I have been getting several questions about the Whipple Procedure. I am starting this blog, on the Whipple Procedure, and would like to hear from anyone who has had a Whipple Procedure and what their experience was in the recovery process from the Whipple Procedure.
Soon I will be posting some information re: the Whipple Procedure, what to expect, what to eat, and any other information that we feel will contribute to this blog. Most of the time a Whipple Procedure is done to help people survive Pancreatic Cancer. On this blog we will certainly encourage people who have Pancreatic Cancer to blog on their experience having the Whipple Procedure.
I, myself had the Whipple Procdure done at Mayo Clinic in July, 2006, so I know how hard it is to recover from this surgery. It still affects me every day, but I do have a very many good days.
Linda Hageman, RN
Hi Bobbi
I am SO SO happy for your recovery from the whipple. I am very interested in your story as well. My husband’s tumor was resected from his pancreas but the doctors have said that since it is in his lymph nodes they are concerned that it may impact his portal vein but they are not 100% certain. It is this uncertainty that is so crazy. However, we are taking a leap of faith and are living — we believe we can beat this. I am very interested in your doctor — my husband also had the whipple — on 8/9/2010 — he ate some foods today that I did not think he would be eating for some time yet. He did not take the enzyme after this eating because he was at a picnic and did not bring the enzymes with him. He had no adverse affect — he is feeling great. As for the Creon — we were told he should take only 1 after each meal and snack. Today — he took one with breakfast, none with his morning snack because it was probiotic (cottage cheese). He did take one with his lunch. None with dinner (because he forgot it). and then none with his snack because it was a probiotic yogurt. He is feeling fine. Everyone is different but I have been told once you start a regimen of the enzymes that you need to be consistent and do not stop taking them — that you must be weaned off of them.
Good luck to you — these stories are very encouraging for all of us!!!
Hello Christine,
Thanks for your feedback. Regarding Creon, I was told by both a dietician and a gastroenterologist to take Creon before my meal. If I wanted to take two (maybe eating something higher in fat), I could take 1 before and 1 during.
Your husband had Dr. Matt Walsh for his surgeon, right? He is excellent and has a wonderful reputation. I actually consulted with him when I was first diagnosed but he would not operate on me because of the portal vein involvement.
I see in another one of your posting you reference a clinical trial in Ohio. Last week in the Cleveland paper there was an article about a vaccine that is in Phase III of clinical trial for people after surgery. It is intended to strengthen the immune system so cancer cells can be more effectively destroyed. I didn’t know if that was the clinical trial you were referring to. The article stated the one of the trial sites was University Hosp of Cleveland.
Sounds like your husband is coming along nicely. Tell him to keep up the good work. If you ever with more information about my doctor, etc., please let me know.
Bobbi
Thank you Bobbi
We appreciate your acknowledgement and we are so happy with your progress as well. We will continue along this path and if we have any questions, believe me, we will ask:)
Dr. Walsh is absolutely a wonderful doctor — 3 weeks after surgery and my husband is doing great — so we are very pleased.
I will keep you posted and hope that you continue to do the same.
Have a wonderful day!
Christine
PS — in response to the clinical trial in Ohio- yes, the one you question is absolutely the one to which I referred above. We are very hopeful that this is something my husband will be a part of – if it makes sense to do so.
i have delayed writing because i am so negative and every one else is so positive. i am 64 years old. i had such a happy life unti 3 years ago, then my kids started leaving home. 3 1/2 years ago my husband left me after 34 years, 3 days before thanksgiving. my life fell apart. for some reason i bought a condo in mexico (start a new life). i kept going to tucson (4 hours away) because my kids and doctors were there. i was diagnosed with neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer (very rare) the end of april and was just scheduled for a whipple sept 10. my doctor says it is totally curable as long as the cancer has not spread, but it has been 2 years since my symptoms started. i am scared to death, more about the eating changes, but also have no support. more in another email.
my ids are in their early twenties and starting their lives. i am currently living in a one bdr. apartment with my son (and supporting him since his restaurnt just closed) but it is getting bad because he just got a girlfriend. i have no job, just my alimony, which ends in 6 months – then it will be social security and medicare, and heve not been in my condo in mexico since i was diagnosed. i want some reassurance that the surgery is the right thing to do given my circumstances. maybe i should just let nature take its course and not be a burden to my children. i need some support and advice. i am not religious, but i believe in a power greater than me. i lived for my kids, but now they are gone.
