How will having my pancreas removed effect my life?

Question

I am due to have my pancreas removed in a few weeks. How will this effect me? I've been told I will lose a lot of weight, is this true?

Answer 1

The function of the pancreas is twofold: It produces enzymes needed to digest foods and hormones (insulin and glucagon) needed to regulate blood sugar. Patients who have undergone pancreas removal will develop diabetes and will need to take insulin. In addition, when the pancreas is no longer available to produce digestive enzymes, the patient may fail to properly absorb foods (especially fats), resulting in greasy, loose stools and weight loss. Consequently, almost all such patients will need to take pancreatic enzyme supplements. These prescription preparations, available in several forms, are taken with meals to aid with the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Answer 2

you may become a diabetic if your pancreas is removed, therefore you may require injections to replace the insulin but this can be diet controlled in certain patients also the pancreas produces exocrine functions that produce salts that enter your bowel to dilute the acidic stomach contents and aid digestion, you may lose some weight due to the malabsorption of the food without these salts and enzymes but enzyme supplements can be given now to be taken with each meal to help break down some food groups,but this may also cause loose stool motions and steatorrheoa which is fatty offensive motions....depending on the severity of disease or pathology that is requiring you to have the pancreas removed in the first place?

Answer 3

Dawn's answer says it all.

You lose the two functions of the pancreas, insulin production and digestive enzyme production and both need to be replaced.

Insulin will be given by injection and the enzymes (usually capsules called Creon) taken when you eat.

It is a big operation and will take you a while to get back to full health but it is done frequently and there is no reason why you should not be able to get back to previous weight if you eat well. A dietician may be helpful to advise on good nutrition and adequate carbohydrate diet pot op.

Good luck.

Answer 4

The pancreas has2 functions - insulin production and digestive enzyme production. You will lose both functions. There is more to the story that I dont know. You must be going on TPN or something with the removal of your pancreas.

Answer 5

yes you will lose, bcos the pancreas releases insulin, to break down sugar to be used or energy, or release glucagon, a hormone, to store sugar. now if u don't have pancreas, you have to insulin, and can't take sugar. You have to exercises also to keep fit, so you will burn fatmore. also bcos there is low amount of sugar in ur body, bcos u don't eat too much, bcos u have to take insulin, the body leave the sugar for the brain, and break fat for energy.

it is a little complicated. but it will be like ur diabetic , and insulin depednent

Answer 6

Thundercat had the best answer.... Lost half of my pancreas, am Diabetic II, diet and exercise.. no meds as of now......

Answer 7

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Answer 8

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Answer 9

Why don't you ask your doctor, he is the best person to talk to. Good Luck.

Answer 10

Dunno but hopefully it will AFFECT your spelling!