Hello freeflow,

It is very nice of you to try and gather as much information as possible in order to best prepare yourself and your wife for her surgery. You can find out more about total gastrectomies here and you can also read more about what happens after surgery here .

But as there's nothing like hearing from personal experiences, I thought I would try and link you to other members on this site who have recently mentioned having had a total gastrectomy or who have a family member who has had this type of surgery. For example, [@Funkyfifi]‍ mentioned here that her mum underwent a total gastrectomy in February so she may well have some tips for you based on her mum's own experience. On this thread, [@shellbell1979]‍ mentions having had this surgery nine months ago, so she may be a good person for you to talk to and she may know the answers to some of your questions on the time it takes from her own personal experience to recover from the operation, drive, walk the dog or go to the supermarket. I hope someone will be along soon to share their experience with you.

You can also get in touch with our nurses on this free number if you live in the UK 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm (with the Easter break, they will be back in the office on Tuesday). They also have an Ask the Nurses topic area on the forum where you can ask questions about recovery after a gastrectomy for example or any other matter that is medical in nature.

I hope your wife's surgery goes well. Do come back here and let us know how it all went, we'll be thinking of you!

Best wishes,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

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