On 27 March 2025 I had my stomach completely removed. After 2 previous stomach surgeries where my stomach could be saved, this time the doctors left no other option than the complete removal.
Let’s get back in time first…
When I was 10 and 11 years old, I had a small intestine surgery where small parts of the intestine were removed. In 2007 my large intestine was removed almost completely. In 2013 and 2016 I had 2 more surgeries, now the stomach. The reason for those surgeries: juvenile polyposis syndrome, a rare disease that produces lots of polyps in the intestines and stomach.
Surgery needed
So in February the doctors told me a stomach removal was necessary as it had become too difficult and problematic to follow up on the polyps in my stomach.
It frightened me as I couldn’t immagine at that time what my life would look like after the surgery, knowing I already no longer have a large intestine. From previous surgeries I also knew I could only trust in the skills of the doctors and that I would have to adapt yet another time to a new situation.
All in all the surgery went fine, but due to an infection I had to stay longer in hospital than expected. After 3 weeks I could go home.
Adapting to the new situation
It’s now over one month I have been living without my stomach. From the surgery itself I don’t feel anything. Everything healed as it should and Almost from day 1, I had little to no pain. I’ve been sticking to about 74,5 kg for the last few weeks, so it’s a relief that I can maintain my weight. I am also getting back on track to take up my life from before the surgery.
The main problem at this point is eating especially warm meals. Somehow part of warm meals can’t stay inside. But it is difficult to see patterns: one day a food comes out again, the next day I can completely eat the same food without any problem. Sometimes I can eat the last part without problems, but the first part of the meal then already came out again.
I guess I must trust in the process and let my body adapt slowly to life without my stomach…
So: level 6 of my game has started and I’m hoping to get to reach the end without any more levels to play. Also getting ready for concerts in june again! On my bucket list to mention only a few: Linkin Park, Halestorm, Letlive., The Iron Roses, Jinjer, St. Vincent, Norah Jones, Queens Of The Stone Age, Will Smith, Sting, Green Day, Imagine Dragons, Alanis Morissette, …