Post-Whipple Diet

Any type of surgical procedure is potentially traumatic; however, the Whipple procedure, which can take four to six hours, can be especially daunting given its additional effects following surgery. While you often need to make smart and healthy food choices following any surgery to promote healing, you may need to make lifelong changes to your diet following the Whipple procedure. Be sure to consult your doctor for the precise regimen to follow.

Whipple Procedure

The Whipple procedure, also called pancreaticoduodenectomy, is the removal of part of the pancreas, a portion of the duodenum --- a section of your small bowel --- and some of the stomach. In some cases, the gallbladder and bile duct may also be removed. It is a procedure most often performed in people with chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. It is also recommended for patients with tumors on the duodenum, bile duct or head of the pancreas.

Pancreas and Diet

The pancreas is an organ that secretes enzymes that aid in digestion. It also produces gastric juices that help neutralize the acidity of your digested food as it moves from the stomach into the small intestines. With the partial removal of your pancreas following a Whipple Procedure, you may have difficulty digesting foods high in fat and may need to follow a low-fat diet. The pancreas also secretes insulin, the hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. In addition to a low-fat diet, you may also need to modify your diet to help control blood sugars. Your doctor can help you determine what dietary changes you need to make.

Post-Whipple Diet

The post-Whipple diet is similar to a diet recommended for chronic pancreatitis, according to the authors of "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy." Your daily fat limitations depend on your tolerance but is typically limited to 40 to 60 g daily. Due to a smaller stomach size, you should also eat smaller meals more frequently. Your food choices should include a variety of nutrient-rich foods from each of the food groups, choosing more lean meats and nonfat or low-fat dairy products to limit your fat intake. You can also use food labels to help you track and limit your fat intake.

Sample Diet

Your meal plan should include three meals and three snacks, evenly distributed throughout the day. For breakfast, try 1 cup of cooked oatmeal with 1/4 cup raisins and six walnuts chopped, served with 1 cup of nonfat milk. For your morning snack, you can have 1 cup of nonfat yogurt and 6 graham cracker squares. Lunch may consist of 3 oz. of 95 percent fat-free deli turkey on two slices of whole wheat bread with 1 tbsp. low-fat mayonnaise, served with 1 cup of baby carrots and 1 cup of sliced melon. A low-fat afternoon snack may include a large apple with 1 oz. of low-fat cheese. For dinner, try 4 oz. of baked haddock with a 6 oz. baked potato with 1 tsp. of margarine and 1 cup of steamed broccoli. An evening snack may consist of a toasted whole wheat English muffin with 1 1/2 tsp. of peanut butter. This menu contains 1,940 calories and 44 g of total fat.