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Post Whipple: how long before your stomach "woke up"?
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: May 30, 2022 | Replies (28)Comment receiving replies
I'm on TPN and hardly eating or drinking anything by mouth because of nausea and DGE. I take Reglan and Protonix daily but I might eat once a day, something small. I can't drink much either. Tried Boost and Carnation Instant breakfast but don't like the texture or sweetness. Prefer more watery fruits like watermelon but even then can't eat more than a few bites.
Everything I read says eat 5x a day and eat protein with each small meal and drink a lot, but I can't do any of this. I talk to my surgical team and am told it's normal (I had IORT and also a vein replacement). Should I be too concerned about this?
Replies to "I'm on TPN and hardly eating or drinking anything by mouth because of nausea and DGE...."
Hello @caryns
It sounds as if you have been through quite a bit and I can certainly understand your concern about not being able to eat very much. I'm guessing that you have lost a lot of weight and might be feeling very weak and fatigued, as well. Is that the case?
While I've never had a Whipple surgery, I have had several surgeries of the upper digestive tract to remove carcinoid (a rare form of cancer) lesions. I also had a difficult time eating after the surgeries. How long ago was the Whipple procedure?
There are many members in the pancreatic cancer group who have had Whipple surgeries, perhaps not extensive as yours, but I would like to invite @marvinjsturing to this discussion.
You mention having difficulty drinking some of the liquid protein drinks because of the sweetness and texture. Are you aware of a product called Boost Breez? It is not a milk product so you might find it easier to drink. Another member of Connect, @thull, has had multiple surgeries for diverticulitis and she has mentioned this product. She prefers the peach flavor. In the past, it could only be ordered online and was not available in stores. I'm not sure if that is still the case,
If your medical team says that this is a normal response from the surgery, you may ask for a referral to a registered, certified dietician at your medical center. They are very helpful in tailoring eating plans for people who have had digestive tract surgeries such as yours.
After my second intestinal tract surgery, I met with a dietician and she gave me some very helpful ideas. Have you conisdered asking for a referral to a dietician?
Sorry, I can't provide any experience with TPN.
My wife had IORT and also needed to eat 5-6 small meals per day post distal pancreatectomy. Did they also take your gall bladder?
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Try to eat a couple of saltine crackers with peanut butter on them several times a day. The crackers help settle the stomach and the peanut butter gives you protein. I took me 3-4 weeks but it will get better. Drink some 30 gram protein drinks even if just a swallow or two at the time. The best to you.