Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Gastroparesis means stomach (‘gastro’) paralysis (‘paresis’). This is when the stomach takes longer than usual to empty into the small intestine and is also known as ‘delayed gastric emptying’.
Gastroparesis can be caused by damage to the nerves and/or muscles that control stomach emptying. In many cases the cause is unknown (idiopathic gastroparesis).
Known causes include poorly controlled Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes - when high levels of glucose in the blood damage the nerves to the stomach, and medications e.g. opioid painkillers such as Morphine.
Symptoms can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting (including of undigested food)
- Bloating
- Early satiety (feeling full quickly after eating)
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Heartburn/reflux and upper abdominal pain
Gastroparesis is unlikely to be cured, but dietary changes and medication may help to control the condition. In extremely severe cases a feeding tube may be placed to bypass your stomach and feed into the small intestine.
Dietary Changes
- Try having smaller, more frequent meals (5-8 per day)
- Chew your food well before swallowing
- Liquids and soft foods are often better tolerated than solid foods as they empty from the stomach more quickly. Ensure food is well cooked
- Fibre containing foods can slow stomach emptying so lower fibre foods may help. Your dietitian will need to ensure your diet contains adequate vitamins and minerals if you are following a low fibre diet
- High fat foods can also slow stomach emptying - avoid fatty, greasy and fried foods
- Sip a (non-fizzy) drink with meals, but avoid drinking large amounts with meals as your stomach will become full and you may become too full to finish your meal
- Avoid lying down and try to sit upright for one to two hours after a meal
- Some people may benefit from choosing solid foods in the morning, semi-solid foods at midday and liquid foods in the evening (blend food with some extra liquid)
If you are experiencing weight loss, then high energy drinks are better than water. Try fresh fruit juices and milky drinks (use whole milk).
| Food | Choose | Reduce |
| Breakfast Cereal |
Cornflakes, Rice Krispies, Special K, Ready Brek, Arrowroot |
Wholegrain cereals such as Shredded Wheat, Weetabix, Fruit ‘n’ Fibre, bran flakes, porridge oats, muesli, bran |
| Bread | White bread, chapatti (with white flour) crumpets, croissants, crackers, rice cakes | Wholemeal or granary or part wheat, part fibre bread and rolls, wholemeal pitta bread or chapattis |
| Biscuits and Crackers |
Cream crackers, crispbreads, biscuits made with white flour | Wholemeal crackers and crispbreads e.g. Ryvita, Cracker Wheat, oatcakes, high fibre biscuits e.g. Hob Nobs, digestives, flapjacks |
| Pasta/Rice | White pasta or white rice, couscous, noodles | Wholemeal pasta and spaghetti, wholegrain or brown rice |
| Fruit and Vegetables |
Mashed or boiled potatoes with skins removed, chips, roasted potatoes Small amounts of root veg (carrots, swede, squash). Strained tomato sauce e.g. passata Soup |
Potato skins, potato wedges. Raw vegetables Salad foods, including tomatoes Peas, beans, lentils, backed beans, sweetcorn, onions, celery, mushrooms |
| Fruit | Peeled fruit without pith, pips or seeds Fresh fruit juice (without “bits”), Tinned fruit without skins, Smoothies |
All raw and dried fruit |
| Protein | Lean meat and poultry (ground or puree meat may be required), Fish (fresh, frozen or tinned), Eggs (soft boiled/scrambled), Tofu |
Gristle, Tough stewing meats, Fatty meats Sausages and burgers Beans and legumes |
| Dairy | Reduced fat versions of milk, cheese, yoghurts | Yoghurt with fruit, seeds or nuts |
| Puddings | Reduced-fat or light versions of milk puddings, sago, tapioca, sponge cake, custard, ice-cream, mousse, sorbet, instant whip |
All puddings containing fruit, nuts or seeds, Stewed fruit, Cakes with seeds or nuts Chocolate with fruit or nuts |
| Drinks | Cordials/fruit squashes Tea, coffee, herbal/fruit teas, Milky drinks | Carbonated (fizzy) drinks, Fruit juice (with bits) Alcohol |
Example Meal Plan
Breakfast
Low fibre cereal (e.g. Rice Krispies/cornflakes) OR boiled egg with white toast
Mid-morning Snack
Yoghurt OR tinned fruit
Lunch
Jacket potato (avoid skin) with cottage cheese OR small tinned spaghetti on one slice white toast OR soup with one slice of white bread
Mid-afternoon Snack
Two biscuits OR rice cakes
Tea (small portion)
White fish with a few oven chips OR white pasta with tomato-based sauce OR chicken and rice OR stewed meat with root vegetables and small portion mashed potato.
Supper
Plain scone OR rich tea biscuit OR small portion crisps
Drinks
- Fresh fruit juice without bits (200ml)
- Sugar-free squash
- Tea/coffee
- Milky drinks
Other Snack Ideas
- Quavers, Monster Munch, Skips
- Cream cheese on plain crackers
- Low fat yoghurt
- Rice cakes
- Dry breakfast cereal
- Low fat ice-cream
- Frozen sorbet
- Sushi
- Babybel light
- Breadsticks
- Melba toast
- Dairylea dunkers breadsticks
- Plain sponge cake
Tips for Coping with Nausea
- Use times of the day when you feel less nauseated to prepare food for later
- Avoid fried, greasy, fatty foods
- Avoid strong cooking smells - it can be helpful to eat cold foods, or ask someone else to cook whilst you’re in another room
- Small amounts of ginger-based foods may help
- Ice lollies or ice cubes can help the mouth feel fresher and increase appetite
- Stay upright for at least half an hour to an hour after eating
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Dietetics service.
About this information
Service:
Dietetics
Reference:
DT/037
Approval date:
1 March 2026
Review date:
1 March 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.