Short bowel syndrome, also called SBS, can occur after surgery to remove part of the small intestine. It can also occur after an injury or damage occurs to the intestine that affects proper functioning. If you have been diagnosed with short bowel syndrome, getting proper nutrients can be difficult due to absorption issues. Therefore, doctors and nutritionists recommend that you follow certain guidelines to maintain healthy nutritional status.
Total Parenteral Nutrition
If you have bowel surgery that results in SBS, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is used until your normal bowel function returns. To receive TPN, a catheter is placed in your vein and a solution of carbohydrates, protein, sugar, electrolytes and fats is dripped into your body. You may depend on TPN for weeks to months for your nutrition, depending on the severity of your SBS. In some cases, normal bowel function is never achieved.
Diet Recommendations
Once your condition has stabilized, you can resume regular food consumption. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that you will need a high-calorie diet with adequate fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Your diet should be high in protein, low in concentrated sweets, moderate in fats and high in refined and complex carbohydrates. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center recommends you eat several smaller meals throughout the day to help control your symptoms and aid with digestion and absorption. If you suffer from diarrhea, your doctor may tell you to avoid eating certain foods that cause it to worsen.
Hydration
It is important to drink enough to avoid dehydration. However, your doctor may advise you to avoid drinking with meals because large amounts of fluid with meals push the food through the bowel faster, which can result in your body not absorbing nutrients. You may also be required to drink electrolyte replacement drinks if your potassium, sodium and other electrolytes are low.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Though you ingest adequate calories, vitamins and minerals, your body still might not absorb enough to maintain health. You may need to treat vitamin and mineral deficiencies with injections to prevent complications. You may become anemic, which will require you to take iron, vitamin B-12 or folic acid supplements. If you cannot maintain an adequate amount of calories, tube feedings may become necessary to provide important nutrients.