Please don’t give up Mauda. You’ve been given a chance – take it.
mauda
Take if from Me and other people on this board, it is the right decision to have the surgery, let me First say everyone is different. I had my Whipple on Jan 11 2010 and I have been prety much back to normal 3 months after my suregy, Eating takes some time but that too will become normal again, I can say I eat alomst anything with out taking any meds. You can do this for yourself and for your kids. Imagen what you will miss out on if you don’t. One of the greatest gifs kids can give you Grandchildren. Hang in there and do this. Pelase feel free to contact me if you need to talk. I have been there and done that. Please don’t ever give up, I agree with janet 100% you have been given a chance grab it and run with out. some people are not that lucky.
Anthony
ant_041@yahoo.com
Mauda, listen, I am 50 years old and had the same neuroendocrine tumor. It took 1 1/2 years to diagnose my problem. In my case, the entire pancreas had to go as did my spleen, gallbladder, duodenumn and part of my stomach. Also, some of the veins and lymph nodes had the tumor in them.
The procedure took 11 1/2 hours; the recovery was difficult, mostly the first few weeks, as my digestive system had to restart itself. I take insuline and have to take Creon pills with everything I eat. I am now 3 months post operative and getting used to this change in my lifestyle.
You will have difficult days, but as others said, it is better than the alternative. If your health is generally good, and you expect to live well into your 80′s and beyond, it seems like the surgery is worth it. You will need some sort of support system, family and friends, once you go home from the hospital. If you are not in good health, and the tumor is small, you might make another decision given that these tumors are slow growing.
Whatever you choose I wish you the best of luck!
Mauda
Hello. My husband had the whipple procedure for cancer of the pancreas. He is 62 years old. It was well worth it. Today 9/8 — is just 1 day shy of 1 month since his surgery. He is doing great. He was out golfing 3 weeks after the surgery and has been bike riding and lifting light weights since about week 2. We also go for walks when we can. He is finally able to eat pretty much what he wants — but obviously we are making wise nutritional choices and he does not eat nearly as much as he used to eat — but more throughout the day. He must take the enzymes though. Almost immediately after taking the enzymes, the nausea that he was experiencing daily was gone. So – I would definitely recommend the enzymes after the surgery. As Bill above mentioned, there will be good days and bad – but so far the good is winning. Good luck to you and God Bless.
I had the whipple done in 07 at the age of 51,it started when I became jaundus, went to the doctor and was told my galbladder had to be removed, upon further testing I was told I had pancriatic cancer. I live in upstate ny, and was refered to a dr. in albany who put a stent in my bile duct which took care of the jaundus condition, a biopsy wa taken of the area also. This was done twice. I was then sent to see another dr in albany med center where I was told I needed a whipple done. It took 11 hr. I went in weighing 270 and came out at 219lb. Everything they took out was sent out and it all came back benigne. It ended up being strictures in the bile ducts. I was told how lucky i was. I was also taking creon and insulan shots.I am not taking anything at this time except medimucil and eat anything I want. I went back to work in 2 months but it took over a year and a half to feel 100% and still get tired ocationally.
Mauda;
please take our advice and have the surgery, I know in my case I would not be here now if I had not had the surgery. It is a long and very complicated surgery but the alternative is forever. Good luck.
Hi, My dad is going in for the whipple soon under the care of Dr G. Thomas Shires. He has pancreatic cancer. Has anyone heard anything about this Dr? Thanks, Julie
Also, advice of what to expect would be appreciated.
Hello Julie — I do not know your doctor — but I can tell you a little about our story. My husband, Bob, has pancreatic cancer. Honestly, when it was confirmed, it was very emotional for both of us. Bob would cry when speaking with people about the cancer – I was angry. Once we got past the fact that we had a battle to fight – our outlooks changed tremendously. Don’t get me wrong – we still get emotional, still get angry – but those episodes are not nearly as frequent as they were. Now to the story:
Bob was trying to lose weight (starting in December of 2009) to help control his diabetes and was very successful; however, the weight just continued to come off and he was not doing anything more to cause this weight loss. In addition, his blood sugar spiked to 450-520. Of course, this prompted a trip to the doctor – this was in May of 2010 and this is when it all began. The doctor ordered some blood work, an ultrasound and then a CT scan. What they saw was some type of obstruction but it was not diagnosed yet as cancer. The blood work showed that his body was undergoing some type of trauma, but again – nothing conclusive. At this point it was determined that he was to have two procedures – one was an endoscopy and the other was an ERCP. However, he became jaundiced a few days before the procedure so it was determined, on the day of the procedure, to only do the ERCP so that they could determine what was causing the blockage and fix it. Again – not yet conclusive for cancer (although suspect) they did determine his pancreas had atrophied and both the bile duct as well as the pancreatic duct had strictured. At this point, they were able to put two stents in both ducts to help correct the issue with jaundice.
