Major health scare & change......

desirerodriguez33

Hello everyone!

My name is Desire' and I'm 34 years old. I just had my 3rd child 4 months ago, & besides the preeclampsia I thought I was doing well. Ok, I should add I am over weight, but hey I can work on that. Well on Nov. 22 I had this horrible pain, I thought it was heartburn, but 10x the usual, went away after 45mins. Next day I come to work and I double over in the worst pain I've ever had. Yes, even worse than labor. I know, I can't believe that's coming out of my mouth, but true. I was taken to the emergency room, 6 days later I'm released to go home with a whole new life style.

I was told I have pancreatitis, gall stones, & the gall bladder needs to come out. However, it's not the gall bladder they are concerned with it was the pancreas.
So now that you know a little. I need to follow a low fat diet, no greasy food ever, cause anything will flare the pancreas even after the surgery, & no alcohol ever. Sure hearing I could've died put everything into prespective real quick.

I would love to hear some food ideas to keep me from having to repeat the usual. It's gonna be hard, I know. This wasn't a choice it's a must, but for my kids I would do anything.

After the words high mortality rolled of my doctors lips, nothing scared me more than to leave this earth too soon, and leave my children behind.
I refuse to feel sorry for myself. My goal here is to love my life no matter the cost. Please help me on my journey by sharing recipes and stories. I appreciate any and all help. Friends are welcome!!!
Thank you for listening to my ramble.
Des

janejellyroll

My brother has pancreatitis and he was able to get a referral to a registered dietician after his diagnosis so he could get assistance planning his new way of eating. Is that an option for you? He found it quite helpful.

songbird13291

You're motivated, you'll manage this. Food ideas -- last night we had chili, made with 98% lean ground turkey and red kidney beans, topped off with a little bit of shredded cheese or sour cream (you can find low fat versions of both). We also use ground turkey in our tacos.

charlenekapf

I would definitely recommend consulting a licensed RD preferably one that specializing in addressing those types of health concerns. But yes, low fat diets are recommended with gallstones. Interesting that fat would flare the pancreas, i would have thought sugar/carbohydrate because thats the concern with diabetes and pancreas not producing insulin.

Probably why best to double check anything recommended on here with a nutritionist. Did they say anything about protein levels? Protein can be inflammatory and hard on digestion as well although helps with hunger, muscle maintenance and growth etc.

Given the information you provided about needing to follow a low fat diet, I would check out Dr. McDougall (vegan, low fat high complex carb), The Engine 2 Diet(similar to Mcdougall), Weight Watchers, South Beach (high protein low fat, lower carb) diet.

I personally cannot stick to a low fat diet as it does not satiate me but have found those to at least focus on health and people can succeed on them. I do NOT recommend the 80/10/10 fruitarian diet as it is very high in sugar (30bananasaday.com)

crzycatlady1

janejellyroll wrote: »

My brother has pancreatitis and he was able to get a referral to a registered dietician after his diagnosis so he could get assistance planning his new way of eating. Is that an option for you? He found it quite helpful.

This is where I'd start as well.

ronjsteele1

Have been down this road. I would double check with your doctor about the "why." A low fat diet is usually recommended for after having the gallbladder removed- not because of pancreatitis. It sounds like they believe your pancreatitis was caused by a stone blocking the common bile duct. When they remove a gallbladder it makes it harder to digest fats. That is why the recommendation for a low fat diet. You should also check with your doctor about if you need to monitor your blood sugar. Pancreatitis varies in the amount of damage it can or does do (bc it doesn't always cause damage) to the pancreas which can produce insulin issues long term. Fat does not affect pancreas inflammation. I'm pretty sure you got your wires crossed in terms of the "whys." In the long run the recommendations are the same (low fat diet) but understanding the "whys" correctly helps one manage their health correctly.

