What Can I Eat??

September 21, 2001

I have just been diagnosed with Pancreatitis, during a hospital stay

for servere pain. I was released with no diet. My appointment with

a specialist is three weeks off. I requested a diet when I made the

appointment and was told they could not give me any advice until I

walked into their office. I do not want to make things worse before

I can be seen. I also have diabetes and high coleresteral.

Can anyone give me some suggestions on what type of foods will not

cause pain?

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

Betty

September 21, 2001

Complex carbohydrates, potatoes, pasta, rice, corn, barley, etc.

Water

no alcohol

water

minimal spices - herbs seem OK

water

light sugar

water

Ensure

water

boiled chicken, fish turkey: grilled chicken, fish, turkey - very low spice

level

water

steamed veggies

water

minimal fat as in beef and pork

water

no fried foods

water

Best wishes,

poncho

September 21, 2001

Dear Betty,

I am sorry for your diagnosis, as pancreatitis is an often

misunderstood disease, an often painful disease, and proper diet does

become a primary consideration. You have come to the right place to

ask these questions, as we have many members with a lot of experience

in living and coping with pancreatitis, diabetes and their affiliated

medical problems.

I have chronic pancreatitis, and have had acute pancreatitis attacks

in the past. " What can I eat? " was one of the very first questions I

posted many months ago when I was diagnosed. It's a shame they

didn't give you some advice in the hospital. Gastroenterologists

recommend that you completely abstain from alcohol and maintain a

diet with a very low fat content, preferably no more than 20 grams of

fat per day. Avoid fried foods, gravies, cream sauces, butter, red

meats, nuts of any variety, chips, cakes, etc., etc. Read the fat

content on the labels of everything you buy!! Try to eat smaller

snacks or meals more often, with less fat grams, than two or three

heavy meals a day.

It may seem impossible to adjust to, but there are many no-fat, or

reduced fat products (mayo, yogurt spreads, salad dressings, ice-

cream, cheeses, cream cheese and sour cream) on the market that make

this diet possible. Turkey, especially turkey products using only

breast meat (sausage, filets, slices and ground) are very low in fat,

chicken (breast meat, again) is also low. Fish, which is grilled or

baked (except for salmon) is low. Some pork products are relatively

low-fat. All fruits and veggies, except for avacado's, are low-fat.

You can find low-fat bread, tortillas and pocket bread for sandwiches

or wraps. I suggest that you start with small snacks or meals and

see what your personal comfort level can handle.

Your doctor may also recommend enzyme supplements, depending upon the

severity of your personal case, and these are effective for many

people, both for digestion and resulting pain relief after eating.

Please keep in touch with us, tell us a little about yourself if you

wish, and let us know how you are doing. Don't be afraid to ask any

questions that are on your mind, you can always find someone in the

group that will have an answer to help you.

Take good care,

Heidi in SC

> I have just been diagnosed with Pancreatitis,

>

> Can anyone give me some suggestions on what type of foods will not

> cause pain?

>

> Betty

September 21, 2001