After talking with various doctors and surgeons, they would need to do a procedure called the whipple to confirm the prognosis and to fix it. He had his whipple on 8/9/2010. They removed approximately 20% of his pancreas, some lymph nodes, the common bile duct, the pancreatic duct, the gall bladder and only a small part of his stomach and the duodenum. My husband is 62 years old and came through the 9.5 hour robotic whipple surgery with absolutely no complications. A month after the procedure – he was able to eat most everything he was eating before the procedure, started exercising more, golfing and he went back to work. We still have a huge battle in front of us but we choose to live one day positively at a time. We pray a cure is found soon so that he can surpass the 1-5 year survival rate. Although the entire tumor was resected with negative margin and it had not metastasized to other organs, it did metastasize to his lymph nodes. Of the 20 nodes they removed, 9 showed signs of cancer. He has been through 3 cycles (3 weeks on, 1 week off for 3 months) of chemo with gemcitabine – successfully. He is now in his last week of radiation/chemo combination (radiation daily with chemo 1 day / week for 6 weeks). He was doing pretty well with this up until this last week. He is now experiencing fatigue, weight loss (just not very hungry), dizziness (due to the fatigue), stomach discomfort. We were told this is pretty normal for this treatment. He has only 3 days to go – so he will do just fine. After this, he will have a break of about 3 weeks then start another 3 cycles of chemo. He is also scheduled for a clinical trial at Johns Hopkins – we are hopeful this will stop the growth of any new tumors. Overall my husband has done very well compared to some. He has a very strong mind and we both have a very positive outlook. We live with the cancer but the cancer has not taken over our lives. You learn to change your priorities and live every day to the fullest. We, of course, thank God daily for giving us each day. We have faith that Bob will beat this cancer. We are looking forward to a vacation (in a few weeks). We will be meeting with the doctors at Johns Hopkins to discuss the clinical trial. We will then go to NC to visit family for a few days and then on to St. Simon Island to vacation for a week. Can’t Wait!!
God Bless you and your dad. It will be a long road, but please stay positive — even when the going gets tough. This will help you to get to the next step. The most difficult part of the recovery, for my husband, (from the surgery) was just healing from the surgery. It was about a month before his stomach no longer bothered him from the surgery — but it was not awful. He would not be here today without that surgery. If they give him pain medication – encourage him to take it — he needs to be as pain free as possible to get past the initial “hump”. It will make it more tolerable. Introduce foods and encourage him to eat what tastes good to him. Buy Glucerna or Boost or Ensure — this will help keep up the nutrients during the days he does not feel like eating. Most doctors will suggest the “BRAT” diet during these down times: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. But — really — it will get better. There is a light at the end of the tunnel — have faith. God Bless.
Julie,
I do not know the Doctor. However, I had my Whipple Jan,11 2010 in Pittsburgh Pa by Dr Williams. I am a little over a year out and I am back to almost normal. I had a 6cm GIST tumor on my duodenum which required them to do a complete whipple, i.e. removing 1/3 of my pancreas and Stomach, removing my gallbladder and duodenum, and a portion of my small bowel. I am still on oral chemo (until March 19th). Before I tell you about my experience I will first tell you everyone is different and everyone body reacts differently, some site on the web had me scare to death and almost not wanting to do this. My wife who is a RN in an operating room and my Dr. both told me I would be fine, (primarily because of my age, 36 at the time) just eat a little bit less. So I would not listen to everything you read on the net. Hell one page had me dying in a few months. Also every doctor does the whipple a little different too (tubes and meds)
Ok on with my experience, when I had my surgery I remember waking up in the ICU ( after 8.5 hour surgery) with 4 tubes coming out of me 2 on the right of my stomach area and 2 on the left (nothing out of my nose except of Oxygen) the 2 on the right were to drain the stomach and to feed me, the 2 on the left were to drain around where they did the work inside of me, (those hardly drained at all and I went home without them) I also had a Cather in (that was not fun for me) and your typical IV’s. They have you up and moving quite quickly, I think the second day I moved from the bed to the chair 5 feet away, and it seemed like a mile or two. (you will get your strength back, I Like them , I encourage to walk around as much as possible this helped me in the long run) After the ICU I went up to the floor where they again encourage you be up and walking. I was in the hospital for a total of 12 days and by that time It was time for me to get out, around day 6 or so of my visit they starting removing things and gradually started to feed me things, I start off with a liquid diet them moved on from there, (it was 6 months before I had carbonation, roast of Steak) I went home with the feeding tube and the drain tube in my stomach, However, I did not use them at all. I credit my wife for know what and how much to feed me, I did 3 small soft meals (not beef)a day with Ensure in-between at first, then moved on to a more solid diet still drinking the ensure (I still drink the ensure now and then just because I like it not because I have to) I lost a total of 40 or so pounds and gain most of it back I was 206lbs before surgery the lowest I was 160 something I am now 180 and feel great. From my experience the first 3 or so months were the worst for me, then after that I was starting to get back to normal and start working my 2 jobs again ( one in which requires me to walk up and down stairs) now a year after I eat anything I want, well some foods make me a little gassy (bad smelling belches) and if you didn’t know me you would never know I had that surgery cause I eat as much as most people. To sure things up I would say that considering the alternative the procedure is hard for the first few months but the long term outcome is encouraging.
