After stomach surgery for cancer, patients often lose a lot of weight in the first few months. Researchers tested whether a simple nutritional drink could help prevent this weight loss. They gave one group of patients a special drink with carbohydrates and proteins for 8 weeks after surgery, while another group received normal care. The group drinking the supplement lost less weight (4.8% compared to 6.4%), though the difference was modest. The drink was generally safe, though some patients reported more sleep problems and appetite loss while taking it. This suggests that simple nutritional supplements may help patients maintain their weight during recovery from stomach cancer surgery.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a simple nutritional drink could help stomach cancer patients keep more of their body weight during the 8 weeks after surgery
  • Who participated: 124 patients with stomach cancer who had surgery to remove their stomach, split into two groups of 62 each. The study took place across 19 different hospitals.
  • Key finding: Patients who drank the supplement lost 4.8% of their body weight, compared to 6.4% weight loss in the group that didn’t drink it. This difference was statistically significant, meaning it’s unlikely to be due to chance.
  • What it means for you: If you’re having stomach cancer surgery, a simple nutritional drink might help you keep more weight during recovery. However, the benefit is modest (about 1.6% difference), and some people experienced more sleep and appetite problems while using it. Talk to your doctor about whether this is right for you.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is one of the strongest types of medical research. Researchers recruited 124 patients with stomach cancer who were scheduled for surgery across 19 hospitals. They randomly assigned patients to two groups: one group received a special nutritional drink (400 mL per day containing carbohydrates and proteins) for 8 weeks after surgery, while the other group received standard care without the supplement. Both groups continued eating their normal diet.

The study was “open-label,” meaning both doctors and patients knew who was getting the supplement and who wasn’t. Researchers measured weight loss at 8 weeks after surgery, which was their main goal. They also checked muscle strength, blood tests, quality of life, how much food people ate, and how well patients stuck with taking the supplement.

This research design is important because it compares the supplement group directly to a control group, which helps show whether the supplement actually works or if weight loss would happen anyway. By measuring multiple outcomes (weight, strength, blood work, quality of life), the researchers could see the full picture of how the supplement affected recovery, not just one thing.

This study has several strengths: it was conducted across multiple hospitals (making results more reliable), it was randomized (reducing bias), and it had a clear control group for comparison. However, it was open-label, so patients knew they were getting the supplement, which could influence how they felt. The study was relatively small (124 patients), so larger studies might show different results. Most patients completed the study, which is good for reliability.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that patients who drank the supplement lost less weight than those who didn’t. After 8 weeks, the supplement group lost 4.8% of their starting weight, while the control group lost 6.4%. While this difference is real and statistically significant, it’s relatively small—about 1.6 percentage points.

Patients in the supplement group drank most of what was given to them (more than 75% on average), showing they could tolerate and stick with the treatment. The supplement was generally safe, with similar rates of side effects between groups (7% in the supplement group versus 11% in the control group).

However, patients taking the supplement reported more problems with insomnia (trouble sleeping), appetite loss, and diarrhea during the 8-week period. This suggests that while the supplement helped with weight loss, it may have caused some uncomfortable digestive and sleep-related side effects for some people.

Researchers also looked at muscle strength (measured by handgrip strength) and blood tests, but found no significant differences between the two groups. This means the supplement didn’t appear to help patients maintain muscle strength or improve their blood work markers. Quality of life measurements and dietary intake were also similar between groups, suggesting the supplement’s main benefit was specifically for weight loss rather than overall recovery.

Weight loss after stomach surgery is a known problem that doctors have been trying to address. This study adds to existing research by showing that a simple, basic nutritional supplement can help reduce weight loss. However, the benefit is modest compared to what some other interventions might provide. The finding that the supplement didn’t improve muscle strength or blood markers suggests that weight loss prevention alone may not be enough for complete recovery.

The study had several limitations to consider. It was relatively small with only 124 patients, so larger studies might show different results. The study was open-label, meaning patients knew they were getting the supplement, which could influence their perception of side effects or their behavior. The study only lasted 8 weeks, so we don’t know if the benefits continue longer or if the side effects persist. The study didn’t compare the supplement to other types of nutritional support, so we can’t say if this particular supplement is better than alternatives. Finally, all patients were from hospitals in one country, so results might differ in other populations.

The Bottom Line

If you’re having stomach cancer surgery, a simple nutritional supplement containing carbohydrates and proteins may help you lose less weight during the first 8 weeks of recovery. The benefit is modest (about 1.6% less weight loss), but it appears safe for most people. However, be aware that some patients experienced more sleep problems, appetite loss, and diarrhea. Discuss with your surgical team whether this supplement is appropriate for your specific situation. This recommendation has moderate confidence based on one well-designed study.

This research is most relevant for people scheduled to have stomach cancer surgery. It may also be interesting to their family members and healthcare providers. People with other types of cancer or surgery might not benefit in the same way. If you have severe digestive problems, sleep disorders, or other health conditions, talk to your doctor before using this supplement.

Weight loss prevention would likely begin within the first few weeks of taking the supplement, with the main benefit visible by 8 weeks after surgery. However, this is a short-term benefit during the immediate recovery period. Longer-term effects beyond 8 weeks are unknown.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily weight at the same time each morning (before eating) and record supplement intake percentage. Set a goal to consume at least 75% of the recommended supplement daily (about 300 mL) and log any side effects like sleep problems, appetite changes, or digestive issues.
  • If prescribed this supplement after stomach surgery, set phone reminders to drink the supplement at consistent times each day (for example, with breakfast and lunch). Use the app to log each serving consumed and rate any side effects on a simple scale to share with your doctor.
  • Weekly weight tracking combined with daily supplement intake logs and symptom tracking. Create a simple chart showing weight trends over the 8-week recovery period. Flag any concerning symptoms (severe diarrhea, persistent insomnia, significant appetite loss) to discuss with your healthcare provider.

This research describes a clinical trial for a specific nutritional supplement after stomach cancer surgery. These findings apply specifically to patients recovering from stomach cancer surgery and should not be applied to other conditions or types of surgery without medical guidance. Always consult with your oncologist or surgeon before starting any nutritional supplement, especially if you have other health conditions, take medications, or have a history of digestive problems. This summary is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Individual results may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.