An evaluation of energy intake after surgery for gastric cancer using self-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQW82)

Abstract

A research on food intake by patients receiving outpatient nutritional counselling after gastric cancer surgery was conducted on approximately 30th and 90th day after surgery. The energy intake and the dietary details were estimated using a self-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQW82). The peak of decrease in the estimated energy intake (EEI) was observed within 90 days of the surgery. At 90th postoperative day, EEI passed nadir but was still lower than preoperative EEI. The oral intake of meet and oil was decreased, and the nutritional intake of carbohydrate was decreased. These unbalanced food intakes arose earlier from surgery, probably irrespective of the patient's intention. Therefore, to correct the postoperative dietary habits, outpatient nutritional counselling should be performed in the early postoperative period. Our research implies that a longer nutritional support is desirable because the food intake is still unsatisfactory even after 90 days from gastric surgery.