What foods are best to eat and to avoid for a pancreatitis diet?

Posted by jojo19 @jojo19, Jan 8, 2022

Hello all. My husband has been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. Since being diagnosed innMay her has lost over 50 lbs. He has given up read meat and poultry and now does not want to eat fish anymore. He only eats 5 grams or less fat per meal. He started eating 4-5 small meals a day but slowly it’s decreased to 2. He is afraid to eat thinking he will damage his pancreas. Is that even a thing? Looking for help on what can be eaten and if anyone else is dealing with this as well. Appreciate any and all help 🙏

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Just diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis -- taking pancreatic enzymes and experimenting with food. Fat is bad, though I need to get some in order to be able to absorb vitamins. Been gluten-free for a couple of weeks -- not sure if that matters, but it can't hurt. Fruit seems to be risk-free, especially things like papaya, melon, apples, pears, peaches. Jury is still out on bananas and citrus.

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I was told that the crestor medication I was taken may have caused the problem. any thoughts or news on this

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I was told clear liquids (boring) and not practical. Gluten free is great since it takes the body extra work to digest gluten. I try to stay with soft vegetables, fruit, lentils, GF oatmeal and anything with coconut i have to stay away from all red meat. I can tolerate chicken in small amounts. The no-no's are alcohol, fats, most meats, most cow dairy (goat milk/cheese is fine for me) you have to keep a detailed food log and try it out. I wish eating was the biggest problem with pancreatitis. I can't find anything to overcome the pain. Any help with this?

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@jojo19, I know some recommendations were shared in this related discussion https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/638518/, for example these links:

- Dietary Guidelines for Pancreatitis – News Medical: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Dietary-Guidelines-for-Pancreatitis.aspx
- Pancreatitis Diet https://www.healthline.com/health/pancreatitis-diet

I also invite @cookiegnias @harper7745 @claytamos @stormchild74 @fogel1960 @beachdog to share their food do's and don'ts related to pancreatitis.

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Need help for a diet related to my condition. I have spent one month in the hospital in December and was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and kidney deficiency. This past week I met with a surgeon that does not want to remove my gall bladder as of yet and put me on a medication for 4 months to see what the scan will reveal. He says that the recovery process will be long in my case and did not sense anything positive in his comments. I am doing everything that needs to be done to be on the mend, but right now I need to follow a diet that can be suggested by a nutritionist/dietician . Can you please make suggestions as it is very hard in our area to get an appointment due lack of medical experts ( shortage ).

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@normfairfield

Need help for a diet related to my condition. I have spent one month in the hospital in December and was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and kidney deficiency. This past week I met with a surgeon that does not want to remove my gall bladder as of yet and put me on a medication for 4 months to see what the scan will reveal. He says that the recovery process will be long in my case and did not sense anything positive in his comments. I am doing everything that needs to be done to be on the mend, but right now I need to follow a diet that can be suggested by a nutritionist/dietician . Can you please make suggestions as it is very hard in our area to get an appointment due lack of medical experts ( shortage ).

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I am 84yrs. old---had Gall Bladder removed over 14 yrs. ago--no problems from that ever--Have never missed my Gall Bladder--I have a Brother-in-law who has about the same story---Quwstion? Why not remove Gall Bladder, Its very commom--no problems---------dogpoundginger

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@normfairfield

Need help for a diet related to my condition. I have spent one month in the hospital in December and was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and kidney deficiency. This past week I met with a surgeon that does not want to remove my gall bladder as of yet and put me on a medication for 4 months to see what the scan will reveal. He says that the recovery process will be long in my case and did not sense anything positive in his comments. I am doing everything that needs to be done to be on the mend, but right now I need to follow a diet that can be suggested by a nutritionist/dietician . Can you please make suggestions as it is very hard in our area to get an appointment due lack of medical experts ( shortage ).

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@normfairfield, welcome. I moved your question to this existing discussion:
- What foods are best to eat and to avoid for a pancreatitis diet?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pancreatitis-diet/

I did this so you can connect with other members like @muthaiah @jojo1970 @stillsearching @cngarrett and others.

I'd also like to know the answer to the question @dogpoundginger asked. Did your doctor explain why he does not wish to remove the gallbladder? Is surgery too risky for you at this time?

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@colleenyoung

@normfairfield, welcome. I moved your question to this existing discussion:
- What foods are best to eat and to avoid for a pancreatitis diet?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pancreatitis-diet/

I did this so you can connect with other members like @muthaiah @jojo1970 @stillsearching @cngarrett and others.

I'd also like to know the answer to the question @dogpoundginger asked. Did your doctor explain why he does not wish to remove the gallbladder? Is surgery too risky for you at this time?

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He has not told me why, he said he wants me to take PMS URSODIOL 250 mg, 3 times per day for a period of 4 months at which time we will do another scan to see how it has evolved. He said that my pancreas was affected with some necrosis and that my recovery will take some time. But I must admit that I improve on a weekly basis and that my energy level is increasing. I’ m watching what I eat on a daily basis and I have not had any alcohol in any form whatsoever since December 14th. 2021.

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You can download a free cookbook that the National Pancreas Association has published. There are tons of recipes on there. 🙂 I hope that helps!

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