plain rolls, rice, pasta, potatoes, pretzels, crackers	Doughnuts, sweet rolls, sugary cereals
Fruits	Fresh fruit, unsweetened canned fruit, light fruit juice	Dried fruits, canned fruits in syrup, regular juice
Vegetables	All vegetables	None
Dairy	Milk, buttermilk, diet pudding, light yogurt, cheese (lactose may cause discomfort)	Cocoa, ice cream, chocolate milk, regular pudding, regular yogurt, milkshakes
Meat and Meat Substitutes	Beef, poultry, fish, seafood, peanut butter, eggs, cheese, cottage cheese	None
Fats and Oils	Butter, margarine, oil, salad dressing, mayonnaise, cream cheese	None
Sweets and Desserts	Sugar-free pudding, sugar-free gelatin, sugar-free popsicles, sugar-free jelly, sugar-free syrup	Regular popsicles, cakes, pies, cookies, jellies, jams, syrup, gelatin, sherbet, high sugar desserts
Beverages	Water, sugar-free drinks, coffee, tea	Regular soda, lemonade, Kool-Aid®, Gatorade®, sugared drinks

 

Sample Meal Plan

 

The chart below gives an example of six small meals throughout the day.  It is important to remember to drink fluids between meals.

 

Breakfast	1 egg 1 slice toast 2 teaspoons margarine 1/2 banana 1 cup 2% milk (drink 1 hour after eating)
Mid-Morning Snack	1 ounce cheese 4 crackers
Lunch	2 ounces hamburger 1 small bun 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or ketchup 1/2 cup unsweetened fruit cocktail 1/2 cup vegetable juice (drink 1 hour after eating)
Mid-Afternoon Snack	1 tablespoon peanut butter 3 graham crackers 1/2 cup orange juice (drink 1 hour after eating)
Dinner	2 ounces chicken breast 1/2 cup mashed potatoes 1/2 cup green beans 2 teaspoons margarine 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1 cup 2% milk (drink 1 hour after eating)
Bed-time Snack	1 slice bread 1 ounce turkey 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 cup 2% milk (drink 1 hour after eating)

 

** After surgery you may need extra iron, calcium and vitamin B12, please ask your doctor about supplementing these nutrients.

 

 

 

If you have more questions please contact UW Health at one of the phone numbers listed below.

 

 

 

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/11/2012

Copyright © 06/11/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#463

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