I hope everything works out well for your family and please feel free to contact me if you want to talk. Above was the short version but I just wanted to get the points across, that the procedure is not all that bad. Again please feel free to contact me, I love sharing my experience.
Anthony
That is awsome to hear Christine. God bless you and your husband.
Anthony.
Oh BTW Julie, I forgot to mention my wife and I just build a new house which we were planning on doing but got delayed casue of the cancer. I (with help from some others) moved everty peice of furniture and appliences in to our new home including taking stuff up to the second floor. my wife and dad were amazed basiclly basclly beacuse they were there from day one and saw how far I come.
Also remember with Faith and the grace of God anything is possible.
I am writing to find some answers regarding long-term care/effects of the whipple procedure. My mother had whipple surgery in 2006. All went very well. She caught the cancer of the duodendum very early. When caught, the Dr. (at a community hospital) said he could remove it by going down her throat, to her stomach, with a scope. I convinced her to go to Loyola Medical Center in Chicago, for a second opinion. We met with a surgeon, and 2 weeks later she was having the whipple. Now, I feel guilty for bringing her there. Maybe it could have been done without the whipple and she could have avoided all these complications she is now getting. She has terrible gas, bloating, pain, etc. She’s been to the emergency room 10 times in the last year trying to figure out what is going on. No one seems to be able to help her. Most Gastro. dr’s do not have experience with post-whipple patients. Loyola has provided no help or follow-up. We don’t know where to turn. My mother is only 67 and now cannot leave the house and is barely eating since she feels better when not eating. We’ve tried numerous dr.’s which really tell us nothing. She has had scans, endoscopies, scopes, etc. with no positive results of anything that will help us know what is going on. Some doctors tell her to take Miralax, Colace, gas-ex…then you go to another dr that says Don’t take that. No one is consistent. I finally got her to try the enzymes..but those don’t seem to help. Plus, she had many good years after the surgery, when she didn’t need all these meds. So, why would she now? If anyone has any answers or suggestions, I would really appreciate it. She is always getting nausea, gurgling, pain, chills, etc. and we don’t know where to turn. I feel so guilty for having her get the Whipple.
Jen,
One of my concerns about having a whipple was the same thing, But I was told because of my age (36) I would be fine. I did do a lot of research and talk to people about it and also talked to my Doctor about the same thing you are describing. He told me that if that was the case (which is not I am eating normal) that there are cretin things such as digestive enzymes you can take. I am not sure of the exact name of the pill, however you will have to trial and error as to how much to take with each meal. Try asking the Doctor about that. Hopes this helps. Please feel free to E-mail with any other questions.
Keep us in your prayers my Dad get the whipple done tomorrow. Julie
I wil add your father and your family to my prayer list. I can tell you my husband had the whipple with minimal complications. He did become an insulin dependant diabetic but this has not caused many problems either. He does experience gas and bloating — also bouts of diahhrea. However, these have only occurred more frequently after his radiation and chemo for his cancer. Prior to the radiation — he was fine. Just a little tired from the chemo. The radiation really knocked him for a loop — but he finished just last week — so he should start to feel a little better in a few weeks. I would highly recommend exercising immediately after the operation (once he is able to get out of bed) — just walks, of course, but increase the walking — that will help with the gas and the fatigue. God will bless you and your family — have faith!!!
Would like advice on food to try in the first months that might cause less problems. I will be caring for my son after his surgery next thursday, February 24 at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD and do not have any experience in the best choices to make. Would appreciate any suggestions.
God Bless you and your son. We will be at Johns Hopkins this Friday for a clinical trial consultation — it would have been nice to meet you and your son. My husband had the whipple on 8/9/2010 and I am sure he would loved to have talked with you and your son to help ease any anxiety you might be feeling. My husband’s surgery was 9.5 hours and was very successful. He actually had to eat more liquid foods initially (boost, ensure, soups (broth), dry toast, pudding, jello) but after a few weeks he was able to introduce chicken, burgers, beans, turkey, cereals, noodles, eggs, rice, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, yogurt, cream of wheat, crackers and peanut butter, etc. but in very small portions. Bland is better at first, but introduce spices as his appetite increases. Until his digestive system starts to work, small portions 6 or 7 times during the day would work the best.
