Pancreas transplant: Here’s how to look after yourself after the surgery

Did you just have a pancreas transplant? No need to fret! We’re here to guide you on how to look after yourself after the surgery. By adhering to these crucial suggestions, you can improve your quality of life.
Maintaining your health and the well-being of your transplanted pancreasis a continuous process. It’s crucial for you to remain in optimum health to prolong the effectiveness of the transplant.Even though your new pancreas may function perfectly and eliminate the need for insulin shots, complications from previous diabetes can still arise. Your transplant team will provide guidance on how frequently you should monitor your blood sugar levels, as well as examine your eyes and feet. These are the vital tips that you need to adhere to.
Following your transplant, it’s crucial to maintain a well-balanced, healthy diet to support the optimal functioning of your transplant. Have fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, Limit your intake of sugar, saturated fats, and salt. No alcohol or smoking is recommended. It’s especially vital to keep sugar consumption low to avoid straining the transplanted pancreas. A diet with reduced saturated fat aids in regulating your cholesterol levels. Your transplant team will provide guidance and recommendations regarding food restrictions or moderate consumption.Maintaining physical activity is vital post-transplantation. In the initial few weeks, daily walks are recommended to deter blood clot formation. As your recovery progresses, you can gradually increase your activity levels.
Post-transplant weight gain is common, particularly in the first year due to medication side effects or a less restrictive diet as well as an increased appetite from improved health conditions. However, excessive weight gain can burden your newly transplanted pancreas as well as your heart and blood vessels. It’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet and remain physically active.
The likelihood of experiencing strokes, as well as heart and lung issues, is heightened by smoking. Ceasing the use of cigarettes can aid in avoiding complications during transplant surgery and preserving your well-being post-transplant.
Monitor your vital signs and fluids (intake and output) and do not lift heavy weights.

Organ Rejection is your body’s defensive mechanism against the newly implanted pancreas. It can occur unpredictably and may not always exhibit noticeable symptoms. However, this doesn’t imply that you’re on the verge of losing the transplanted organ. Your doctors are likely to spot any signs of rejection from your blood tests prior to the appearance of symptoms. Thus, it’s crucial to adhere to your test schedule post-transplantation. The immunosuppressive drugs you take to avert rejection suppress your immune system. This medication commences during your hospital stay and continues throughout the lifespan of your transplant. Check with your care team before you need to take any new medication. It is possible they could affect your immunosuppression medications. So, be careful and stay in touch with the doctor on a regular basis.
(Author: Dr Gaurav Chaubal, Director of Liver, Pancreas, Intestine Transplant Program and HPB Surgery, Global Hospitals, Parel)