Nutrient intake and anthropometric assessment of patients at home after partial gastrectomy or vagotomy

Ten patients, six of whom had had a partial gastrectomy and four a vagotomy, took part in the study. Anthropometric measurements, weighed dietary intakes, social circumstances and amount of dietary advice and help received by patients were recorded during the first month and at 7 months after discharge from hospital. Anthropometric measurements changed little during the first month but improved in most of those with lower than normal initial values by the end of 7 months. Mean energy and protein intakes during the first month were low for the gastrectomy patients but were adequate for the vagotomy patients. By 7 months the intakes of the gastrectomy patients had increased considerably. Mean intakes of vitamin C, total folate and zinc tended to be low in both groups and mean intakes of iron were low in the gastrectomy patients. No patient ate an entirely satisfactory diet. Very little advice or encouragement on diet was available from dietitians, doctors or other health workers either prior to or after discharge.