If you need to talk — please let us know — we would be happy to discuss with you.
As someone who has a whipple last year I agree with Christine, The first few month he is not going to have much of an appetite and he is going to get full quickly, the ensure helped me out big time. I would drink that in-between my meals. before my surgery I thought I was celiac (which means no wheat) so image my diet, I was aloud no meat for the first months or so, it was most if the stuff Christine mentioned, then I found out I was not and it was great. I started to eat some ground up meat and stuff like that about a month and a half after my surgery, then I was not permitted to have any roast, steak or carbonated beverages for six months, but now I am eating anything I want and back to a normal life. With all that being said, All doctors are different and everybody’s body reacts different, I was luck my Doctor has done several of this and I was young when I had it (36). He was right on the mark with everything that was going to happen. Hope this Helps, Please let us know how your son is doing and May God Bless your family and I am always here to share my story and experience.
Anthony
Julie,
How is your Dad?
My Dad had the Whipple almost a week ago. They found it to bed ampullary cancer instead of Pancreatic cancer, 4 cm, stage 2 . This is the first day for liquids…he was so happy to have that! He still has a drain . The surgery lasted only two and a half hours. We love Dr G.Thomas Shires in Dallas and would recommend him highly!!! We are just in the start of added foods so will let you know as it goes. Tomorrow he gets cream of wheat and cream soup. Thank you for the encouragement and prayers. Thank you Lord!
I am amazed but my Dad is eating whatever he wants.
How do you know if you need enzymes?
Hi Julie
My husband did not start taking his creon immediately after surgery because he did not think it would be necessary — however, without the creon — his food does not digest properly and this causes all kinds of discomforts. My husband also eats what he wants, but monitors based on how he feels afterwards. He usually has 1 pill with his breakfast and lunches — but usually 2 pills with dinner. If your dad is not feeling any discomforts — then he can hold off on the creon — but every body is different and reacts differently — so let him be the judge. Good luck and God Bless
Hello to everyone,
I want to thank all of you for sharing your stories. Up until 1 month ago I never gave much thought about Pancreatic cancer. I thought it was a “drinkers” disease. I feel foolish for the lack of knowledge I had about this cancer.
I have read non stop for the past month about pancreatic cancer. Unfortunatly, my 67 year old father (not a drinker or a smoker) was diagnosed in January 2011. He was one of the fortuante ones who did qualify for the “Whipple procedure”.
He had his surgery last week Feb 2011 and was discharged less than a week in the hospital. I am surprised to see how well he is doing. He was able to keep his stomach and left the hospital with only 1 drainage tube which if all goes well will come out in 2 weeks.
He lost a few pounds (10-15 lbs) since being diagnosed and will most likely drop more weight but we are all encouraged by how well he is doing. The pain appears to be manageable at this time and we are taking things one day at a time. The past month seems to be a blur. I need to slow things down and process what has happened.
I know he will get stronger each day and 6 weeks from now he will start his chemo. It is so difficult to see someone you love go through such an ordeal. The unknown seems to create alot of anxiety. Your stories have given me a good foundation as to what to expext in the future.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you especially ICG whos son will be going in for his Whipple tomorrow 02/24/2011 at Johns Hopkins. Thank you for sharing.
My uncle, 83 yrs old, had his Whipple procedure on November 29, 2010. Dr. Postier in Oklahoma City, performed the 4.5 hour surgery at OU Medical Center. We were warned of additional risk due to his age. He was Stage 2b at time of removal. He is now undergoing months of chemo (radiation at a future time), with no reaction thus far. They put in a port last week, to protect his veins, after clogging. He has been given one treatment for low white cell count, with good results. When he was released from the hospital on Day 12, he returned home with no need for pain meds and very little discomfort. He didn’t develop a need for insulin, as we were told was possible.
No one, who is a candidate for the Whipple procedure, should hesitate! We are awe-struck at how rapidly he recovered from the surgery. The doctor warned him of months of recovery and possible issues, but he has escaped problems. Watching an 83 year old man march forward with a smile, while facing a potential nightmare, has inspired everyone who knows him! My heart and appreciation goes to Dr. Russell Postier and the entire Staff for giving high quality care and hope, to my beloved uncle and our family!
Carmel,
God Bless your Uncle and thank you for sharing your story. I had my Whipple Jan 11,2010 I am normal as they come right now, no one would every know I had that done unless I told them. Heck friends that were there with me thru the surgery are shocked by what I eat and what I do. However, I am less than 1/2 your uncles age, I was 36 when I had this done, which makes his story inspiring. There is a gentleman on here Chris that shars his stor is was 70 something when he had his surgery now he is in his 80′s May God keep blessing your family and again thanks for spreeding the good word. We always need more stories like this.
