Recommendations and restrictions regarding physical activity post-Whipple surgery will vary by surgeon so that is the person that should be consulted.

One important restriction is in the amount of weight to be lifted. This is an important restriction because incisional hernias can result from tearing an incision line. Not following the weight limit restriction can result in a hernia that is both uncomfortable and unsightly. I followed the advice of my surgeon until he gave clearance to begin lifting any weight over 10-15 lbs. he also connected me to a physical therapist on what core-strengthening exercises were recommended.

The basic recommendation by organizations such as ASCO, NCCN and the American Cancer Society is to start walking spas soon as possible after surgery and do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week for both recovery as well as when on chemo. This will help in better toleration of chemo.

There are still some surgeons who fail to prescribe a pancrealipase after Whipple surgery. Many patients present with Exocrine Pancreas Insufficiency (EPI) as a result of the head of the pancreas being resected. This section has up to 82% of the acinar cells that produce and secrete the digestive enzymes amylase, lipase and protease. If weight loss, malodorous gas, floating light yellow,or light orange stool is observed, particularly after ingesting fats, it is a sign of EPI and a pancrealipase like Creon or Zenpep is required to prevent malabsorption. Eating healthy food and increased protein to combat weight loss is one part of the equation. If EPI is the cause, no amount of protein will resolve the issue.can Rx pancrealipase will be required. The patient is then re-evaluated after three months to see if the remnant pancreas can handle the amount of enzymes needed to digest a meal. Some patients will require pancrealipase longer term or for life.