One hundred and fifty patients without recurrence of disease after R2 gastrectomy for carcinoma of the stomach were interviewed to determine their quality of life after surgery. Patients ate less and weighed less but most appeared to be well adjusted and had an optimistic attitude regarding their physical state. There was no evidence of a diminished quality of life in those who had undergone distal partial gastrectomy. These patients had a higher overall food tolerance, body-weight and performance status compared with those treated by total gastrectomy. Considering the satisfactory outcome and the sustained quality of life, radical R2 gastrectomy may be the treatment of choice for carcinoma of the stomach.