It's REALLY common for women to have gallbladder attacks after birth. Sometimes (almost always depends on the Doctor) they recommend a low fat diet for awhile to see if that will settle the GB down before they decide to do surgery because a recurrence of an attack is not guaranteed. Often it is weight and/or hormones that causes the attack to kick in. I don't know if they understand "why" gallstones start to actively move around the GB after birth but that often causes them to block the CBD. Did they offer you that the option of trying a low fat diet and waiting on the surgery? It may be something to discuss with your doctor.

BTDT with pancreatitis and it is no fun! I'd rather have ten babies then that again (and I have stinking large babies with no drugs. Lol).

Be well.

Francl27

It's really not too bad. Low fat cheese, fat free dairy, lean meats, seafood, veggies, whole grains, fruit... there's still a lot of things you can eat.

I avoid high fat because I used to have horrible stomach pains if I ate too much of it, and I've been doing fine. You can roast/sautee about anything with a mist of cooking spray for a pretty tasty equivalent for fried stuff.

desirerodriguez33

janejellyroll wrote: »

My brother has pancreatitis and he was able to get a referral to a registered dietician after his diagnosis so he could get assistance planning his new way of eating. Is that an option for you? He found it quite helpful.

I am going to check on this. I think this would be an excellent idea. Super helpful

desirerodriguez33

Major health scare & change......

desirerodriguez33desirerodriguez33 Member
November 30, 2016 8:51AM in General Diet and Weight Loss Help
Hello everyone!

My name is Desire' and I'm 34 years old. I just had my 3rd child 4 months ago, & besides the preeclampsia I thought I was doing well. Ok, I should add I am over weight, but hey I can work on that. Well on Nov. 22 I had this horrible pain, I thought it was heartburn, but 10x the usual, went away after 45mins. Next day I come to work and I double over in the worst pain I've ever had. Yes, even worse than labor. I know, I can't believe that's coming out of my mouth, but true. I was taken to the emergency room, 6 days later I'm released to go home with a whole new life style.

I was told I have pancreatitis, gall stones, & the gall bladder needs to come out. However, it's not the gall bladder they are concerned with it was the pancreas.
So now that you know a little. I need to follow a low fat diet, no greasy food ever, cause anything will flare the pancreas even after the surgery, & no alcohol ever. Sure hearing I could've died put everything into prespective real quick.

I would love to hear some food ideas to keep me from having to repeat the usual. It's gonna be hard, I know. This wasn't a choice it's a must, but for my kids I would do anything.

After the words high mortality rolled of my doctors lips, nothing scared me more than to leave this earth too soon, and leave my children behind.
I refuse to feel sorry for myself. My goal here is to love my life no matter the cost. Please help me on my journey by sharing recipes and stories. I appreciate any and all help. Friends are welcome!!!
Thank you for listening to my ramble.
Des
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janejellyrolljanejellyroll Member
November 30, 2016 9:00AM
My brother has pancreatitis and he was able to get a referral to a registered dietician after his diagnosis so he could get assistance planning his new way of eating. Is that an option for you? He found it quite helpful.
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songbird13291songbird13291 Member
November 30, 2016 9:01AM
You're motivated, you'll manage this. Food ideas -- last night we had chili, made with 98% lean ground turkey and red kidney beans, topped off with a little bit of shredded cheese or sour cream (you can find low fat versions of both). We also use ground turkey in our tacos.
Quote Insightful Inspiring 2Like Awesome
charlenekapfcharlenekapf Member
November 30, 2016 9:14AM
I would definitely recommend consulting a licensed RD preferably one that specializing in addressing those types of health concerns. But yes, low fat diets are recommended with gallstones. Interesting that fat would flare the pancreas, i would have thought sugar/carbohydrate because thats the concern with diabetes and pancreas not producing insulin.

Probably why best to double check anything recommended on here with a nutritionist. Did they say anything about protein levels? Protein can be inflammatory and hard on digestion as well although helps with hunger, muscle maintenance and growth etc.

