Is anyone taking Zenpep rather than Creon? If so what foods work?

Hi Judithbramson. This website is a Godsend. Thank you for your post. I’m having similar issues pertaining to weight gain. Like you, I have a small build. I lost 12 pounds after whipple surgery. I have managed to increase my weight over the past eight months, but sometimes my weight fluctuates by one to three pounds over a two day period. When it’s on the higher end, I’m still about three pounds away from my goal. I take creon before my breakfast meal and dinner meal. I’ve found eating small snacks between those two larger meals is easier on my stomach. I don’t always take creon before snacks. The capsules are so large, I can’t swallow them. I open them up and mix them with apple sauce. Eating sure is different since surgery. Like you, I have a healthy diet, very little processed food (except the occasional hot dog, which my body seems to crave), and no sweets because I’ve never had a sweet tooth. However, with that being said, I did buy a pint of ice cream while food shopping yesterday. I’m hoping a scoop or two at night will help me put on these last few pounds. I have a friend who wrestled in college. He said when he had to gain weight, milkshakes and ice cream were his go tos. I figure it’s worth a try. I belonged to a gym prior to my surgery. My physical therapist said that because I was working out before the surgery, lost muscle mass will eventually return. Good luck! I used to have a stomach like lead. Now, every day is a new learning experience.

I lost 20 pounds and my weight has always been 95 lbs. I’m 4’11” and I’m back to 85 but it’s been a long haul. Many write they eat ice cream and cake which I know would put the pounds on. But it would also raise my glucose from 80-90 to 120 and I’d have to take insulin. I don’t want to fool around with diabetes. So I wonder why so many are eating sweets. Maybe they already have diabetes? I guess everyone is different. Mine is slow going but at least I won’t get another disease, maybe even get the cancer again.

At least I feel good most of the time and finally had to accept it’s an experiment as my body will only accept a certain amount of food. So food is only fuel to me and taste doesn’t matter. I have a personal trainer 3x a week and I walk and use my rowing machine and stationary bike. To look at me you wouldn’t know what I’m going through. I finally reached that point. The best news is my hair grew back with beautiful waves; it was straight as a stick before chemo. What a crazy ride!

Hi! How was your breath test? What kind of breath test did they do?

It was negative. I forget what they were looking for, I think lactose intolerance and I don’t have it. If it’s positive, it can be treated. So no treatments or meds for me. Looking for the cause of diarrhea. I had to figure it out for myself.

The test is just drinking a liquid, not bad, and then breathing into a gadget. Very easy, no discomfort. Did it a few times, probably testing different things.

Which seems to be better to use, Creon or Zenpep, for glucose control?

Look for back posts. I wrote a long one citing the foods I eat. I take Zenpep. I don’t know which is better.

Also, I get my Zenpep free from Nestle Patient Assistance Program. Phone number is 855 210 6228. Your application has to be approved and meet certain qualifications. If you do, it’s Zenpep free for life. Amazing savings.

My posts are under Judith Bramson.

I am on Creon for pancreatic enzymes not glucose

I take Zenpep as well and utilize Nestle’s program. I’ve taken Creon and not noticed any difference. Since having the Whipple procedure—a year ago tomorrow—I’ve been able to wean off of enzymes altogether without affecting my weight or stools. I still have questions/concerns about absorption, so I’m monitoring and experimenting a bit more.

I didn’t know you could wean off enzymes. I thought I’d have to take them for the rest of my life. What criteria allowed you to do this? I had the Whipple and I’m cancer free, but my digestive system is missing so much.
Thank you for your post. It’s mind blowing to me.

I had a pylorus preserving Whipple procedure, meaning none of my stomach was removed. Relatively little of my pancreas was removed as well; gallbladder & duodenum were removed. It’s also my understanding that the pancreas can regenerate to a degree. I had read that a significant percentage of people who had had a Whipple are able to stop taking enzymes.

In any case, my oncologists & surgeon told me I could/should experiment with dosages to find out what was optimal. So, about six months after the surgery I began reducing my dosage/meal by one capsule. I monitored my weight & stools (for oiliness & undigested food). I was able to stop taking Zenpep without weight loss or changes in my stool.

That said, I am continuing to monitor & discuss this with my primary doctor & oncologists. Though my weight & stools are stable, I wonder about nutrient absorption. Each person & situation is different.

I hope this has been helpful & wish you all the best.