The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen that is crucial for the digestion of food. The function of the pancreas is to combine enzymes with the digestive juices of the intestines to complete breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It also secretes hormones that help to control the level of glucose in the bloodstream. Pancreatic surgery is the only treatment that can lead to a prolonged survival for those who suffer from pancreatic cancer.
Meat
Pancreatic enzymes are necessary for the digestion of foods. Fibrous meats, such as beef, pork, lamb and veal can increase the work of the pancreas to secrete enzymes for digestion. Patients at the Columbia University Medical Center are advised to avoid these foods following pancreas surgery. Within 1 to 3 months, the stomach and intestinal issues present directly after surgery should begin to resolve and patients are then encouraged to test how these foods may affect their digestion.
Raw Fruits and Vegetables
You should avoid raw fruits and vegetables for the first few months, according to the University of Virginia Health System. These are hard to digest and can cause bulky diarrhea after the removal of the pancreas. Instead, you can add applesauce and bananas to your diet, which do not include the hard to digest skins of apples, pears and peaches. Pulp free fruits are acceptable but fresh citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, oranges, tangerines and kumquats, according to Columbia University Medical Center.
Fatty Foods
Pancreatic enzymes are required to digest fats. When a resection is done to the pancreas for treatment of pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis, it will reduce the amount of enzymes secreted by the organ. Columbia University Medical Center recommends that their patients do not eat fatty foods or meat to reduce the stress on the digestive tract and the pancreas. This also reduces the potential that their patients will experience diarrhea following surgery.
Sugars
Approximately 60 percent of the patients at the Advanced Laparoscopic Liver and Pancreatic Surgery practice who undergo pancreatic surgery will become diabetic after the procedure. The severity of the disease will vary from individuals who may have to change only their diet to those who may require insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Another blood glucose problem that occurs after pancreatic surgery is glucose dumping or intolerance, according to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Symptoms will usually occur 2 hours after eating simple sugars, such as desserts, fruit juice, yogurt, honey, brown sugar and molasses.
References
- Columbia University Medical Center: Dietary Guidelines for Patients who Have Undergone Pancreatic Resections
- University of Virginia Health System: Whipple Procedure -- Nutritional Concerns
- Advanced Laparoscopic Liver and Pancreatic Surgery: Pancreatic Surgery
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: Learn About Pancreatic Cancer
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