I lost about 30lbs following my whipple. My procedure removed my duodenum, gall bladder and a large portion of my pancreas. Previous comments about protein intake are spit on. Small, frequent meals are also important. It did nit take me too long to regain my weight though. As soon as you can tolerate solid food, then eat non-fatty, non-sinewy, “soft” meats (fish, chicken breast, eggs) in small portions. I also found cottage cheese to be very tolerable. As your GI tract gets back on line consider sous vide for more difficult red meats. I am able to eat flank and skirt steak done in a sous vide without problems (though I still experience dumping syndrome regardless of what I eat even a year later, so got to figure that out…)

I was frustrated by the lack of information and guidance regarding diet following the surgery, but it is a lot of trial and error and unfortunately you will experience discomfort as you try to figure things out.

From my experience fats, wheat, and sugar are the worst foods for me (go figure…).

Lastly, I will put in a pitch for as much activity as you can manage. When you can walk then get out walk. When you can squat, then do squats. When you can do wall push ups the do them, etc… Movement is your friend as your body heals. You might not feel up to it but, movement as you heal will lead to mobility after you are done healing and will help to limit adhesions from developing as a result of the scar tissue.

Good luck and Godspeed to a healthy recovery!!!