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What Causes Loss Of Appetite After A Pancreatic Surgery?

Posted on Mon, 19 Sep 2016

Question: My husband is in a rehab facility following surgery for pancreatic cancer. They removed his spleen, half of his pancreas, half of his colon and half of his stomach. He has not regained his appetite. What can we do?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Liquid nutritious diet can help

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

This can be a difficult scenario. The surgery was extensive and recovery can be delayed. Small frequent meals will be required because of his small stomach.

We can provide him food supplements which can be dissolved in water and provided in place of solid food. Many commercial preparations are available. You can discuss with his dietician regarding which one will be suitable for him. Appetite stimulants are usually not helpful.

Make sure he is moving around because this helps to regain appetite.

Hope this helps.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (48 minutes later)

Thank you, Dr. XXXXXXX Actually, for the past two days, I have been bringing him smoothies, comprised of milk, Coconut Bliss ice cream, wheat grass juice powder, another green preparation called Patriot Power Greens (which is given to servicemen and contains all kinds of foods and herbs as well as probiotics), a banana, and some berries. I also added two fertile, really free range eggs. I have ordered whey protein powder to add as well. He loves it, and has no difficulty drinking it. I will tell him to start moving! We will be changing primary doctors soon, and we will also be seeing an oncologist, but we are in limbo now, with a very busy, silent, hospitalist. It is good to know you are here. Thank you again.
Judy Chambers

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are doing the right thing

Detailed Answer:
you are already on the right track. He will improve soon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (5 hours later)

Your information is so very helpful. Another question just arose. This morning, my husband was unable to remember our home phone number, or his room number. Is that expected? He is a real worrier. He is also a very sharp person who finished writing a very difficult book the day he went into the ER. So, this kind of thing can be especially unnerving for him.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
May be out of exhaustion

Detailed Answer:
But we should rule out low blood sodium or glucose. Otherwise just need to give him some time to get back on track.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (13 minutes later)

Thank you again. I will ask nursing to check the sodium and glucose. He is diabetic, by the way, and I believe they have him on insulin. That is worse than it was before the surgery.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Insulin can cause low sugar

Detailed Answer:
diabetes can worsen after pancreatic cancer surgery. But if dose of insulin is high and food intake low, then sugar levels can go down.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (23 minutes later)

I will definitely discuss the issue with nursing tomorrow. I bug them about everything! He has definitely had a low food intake over the past several days, but I have no idea what level of insulin they are giving him. Thank you for the heads up!
He is, however, eating much better now. They upgraded his diet, so he is finally eating. That puree is inedible.....
It is so very helpful to have a doctor to ask. This is a very important service that you have. Thank you for being there.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
They must be checking the sugars

Detailed Answer:
It is good that he is eating well now. Wish him a speedy recovery!

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar