Whipple procedure

I had a whipple done 6 weeks to remove a tumour from the head of the pancreas. I lost a lot of weight but have now started creon so hopefully some weight will be regained. I have done very well with little or no problems except for a tight band across my middle. This is most uncomfortable and sometimes quite painful! My surgeon reassures me that this is normal particularly as I am such a slim person, and that it could take Upto a year to correct itself. Has anyone else experienced this? Also how do I know if I am taking sufficient Creon?

On Nov 29, 2012 9:00 PM jrohald wrote:

I had a whipple done 6 weeks to remove a tumour from the head of the pancreas. I lost a lot of weight but have now started creon so hopefully some weight will be regained. I have done very well with little or no problems except for a tight band across my middle. This is most uncomfortable and sometimes quite painful! My surgeon reassures me that this is normal particularly as I am such a slim person, and that it could take Upto a year to correct itself. Has anyone else experienced this? Also how do I know if I am taking sufficient Creon?

I hope you have full recovery. Best wishes . I have my brother suffering for the last 2years  but couldn't have the surgery because it was touching the portal veins. Now he is in bad shape and going to phasse 1 trail at MD Anderson hospital in Houston.

Regarding the tightness around your midsection, I had it after my whipple as well.  I think it has something to do with how your abdominal muscles are sewn back together. I am four months out and aside from sensitivity on the surface of my stomach, the tightness underneath at the muscular level is almost gone. I suppose everyone is different with respect to healing duration, but I think the thing you're supposed to worry most about a hernia.

Regarding the Creon intake, the dietician said it would be trial and error. Your stools are supposed to be the best indicator. If they are floating and greasy, you either did not take the creon soon at the right time, took too little, or you ate food that was too unhealthy (too greasy). A more general indicator is continued weight loss. Not having enough of the enzymes can lead to malabsorption... your body simply doesn't suck in the calories from the food you eat very well.

Hope this helps.

Go to   Post Whipple Surgery - Pain       Search this site here in Cancer Compass you will find alot of information about complications after the whipple.  It has been very helpful for me, I had my whipple 2 years ago and I am still having many complications I had to have 2 major surgeries due to complications after the surgery.

Hi irohald,

It's been 15 months since my whipple for the same reason as you have had it.  Being thin too, (103 lbs) I too have this uncomfortable feeling,  like a chronic pain across the middle. Walking helps. I am on pain meds everyday. I try to stay ahead of the pain, taken as directed I have just dull pain that is bearable. I still tire easily.  I think some of the pain may be associated with scare tissue, or the clips put in during surgery. **That plus we have had our insides totally reorganized.** That makes us different for the rest of our lives.  I don't think my body likes the way it is put together now!! We need the Creon to be able to digest our food. Without the Creon we can become malnourished because we cannot properly absorb the nutriments in our food. You will know yourself when you are taking the right dose of Creon for You. Believe me if you forget it You will also Know!! Good Luck! God bless!! Candy

Try eating small frequent meals as large meals will overtax.  also, make sure not constipated, for me that means high fiber, veggies, fruit, fluids.  stay hydrated too, normal liquid intake.  try good probiotic daily and see if foods like dairy are too much and then try non-dairy fake milks, etc.  good luck.  I am nearly 2 1/2 years out.