Patient Education Cancer of the Pancreas: A Care Guide | Page 32

Nutrition by Mouth
packaged prepared meats, hot
dogs, pre-made hamburgers,
bologna, and salami.
• Choose healthier fats such as
peanut butter, avocados, olive oil,
and canola oil.
• Drink liquids a half hour before
and a half hour after meals and
snacks to avoid fullness.
• Plan to eat your largest meal
when you feel the most hungry.
We often think of dinner as being
the biggest meal, but if you are
hungrier earlier in the day, then
make that meal your largest meal.
• Note how you feel after you eat.
Abdominal discomfort, bloating,
diarrhea, or gas may be signs you
did not tolerate something you ate.
Eating Guidelines
After surgery, you will slowly
introduce foods to help avoid
symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and
gas. This diet contains foods that are
easy to digest and are low in fiber, fat,
and added sugar.
• Keep food records for the calories
you are eating by mouth and for
your tube feeds (if you are still
receiving them). This will help your
surgeon and dietitian get you back
to a normal diet more quickly and
safely.
• It is important to eat often. Aim to
eat 6 to 8 small meals and snacks
daily. Keep meal size to 1 cup or
less per meal.
• Take small bites or sips, eat slowly,
and chew food well.
• Do not eat foods high in sugar.
Check the ingredients for added
sugar and avoid foods that
have sugar listed in the first few
ingredients. Names for sugar
include sucrose, fructose, and
high-fructose corn syrup. Do not
eat a food that has more than 12
grams of sugar per serving.
• Eat nutritious foods that contain
protein with all meals and
snacks. Choose fat-free or 1%
milk products, eggs, egg whites,
and lean sources of meat such as
chicken, turkey, and fish. Once
you are allowed First Foods (see
on page 35), make sure meats
are tender. Limit red meat and
processed meats such as beef,
Blenderized Diet
You may need to follow a
blenderized diet for up to 2 weeks
unless your doctor has told you
otherwise.
• Follow these blenderized diet
guidelines to ensure that you have
a healthful diet as you heal.
• Blended foods and liquids should
have no pieces or parts of food in
them.
• Do not have orange or other acidic
fruit juices.
• Take a vitamin C supplement if
instructed.
• Talk with your dietitian about any
questions or concerns.
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