Anthony
Hello Everyone
My husband has been doing very well since his surgery in August of 2009, but he does still deal with a lot of gas. He is taking creon — but it was suggested by his radiologist that he see if my husband’s surgeon may have some advice on any other products out there (besides gas-x and creon) that may help to alleviate this gas. Has anyone out there had any luck with anything other than creon and gas-x. He is also taking Aloe Vera Juice to help coat his stomach — again — any thoughts?
Hello Christine,
I haven’t been able to get the informaion from all the papers I have here at hospital (JH) but I believe I met you at the hospital, February 24th. You were very kind and quieted some of my anxiety that day. I am thinking that now, trying to figure out what and how much to eat at this stage, it would be great to ask for some advice.
Linda Gouldman
Hi Linda,
At this time we are working on a research paper for this very information. I had My Whipple 3 1/2 years ago. This is what I was told eat anything and everything that you want too. Well after becoming very ill on certain foods I found out that you cannot do this and not get sick. So I have found that most people can tolerate liquids clear and soft foods. Smoothies, Christina please give us your smoothie recipes, (not made with milk) use yogurt instead as yogurt contains a enzyme that makes yogurt easily digestible. In fact while we are on the topic Milk or Ice cream were not good options for me and I am told many people. I still to this day cannot eat ice cream or regular fat milk. Eat small meals (1 cup) of food at a time, yes you will have to measure. If you are taking pancreatic enzymes do so as prescribed and follow up with your physician if you still have problems digesting food. there are several options for pancreatic enzymes and the dose can be increased as needed. I take Creon 24,000 units capsules 6-8 with each meal and 2-4 for a snack.
Try Oatmeal (not instant), Cream of Wheat or Rice, eggs, toast, puddings,Ensure, tea, Cereal, try cheese,rice bananas, applesauce, mashed potatoes, Soups.
Any other suggestions out there?
Linda Hageman, RN
Hello Linda Gouldman
As much as I would love to take credit for helping you at Johns Hopkins – I am afraid it was not me. We were there on the 18th, not the 24th. For everything that Linda H. has comments on regarding the food is absolutely correct. This is pretty much what my husband ate for the first few weeks until he gradually started adding other foods – trial and error. Today — he pretty much eats anything — he loves beans (15 bean soup, chili, etc.) but this is still not very agreeable with his system – especially while he was going through radiation. Once he is done with his treatments, he will re-introduce the foods that bothered him.
As for smoothies — we use a product called Kefir which is a derivative of yogurt but I know that Linda H said this bothered her. This is a excerpt from Lifeway’s website (maker of Kefir) – see below:
Ever hear the phrase, “You are what you eat?” The more we learn about nutrition, the more it appears to be true. Happily, with Lifeway Kefir, you’re in good hands. We’re pretty obsessive about what goes into our products. We use ingredients from local farmers and suppliers to make sure our products are insanely fresh. And we’re stringent about artificial hormones and antibiotics. As in, we don’t allow any of them in the milk we use to make our products. So enjoy Lifeway Kefir with confidence. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Lifeway Foods ONLY uses milk that is rBGH free (Bovine Growth Hormones) and Antibiotics free. The milk also comes from farms that take great care for the cows, treating them in a humane way
Lifeway Kefir Products are sweetened with Organic Cane Juice not High Fructose Corn Syrup
Lifeway Plain Kefir is unsweetened for the sugar conscious
Berries like Pomegranate, Blueberry, Acai, and Cherry contain a higher Antioxidant count. Lifeway makes all of these great flavors loaded with Antioxidant Power.
Organic Whole Milk in Lifeway Probugs helps kids build stronger bones.
All of Lifeway’s products are gluten free except for Green Kefir
We use the unsweetened brand (my husband is a diabetic) and add various fruits — my husband also loves greek yogurt and he usually adds cheerios to it for variety.
Hope this helps!!
Hi Christine,
Thanks for the feedback. When you have time can you elaborate on the types of smoothies that you made for BOB.
One more thing I stress if to walk or swim every day or do an activity that raises your heartbeat (right now I have starting my gardening which has provided an exercise activity. Start of with what you can do and try to add a little more each week. Dance at home do something you like to do.
Sincerely,
Linda Hageman, RN
Hello All
Regarding smoothies – I make green smoothies for my husband that consist of the following:
½ cup water
2 cups spinach
½ cup broccoli
½ bunch parsley
1 cup green grapes
½ cup fresh pineapple, core included
½ banana
1 mango
1 apple
Plus – I always add 3 scoops of “chia” for added omega 3s
These are all pretty thick – Bob likes to add water to his – I just drink it down thick – I like it that way.
