Foods after Pancreatectomy/Splenectomy

Posted by flashbackfcr @flashbackfcr, Aug 19, 2022

My husband had a total pancreatectomy/splenectomy and gall bladder removal on 8/11, so he's now a Type1 diabetic (was a Type2 for a couple of years before). He was in the hospital for 6 days. They started him out on clear liquids (1 day), then moved to soft foods for a couple of days and then put him on their "regular" diet. I absolutely understand that he needs to eat whatever he can in very small amounts, but we're definitely struggling. Nothing appeals to him and even eating small amounts causes diarrhea. I'm trying for high quality protein, low fat, low fiber foods. This morning's breakfast was 1/2 hard boiled egg, 1/2 slice cinnamon bread (no raisins), 1/4 banana, and no sugar added cherry juice diluted 50/50 with water. Can anyone offer any suggestions of what foods might be good to offer at this point? He's beginning to stress over the diarrhea because he says he has no warning and many times can't make it to the bathroom 12 feet away. He doesn't move around much, and I'm wondering how to motivate him to do more of that too? I know it will be a LONG road ahead, but today it seems longer than he will tolerate. Any advice or tips would be much appreciated!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.

@colleenyoung

Welcome, @flashbackfcr. Food, digestion issues and recovering from pancreatectomy are things that fellow members @luckyone4321 @wrolsen @beachdog @kay2 @kyaeger @drileymn @buckslayer and @marvinjsturing know about first-hand either as patients themselves or caring for someone living with pancreatic cancer.

While we wait for others to offer tips and support for you and your husband, I think you might find some useful posts in these related discussions:
- Total Pancreatectomy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/total-pancreatectomy/
– Help…need guidance on eating after whipple https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/help-need-guidance-on-eating-after-whipple/
- Life after Pancreatectomy: How was your recovery? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/life-after-pancreatectomy/

No warning diarrhea and stressing over it don't go well together do they? Would wearing underwear for fecal incontinence make him feel more comfortable and confident? It could be helpful to reduce the stress and likely a temporary need.

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I had a full pancreatectomy and spleenectomy a little over 10 years ago which made me a type one diabetic and I'm very interested in getting to know everything I can in this group.

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