Post Whipple: how long before your stomach "woke up"?

Hello @bb21

I appreciate your input about eating after Whipple surgery. How long ago was your surgery?

Are you able to eat more normally now or do you still have restrictions as to the amount and type of food you can eat?

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?

I had surgery in February and did not have issues for about 2 weeks and then Pow, did it hit hard. It took me another month for it to ease. I eat pretty regular food now but will notice my stomach and gut let me know when I eat too much or something it doesn't like. I keep Galviscon around to use only if needed and eat smaller meals and snacks. I have undergone chemo and a clinical trial since surgery as a single positive node of a rarer genotype, KRAS g12c, has reared its head and I have metastasis to the liver but I am fighting. You do the same. We can change the statistics by doing whatever we can and living longer. Take it one day at a time, Stay positive and do well.

Thanks @beachdog for your response.

Yes gall bladder is gone as well. I might mention that my liver enzymes are pretty high but since last year when I was diagnosed with jaundice they've been that way. I did neoadjuvant chemo and radiation and I recall thatduring the radiation treatments my liver enzymes were high too. Wondering if my liver issues might be contributing to the dietary ones?

@bb21
I appreciate your added input into your diet and health journies with cancer. You have a great attitude regarding the need to take care of yourself, stay positive, and try different treatment options.

Have you ever taken Creon?

I did take Creon, up to 3*4 per meal but as I improved, I find that Creon doesn't really add to comfort, so I reduced and stopped but keep in reserve. As I mentioned, I was on a clinical trial for a while that included a monoclonal. My friend had actually done research on a similar combo for Melanoma and they found that increasing Glycine in the diet helped greatly to reduce inflammation and actually destroyed melanoma cells. She recommended that I try to reduce my inflammation with bone broth....a great source of glycine. I make my own with either chicken backs or beef knuckle to render more glycine. I add onion, celery and carrot to my broth as it cooks to give more flavor. If the broth gels when it cools, I know it is high in glycogen. It is a great source of fluid and protein and soothing to sip. Try that as well. I also have some ginger chews as I find ginger helps to calm cramping and upset stomach. I will add things as I remember,,,,chemo brain wakes up during the day...ha.

Hi Caryn. How are you doing now? Has digestion become any easier?

My mother is set to undergo a pyloric preserving Whipple and our surgeon did discuss the possibilities of infection, delayed gastric emptying, need for Pancreatic enzymes, etc… but I’m wondering if this is more of a likelihood than a possibility.

Do you mind me asking where your tumor was located and what type of pan can?
Why did your doctor suggest the pyloric preserving Whipple?

I hope you have had an easier recovery and are doing well. Best wishes for you and yours. Stay strong!