The one I normally make is as follows:
½ cup water
2 cups spinach
2 cups cucumber
1 head of celery
1 bunch parsley
2 apples
½ banana
Juice of 1 lime
Juice of ½ lemon
Plus – I always add 3 scoops of “chia” for added omega 3s
The above two recipes make about 8 cups each. Very healthy. The key is to always include at least 2 cups of dark green veggies and then mix and match as you see fit. Everyong has different tastes. We like both of the above.
I use a VITAMIX machine – this then ensures that we receive all the benefits, including pulp.
The milk smoothies that I used to make consisted of 1 to 2 cups of yogurt (plain, low sugar), 1 banana, 2 TBL peanut butter and any other fruit such as blueberries or raspberries to taste. We don’t make these anymore because he loves the KEFIR product with added berries.
Enjoy!!!
I had the whipple procedure done the first of january. low and behold after having chronic pancratits for nearly two years, and not knowing why, that i finally found out. When the surgeon went in he found out that i had a birth defect that affected all of my organs. They are to small for my age (30). I have had diabetes since i was eighteen and had been on enzymes for some time. now that its 3 months past the fact i can eat most anything but i get gas so bad my family bans me from socializing with them at times. its quite embarrassing i am taking creon it helps at times. oh did i forget i had my whole pancreas taken out. now find a case on the internet to study on that jeesh am i a freak or what.
Melissa, Great news that you are eating anything you want. I too can eat anything I want, but I did not have my entire Pancreas taken out, only a 3rd. Great For you and not you are not a freak you are young. I was 36 when I had my whipple and I was told my my surgeon the other day that all my scans came back clear and I am 16 months from my Whipple and off my oral Chemo (Gleevec) LOl @ the gas thing, I agree is embarrassing sometimes but you will learn what foods give you gas like that. (and if people do like it tuff for them you went thru a mojor surgery) now after 16 months, I almost gained all my weight back I am working out and feel awsome. I eat the same amount if not more than before my surgery, I just have to watch my drink intake while I eat or that bloats me.
Again, Great news that you are doing well. God Bless you
My husband had a whipple done Feb 2, 2011 because he had duodental cancer. He was in the hospital for 7 weeks. We are in the learning progress, because he is still have alot of problems eating. He has been home for 4 weeks now and still have troblem gaining weight, he has alot of gas and get nausea alot. He takes 1 creon with breakfast, dinner and supper but not snacks, dr told him to take them that way. I wondering if we should up his creon some. He is a very picky eater and this makes things even worst. He is still waiting to take chemo, he still has drainage for where he was cut on. I have been giving him egg white protein power which is very hard to mix in milk, so for he drink it.
HI Jan – my husband had the whippled on 8/9/10. He still has digestion issues but I believe he always will. But — he does eat what he wants – and most of the time it is very healthy eating. It took several months before he could get to this point. As for the gas — my husband still also has this problem and always will. Try to understand the human body was put together a specific way for a reason. When they perform the whipple, your insides are getting re-attached in a very different way, which is why he has digestion issues, nausea and gas. For nausea — there is a medication out there that should help with this — have him ask his doctor. As for the gas — our doctor said to adjust the creon as needed. Everyone is different so you have to kind of test it out to see how 2 creons vs 1 creon makes a difference. My husband’s drainage lasted about a week and a half after surgery. You may want to take him back to the doctor and have them look at this again. Also — as for protein – my husband drinks a shake caled “unjury”. It is a powder mix that you mix with milk. He drinks it every morning. We buy it online. Look up “unjury”. It will all start to get better — you just need to take your time and his body will tell him when he can start to feed it more food. He should probably eat 6-8 small meals a day until his system can handle a 5 meal a day routine. Good luck and God Bless
Thanks Christine,
I got some egg white protein I am learning to make it into a shakes that he likes, that’s amazing, and he tunneling is getting smaller. We go back to the dr next week. Has your husband got his strenght back yet? Randy is 47 and was in great health until this hit, he does heavy outside work for a living, but he has a hard time doing much of nothing now, he is getting better it’s just a slow road, alot slower than we thought. I will try more creons for his gas problem. He eats about 5 times a day. Thanks so much for your help and I appreciate your past posts, your feelings have hit the nail on the head for the way I feel. I don’t know How we would make it without God’s help.
