What restrictions, if any, are in place 6 weeks + after the Whipple?

I had my Whipple om 4/25/24. I was back in the gym in June and golfing in August. Your body will let you know if you over do it.

I started walking while in hospital (about 1 mile per day spread across 6 sessions) and continued when home. I continued walking when home (about 2 miles / day in 4 sessions). At 4 weeks post Whipple I had dietary constraints removed, at 6 weeks I had all lift (10 lb), bend and twist constraints removed. At 6 weeks I started on treadmill and at 8 weeks am doing 2 miles at 3 mph pace. But as already mentioned, your body will let you know.

I am impressed, you are obviously focused on your recovery! Good job! Can I ask how old you are?
So I guess, I could get back on the treadmill, I wasn't sure. Right now walking my dogs - 1-1.5 miles a day. Do you have other helpful information regarding diet - how to eat enough protein or enough anything? I just do not like any of the hi-protein shakes, mixing some (Carnation Breakfast Hi-protein) with milk and ice cream and protein powder, and getting this down, maybe 3/4 c. as a snack. Another problem is if I find something I like and know it’s good for me to eat, I have it daily…then 3 days later, I just cannot eat it anymore (cottage cheese). Have to continually try to find something else - gets a bit frustrating!
Happy you are going forward with good progress!

I am 74. Before surgery I did a lot of walking (4 or 5 miles per day at a 4 mph clip). I also did several weight lifting exercises but mainly “planks” and leg-lifts. My nurses at the hospital provided strong encouragement to walk with my IV tower, claiming they wouldn’t release me until I could prove I could be mobile.

As for protein, I found the Shamrock Farms chocolate shake which has around 30 gm protein per 12 oz with no added sugar. I also bought lots of cans of chicken breast, tuna and salmon at Costco. I added mayo, relish and onion to make 3 flavors of salad that I ate with crackers and/or toast. Lots of protein in those “meals” and I rotated through them for a change of flavor. To help with weight gain, I added Keto Brand and Nick’s Brand Ice Creams. They are low carb, high fat. They also have about 7 gm protein per serving.

I am making good progress and it is not easy. As a friend told me, it’s the PATIENT in PATIENCE. I hope you find something that works consistently for you!

Thank you! I will look for the Shamrock Farms shakes, probably get it online. I have the prescription meds, both Zoffan and a back up one, and I’ve been told to take 1 not when I am overtly nauseated, but even when nothing sounds good and I don'twant to eat, so I’m trying that now. Hanging in there - and thanks for your insights!

I have the same appetite problem but currently due to Naliri. I have found that bright flavors help. Like applesauce, orange juice, lemonade. I can add a non flavored protein powder to them. I too have a hard time with shakes in a can so I use Ascent protein powders.
I do make egg bites and occasionally pick up a bagel with salmon. Somehow, the bread helps it go down! On and off cottage cheese. Greek yogurt with fruit (high fiber) works too.

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.

Thank you, very helpful!