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@jlea

Thanks for all replies!
The plan is for a 4-5 day hospital stay after my Whipple procedure. I am wondering if there are dieticians who have expertise with the changes in digestion after a Whipple and who work specifically with pancreatic enzymes. I have asked my surgeon's nurse at least twice, and she said that my primary care provider could prescribe the enzymes; however my primary care said that she does not have the knowledge for this. The next time that I asked, she said that the surgeon's PA should be able to order enzymes, if needed. I am surprised and dismayed that there is not a more organized care plan for nutrition after a Whipple.
Does anyone have suggestions for a Mayo-Rochester dietician who specializes in pancreatic enzyme insufficiency after a Whipple? Thank you!

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Replies to "Thanks for all replies! The plan is for a 4-5 day hospital stay after my Whipple..."

@jlea, Thank you for your questions regarding how to find a dietitian after having a Whipple procedure. I checked with the clinical nutrition managers who support both the inpatient and outpatient nutrition practice at Mayo Clinic Rochester. When a patient has a Whipple procedure they are seen in the hospital by a dietitian. The dietitian will review information about consistent carbohydrate intake throughout the day, not overdoing on fat intake, use of appropriate oral nutrition supplements, vitamin/mineral supplements, stool thickening foods and temporary low fiber intake along with information on how to prevent foods moving too quickly through the gastrointestinal tract. The recommendations are individualized based on each patient and their nutritional status. Patients who have a Whipple procedure are not automatically scheduled for an outpatient dietitian appointment, but a patient can request an order from their oncology team. The outpatient dietitians have experience working with patients who receive pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. I hope this helps provide some clarity about what type of information dietitians will provide you both in the hospital and once discharged from the hospital if you still have questions other nutrition concerns.