I too have had my complete pancreas removed and am now almost 4 years post having my complete pancreas removed. I take Creon 24,000 U X 5-8 pills with every meal and 3-5 creons with a snack which I very rarely eat. My Brittle Diabetes or Pancreotogenic Diabetes (diabetes after complete pancreas is removed) interfers with the digestion of food if the glucose readings are too high. It actually causes the digestion process to be much slower then normal people have. It is still an everyday process for me. I do have the Medtronic Revel Insulin Pump with a glucose sensor. The pump will give your body more of a normal level of glucose by giving small amts. of insulin (Basal Rate) at all times and then I program in how many carbohydrates I have eatten with a meal, what the glucose is at the time of the meal and there is a feature on the pump that will actually figure out how much insulin you should have for that meal.
It is a learning process, that I figure after 4 yrs. is going to continue my whole life. My insurance does pay for this system and the glucose sensor, but not without a 8 mo. fight, but having the system truly does allow me to lead a more normal life.
Hi Jan,
Keep making those shakes and having him keep well hydrated. I recall after my Whipple that I lived on liquids and very small amts. of food. I am not able to digest Milk products to this day, however I can digest cheese and yoghurt. Foods that eventually worked for me were oatmeal (not instant), cream of wheat, eggs, muffins, toast, bananas, applesauce, chicken, rice, and I still find to this day the closer to nature I eat the better I feel. I have never eaten beef so that was not an option for me, however I would eat turkey and ground turkey for added protein in my diet. I do think that the recovery process for the Whipple Procedure is not that of a normal surgical procedure (6 to 8 weeks) but more like a year or more. Your digestion system will never be the same because of the Whipple. The reason they call it the Whipple Procedure is because this is a huge surgery and most of the digestive anatomy is worked on and it will take time to fully recover from this process.
I walked or swam (I live on a lake) a little further every day and sometimes had setbacks but he will have to learn to listen to what his body is telling him, so rest for a whole day if necessary and remember that the next day he may be feeling better. It is a very frustrating recovery that takes time.
Even 4 years out I still tire very easily and at times have to rest or not go to committments so whenever I do make a committment I always preface it with saying “If it’s a good day I will be there and if it is not a good day for me I will have to reschedule”
Hello, I found this blog a few weeks ago, but wasn’t sure how active it is. I “might” be facing a Whipple about this time next year so I’m gathering as much info as I can! I’ve found a lot of useful information, and especially to your last post Linda!
In 2008 I had a precancerous tumor removed from my ampulla of vater. At the time the Whipple was one of two surgical options. My surgeon opted for the lesser of the two, which still involved some rerouting (bile and pancreatic ducts), but I was able to keep all other organs except my appendix. This year my followup biopsy showed cellular changes again, and while the initial pathology report said precancerous, they amended that slightly after reviewing again with a statement that there is cellular change, but they feel it is safe to monitor. I go for a followup biopsy in February or March.
I’m really grateful for your tips and info on the Whipple as it seems that that will probably be the next step.
Dear Donna,
Thank-you for visiting our site and please e mail me if I can provide you with any further information regarding The Whipple Procedure.
Linda Hageman, RN
Donna,
Glad you found this site, it has a lot of information and a lot of people on here have been thru the Whipple including myself. I want to let you know one important thing, That is, Everyone is Different, everyone’s body reacts differently to a whipple. Everyone condition is somewhat different. All Doctors have different ways to approach the before and after care. I am almost a year and a half out and I eat anything I want (except fatty things) and my portions are the same as before I had surgery. I gained most of my weight back and my energy level was back to normal about 4-6 months after the surgery. But remember like I said Everyone is Different. I was 36 at the time of my surgery and I had it because of a rare location of a GIST Tumor. They did remove a 1/3 of my Stomach a 1/3 of my pancreas and all of the other stuff included in the whipple. Just stay stonge and have Faith and you will do well.
God Bless.
Anthony
Please contact me if you need to talk or need more information.
Thank you Linda and Anthony! I have a lot of faith, so that’s half the battle!
I’m also trying to increase my fitness and eat healthier–I figure that can’t hurt and just might help. I’ll try to get a few questions together so I don’t ask one at a time. 
We hope to present a day of information on The Whipple Procedure at our Seminar Presented by Hageman Foundation in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, on Saturday September 17, 2011. We strongly the more educated a person is about The Whipple Procedure the better informed decision can be made.
Anthony, thank-you for your blogs and wisdom, that only someone who has been through this surgery can truly understand.
Your welcome Linda. I can tell you I feel great Now but it was a journey, an up and down battle. Only through my faith in God, the awsome Doctors I had and my wife being a Nurse. I pulled through it. I am now enjoying ever God diven moment with my family and not taking one memory for granted.
Anthony
My husband must have had about the same surgery that you had. I know that each person is different but I was wondering if you are back to your old self. My husband is doing better Thank God. He’s a well driller and that mean alot of heavy work, I know that only God can restory what once was but I was wondering if you are about to go back to old activities.