Diet changes after a pancreas transplant

You can call (352) 265-0254 or (800) 749-7424 ext 5-0254 to make a referral to the pancreas transplant program at the Shands Transplant Center at the University of Florida.

Now that you have a working pancreas, you will need to make changes in your diet. A dietitian is available to meet with you before discharge. Increase in appetite is a side effect of prednisone. To avoid weight gain, avoid high-fat and high sugar-containing foods.

Prednisone may also cause your body to hold onto salt and water. While taking large doses of steroids, it is important to limit foods with high salt, sugar or fat.

Limit your intake of the following foods:

Processed meats such as ham, bacon, sausage, luncheon meats, hot dogs, sardines, smoked meats, ham hocks and fat-back.
Processed foods such as canned meats or soups, TV dinners, pre-packaged meals (Hamburger Helper, etc.)
Foods soaked in brine such as olives, pickles and relish.
Snack foods such as salted nuts, popcorn, potato chips and pretzels.
Desserts/pastries such as pies, cookies, cakes, candy bars, ice cream
High-fat foods such as butter, bacon drippings, ham hocks, lard, salt pork, meat fat and drippings, creams, coconut, most cheeses, snack products such as deep-fried chips

Cholesterol
Elevated cholesterol levels may occur after transplant due to immunosuppressant therapy.

Control your cholesterol level by following these suggestions:

Limit your intake of high-fat meats and organ meats such as liver
Remove all visible fat from all meats
Remove skin from chicken or turkey before cooking
Broil or grilling meats
Limit your intake of egg yolks to three per week
Use low-fat cheese and milk products. You may use egg substitutes
Use vegetable oil instead of shortening or lard and use margarine instead of butter
Read labels and avoid foods containing high amounts of saturated fats or saturated oils (such as palm oil and coconut oil)

Protein
Prednisone breaks down the body's protein stores and may lead to muscle wasting. Once your pancreas is working and while you are on high doses of prednisone, your body will need extra protein.

You will need to eat plenty of "high biological value" protein such as lean meat, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy products. When you reach maintenance levels of your prednisone dose (10-15 mg/day), you may decrease your protein intake.

Statistics
Success rate and various other statistics regarding the Shands Transplant Center at UF are available from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients at ustransplant.org.

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Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about transplant services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424

You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.