A Whipple procedure is the surgical removal of the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, the duodenum and part of the bile duct, according to the University of Southern California's Department of Surgery. Whipple procedures are typically used to treat cancer, pancreatitis and pancreatic tumors. After a Whipple procedure, many patients have to eat a modified diet to cope with their altered digestive system.
Reintroducing Foods
According to the University of Wisconsin Hospital, following the Whipple procedure you will not be allowed to eat until your bowel shows signs of operation, usually somewhere between 2 days and a week after the surgery. When your health care team decides your digestive system is ready for food, you will be allowed clear liquids like broth and juice, followed by "full" liquids like pudding, milk and pureed soups. Eventually you will move onto solid foods. The pace of food reintroduction is very individual; you will need to eat foods slowly and stick to what feels and tastes good.
Loss of Appetite
According to the University of Virginia Health System, it's normal to experience a loss of appetite after a Whipple procedure. Foods many also taste less intense than normal, or have a metallic taste to them. Problems tend to resolve about 4 to 6 weeks after the operation. You can help cope with these symptoms by eating your favorite foods, eating sour foods or trying foods that you've disliked in the past.
Small, Frequent Meals
In the weeks following the surgery, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network recommends that you avoid large meals and instead try to eat five to six small meals and snacks each day. According to the University of Southern California's Department of Surgery, small meals allow the body to better absorb foods and also help prevent you from feeling bloated or overfull. Some patients may do well following this eating plan on a long-term basis.
Fat
According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, after a Whipple procedure you should try to avoid eating fatty, greasy or fried foods. On a long-term basis, you may need to restrict fat intake in general, limiting daily fat to 40 to 60 g per day.
Enzyme Replacements
According to the University of Virginia Health System, the pancreas is responsible for producing enzymes to help your body digest foods. When part of your pancreas is removed during a Whipple procedure, your body may no longer receive an adequate amount of digestive enzymes, leading to symptoms such as oily diarrhea, abdominal pain, boating and gas. Fortunately, pancreatic enzyme replacements can be used to compensate for your body's decreased enzyme production. Taking pancreatic enzymes can be instrumental in how well your body does on your post-Whipple procedure diet. The enzymes are available in several forms, and should be taken before every meal and snack.
Individualism
The Whipple procedure affects everyone differently. Expect to spend some time figuring out which foods work best for you after the procedure. You may also need to experiment with other diet factors such as timing and size of meals, as well as variety and amount of pancreatic enzymes.
References
- University of Southern California Department of Surgery: Whipple Operation
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: Nutrition After a Whipple Procedure
- University of Wisconsin Hospital: What to Expect on F4/6 After Your Whipple Surgery
- Guthrie Health: The Whipple Procedure
- University of Virginia Health System: Whipple Procedure -- Nutritional Concerns
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