diet to follow post whipple procedure
Diet to Follow Post Whipple Procedure
Intolerance towards heavy meals is commonly observed in people after undergoing a whipple procedure. The following Buzzle article suggests some dietary changes that may help to improve digestion while recovering this surgery.
Did You Know?
A low fat diet is often recommended post a whipple procedure.Post Whipple Procedure Diet
✘ Sugary Foods
As we all know, the pancreas produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. However, as a major part of the pancreas is removed, controlling blood sugar levels can be quite difficult. Hence, it is advised to avoid foods that contain excess sugar, such as pastries, cakes, dried fruits, candies, and jams.✘ Fatty Foods
The pancreas secretes certain enzymes that play a key role in the breakdown and digestion of fats. However, after surgery, the pancreas fails to produce enzymes, such as lipase and amylase in adequate amounts. Hence, eating fatty foods after surgery can be hard to digest. So, it is advised to stay away from fried foods, junk food, fatty meat (red meat), cheese, and butter, as they contain high amounts of fat.✘ Alcohol
Alcohol needs to be strictly excluded from the diet after a whipple procedure. Pancreatic damage has been associated with consumption of alcohol. With pancreatic function below normal after surgery, alcohol intake is certainly not advisable.✔ Fruits
One simply cannot ignore fruits when it comes to the best diet post a whipple procedure. However, hard-skinned fruits, such as apples, avocados, peaches, and pears can be problematic as far as digestion is concerned. Soft fruits, such as watermelons, bananas, grapes, cherries, and oranges can be included in the diet after undergoing this procedure.✔ Vegetables
No doubt, vegetables are high in nutrition, but eating them raw is not recommended, at least for the first few months after a whipple procedure. Raw foods are difficult to digest, and hence, need to be avoided for some time. So, ensure that vegetables are well-cooked when preparing meals for patients who have undergone this surgery.✔ Oatmeal
Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects of undergoing a whipple procedure. Consuming soluble fiber foods, such as oatmeal, can help to ease the symptoms of diarrhea. Fiber foods tend to move slowly through the digestive tract, and delay emptying of the stomach, which may contribute in alleviating diarrhea.✔ Eggs and Fish
Inclusion of protein sources in the diet is also necessary for healing. Eggs and fish are high in proteins, and moreover, deliver a substantial amount of vitamins and omega-3 essential fatty acids. The egg white is especially a good source of protein that can be easily digested.✔ Beverages
Besides drinking water in adequate amounts, having nutrient-dense beverages can also contribute to improve health and speed up recovery. So, to up nutrition intake, one can have fresh fruit juices and green smoothies.Increase Meal Frequency
Eating elaborate meals is something that cannot be tolerated by people after undergoing a whipple procedure. Large meals tend to cause stomach discomfort and indigestion in these patients. So, with sub-optimal digestive health after surgery, it is advised to avoid heavy meals. Instead, one should have 5 - 6 light meals throughout the day to improve digestion.