Given the information you provided about needing to follow a low fat diet, I would check out Dr. McDougall (vegan, low fat high complex carb), The Engine 2 Diet(similar to Mcdougall), Weight Watchers, South Beach (high protein low fat, lower carb) diet.

I personally cannot stick to a low fat diet as it does not satiate me but have found those to at least focus on health and people can succeed on them. I do NOT recommend the 80/10/10 fruitarian diet as it is very high in sugar (30bananasaday.com)
Quote Insightful Inspiring Like Awesome
crzycatlady1crzycatlady1 Member
November 30, 2016 9:40AM
janejellyroll wrote: »
My brother has pancreatitis and he was able to get a referral to a registered dietician after his diagnosis so he could get assistance planning his new way of eating. Is that an option for you? He found it quite helpful.

This is where I'd start as well.
Quote Insightful Inspiring Like Awesome
ronjsteele1ronjsteele1 Member
November 30, 2016 10:04AM edited 10:12AM
Have been down this road. I would double check with your doctor about the "why." A low fat diet is usually recommended for after having the gallbladder removed- not because of pancreatitis. It sounds like they believe your pancreatitis was caused by a stone blocking the common bile duct. When they remove a gallbladder it makes it harder to digest fats. That is why the recommendation for a low fat diet. You should also check with your doctor about if you need to monitor your blood sugar. Pancreatitis varies in the amount of damage it can or does do (bc it doesn't always cause damage) to the pancreas which can produce insulin issues long term. Fat does not affect pancreas inflammation. I'm pretty sure you got your wires crossed in terms of the "whys." In the long run the recommendations are the same (low fat diet) but understanding the "whys" correctly helps one manage their health correctly.

It's REALLY common for women to have gallbladder attacks after birth. Sometimes (almost always depends on the Doctor) they recommend a low fat diet for awhile to see if that will settle the GB down before they decide to do surgery because a recurrence of an attack is not guaranteed. Often it is weight and/or hormones that causes the attack to kick in. I don't know if they understand "why" gallstones start to actively move around the GB after birth but that often causes them to block the CBD. Did they offer you that the option of trying a low fat diet and waiting on the surgery? It may be something to discuss with your doctor.

BTDT with pancreatitis and it is no fun! I'd rather have ten babies then that again (and I have stinking large babies with no drugs. Lol).

Be well.
Quote Insightful Inspiring Like Awesome
Francl27Francl27 Member
November 30, 2016 10:47AM
It's really not too bad. Low fat cheese, fat free dairy, lean meats, seafood, veggies, whole grains, fruit... there's still a lot of things you can eat.

I avoid high fat because I used to have horrible stomach pains if I ate too much of it, and I've been doing fine. You can roast/sautee about anything with a mist of cooking spray for a pretty tasty equivalent for fried stuff.
Quote Insightful Inspiring Like Awesome
desirerodriguez33desirerodriguez33 Member
November 30, 2016 11:20AM
janejellyroll wrote: »
My brother has pancreatitis and he was able to get a referral to a registered dietician after his diagnosis so he could get assistance planning his new way of eating. Is that an option for you? He found it quite helpful.

I am going to check on this. I think this would be an excellent idea. Super helpful
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They never even mentioned my sugars. Of course they discussed what can happen if I end up in the hospital again. They want the gall bladder out so that will not be a contributing factor later on in the future, but the need to adjust my diet is a must. I just want to make sure I'm doing what is right and not harming my body.

Thank you very insightful.

StaciMarie1974

Did your doc refer you to a dietician or give you any guidelines for food? Such as how much fat to limit per meal or by day? I vaguely understand the gall bladder does better if it processes a low amount of fat at a time, and our bodies do NEED some fat. So it may be a matter of carefully watching macros.

Start making substitutions. Avoid fried food, go more for baked/grilled. Lean cuts of meat, veggies, grains. Unless certain foods/food groups are also problematic (this is where a dietician can come in handy) then you can probably eat most foods in moderation as long as they are also low in fat.