Researchers studied 124 people who had stomach surgery for cancer to see if drinking a simple protein and carbohydrate supplement would help them lose less weight afterward. Patients who drank 400 calories of the supplement daily for 8 weeks lost less weight (4.8%) compared to those who didn’t take the supplement (6.4%). While the supplement helped with weight loss, some people experienced more sleep problems, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. The study shows that simple nutritional drinks may help cancer patients maintain their weight better after major stomach surgery.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether drinking a simple protein and carbohydrate supplement helps stomach cancer patients lose less weight after surgery
  • Who participated: 124 adults who had stomach surgery to remove cancer at 19 different hospitals
  • Key finding: People who drank the supplement lost 4.8% of their weight compared to 6.4% for those who didn’t take it - a meaningful difference
  • What it means for you: If you’re having stomach surgery for cancer, ask your doctor about nutritional supplements to help maintain your weight during recovery

The Research Details

This was a well-designed study where researchers randomly divided 124 stomach cancer patients into two groups after their surgery. Half received a daily nutritional supplement containing 400 calories of mainly carbohydrates and proteins, while the other half continued with their regular diet and care. The study lasted 8 weeks and was conducted at 19 different hospitals to ensure the results would apply to many different patients and settings. Researchers carefully tracked weight changes, strength, blood tests, quality of life, and any side effects throughout the study period.

This type of randomized controlled trial is considered the gold standard for medical research because it eliminates bias and allows researchers to directly compare the effects of the supplement versus standard care. By including multiple hospitals, the results are more likely to apply to patients in different healthcare settings.

The study used proper randomization, included a good number of patients from multiple centers, and measured clinically important outcomes. However, it was ‘open-label,’ meaning patients knew whether they were getting the supplement, which could influence some results like quality of life measures.

What the Results Show

The main finding was clear: patients who took the nutritional supplement lost significantly less weight after surgery. The supplement group lost an average of 4.8% of their body weight, while the control group lost 6.4%. This 1.6% difference may seem small, but for someone weighing 150 pounds, it represents about 2.4 pounds less weight loss, which can be meaningful for recovery and overall health. Most patients were able to stick with the supplement routine, drinking more than 75% of the recommended amount on average. The supplement was generally well-tolerated, with similar rates of serious side effects between both groups.

The study found no significant differences in muscle strength (measured by handgrip) or blood test results between the two groups. However, patients taking the supplement did report more problems with sleep, appetite, and diarrhea during the 8-week treatment period. These side effects appeared to be manageable since most patients continued taking the supplement throughout the study.

This study adds important evidence to the field of post-surgical nutrition for cancer patients. Previous research has shown mixed results with more complex nutritional supplements, but this study demonstrates that even a simple supplement focusing on basic calories, carbohydrates, and protein can make a meaningful difference in weight maintenance after major surgery.

The study only followed patients for 8 weeks, so we don’t know if the weight benefits continue long-term. The open-label design means patients knew they were taking the supplement, which could affect their reporting of symptoms and quality of life. Additionally, the study focused specifically on stomach cancer patients, so results may not apply to other types of surgery or cancer.

The Bottom Line

For patients undergoing stomach surgery for cancer, taking a simple nutritional supplement providing 400 calories daily for 8 weeks after surgery appears to help reduce weight loss with moderate confidence. However, patients should discuss this with their healthcare team first, especially if they experience appetite problems or digestive issues.

This research is most relevant for people scheduled for stomach surgery due to cancer, their caregivers, and healthcare providers managing post-surgical nutrition. People with other types of surgery or medical conditions should not assume these results apply to their situation without consulting their doctor.

The benefits on weight loss were measured at 8 weeks after surgery, suggesting patients might see meaningful differences in weight maintenance within the first 2 months of consistent supplement use.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily weight and supplement intake for 8 weeks post-surgery, aiming for at least 300ml of the 400ml daily supplement target
  • Set daily reminders to consume nutritional supplements in divided doses throughout the day to improve tolerance and adherence
  • Monitor weekly weight changes, daily supplement intake percentage, and any digestive symptoms to share with healthcare providers during follow-up visits

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Patients considering nutritional supplements after cancer surgery should consult with their oncologist, surgeon, or registered dietitian before making any dietary changes.