Need more info on Chronic Pancreatitis

[Tania]

I am actually writing this on behalf of a friend of mine.

2 weeks ago she was diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis. I found this website with information about the disease.

http://www.enh.org/healthandwellness/encyclopedia/ency/article/000221.asp

The doctor told her that 1st she must stop smoking and 2nd she must loose weight. He also sent her to a dietitian, which told her to stay away from fat and red meat - mainly a diet consisting of bread and pasta.

She was on the Atkins WOE before and lost quite a lot of weight, but like some of us, stopped this WOE and the pounds slowly crept back. She was also told that if she does not change her diet, this might lead to diabetes.

Now my question is … can she safely follow the Atkins WOE with this disease? Or should she make a few adjustments to the WOE and still have the same results?

She really wants to loose weight and because she knows the Atkins WOE, would like to follow it again. I’ve been on a few websites, but nowhere does it give specific guidelines for a proper diet.

Is there somebody with more information and that can help?
Thank you

[Desertthorn]

Re: Need more info on Chronic Pancreatitis

That is a tough question as we are neither doctors nor can give medical advise. BUT I would suggest that she switch dietitions as anyone who suggests a diet of carbs is absolutely wrong. She needs to get on the internet and read everything that she can on the subject and then see what she can find out. www.pancreasfoundation.org is a good choice.
I have gallstones which is semi related and I have been on low carb for over 3 years without any adverse affects. I was told that a low fat diet and small meals will help, but I didn't find that the case at all.
She needs to make sure her physician is knowledgeable in the subject, just a general GP isn't really a good idea. The foundation above can help her find one in her area. Once she finds a doctor who knows what he is talking about, she might beable to find a dietition also.
Good luck to her, I hope she gets over this quickly

[canuck]

Re: Need more info on Chronic Pancreatitis

-yes this can lead to diabetes and more than likely well, did doc say what caused the disease....this girl will be on insulin if it progresses.
-weight loss is great but before embarking on Atkins she should have a work up and in particular have her creatnine levels checked.
-This is not a nice disease to have and is a scary disease so hope she has grabbed onto her health and is pursing it, educating herself and feeling better.