QuestionQUESTION: I had a stool fat collection study and it came back with fat malabsorption. What is that and what can I do about it? Is there a pill to cure that? Do you have to have any other tests? Or is this something that will get better by itself? Thanks for time.
ANSWER: It depends how bad it is.... and what the cause is.... sometimes enzymes help if there is a pancreas deficiency. If it is an inborn problem, then it is primarily diet. So it is a complicated problem, depending on the cause.
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QUESTION: Thank you for your quick response. This has only been in the last 2 months I am 5'10" and weighed 158. I am now 146 and I have been eating. I actually lost weight while doing 6 days of 100 grams of fat. I have had a terrible stomach ache after I eat. Liquids are fine just not fatty solids.
I realize that asking you on the internet is not fair as you have no idea about any history. I can not get into my gastroenerologist until August 22. I made a appointment to see a nutritinist. In the meantime, how can I not lose any more weight. Can you give me some ideas? Thank you
ANSWER: Most people like to loose weight... go with it for a while!!!
But seriously.... you need to establish the problem... pain and steatorrhea (fatty crap) sounds like pancreatitis/pancreas blockage... there is no temp fix until you find the problem.... prove it (lipase blood test) confirm (cat scan or ultrasound) and fix the problem... in the meantime.... low fat diet is the best you can do.
Taking pancreatic enzymes may help temporarily like creon, or others.... (prescription only)
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QUESTION: I have another question about Fat Malabsorption. I had a EUS done this last week. The doctor called and said I had a enzyme problem. She called in a prescription of Creon. In your opinion, if I do not make enough enzymes to digest fat, will the prescription Creon just jump start the pancreas or do I have to be on this drug for a long time. Also when you take this drug, does it put weight on fast or slowly? I have lost another 6 pounds, a total of 18 pounds in 3 months.
She did not have me make another appt. She was very short on the phone and told me to call her if I needed a higher dose. How do I know, will all the problems just go away? Sorry for the questions but kind of in the dark here. Thank you.
AnswerThis will not jump start the pancreas... if it is not working appropriately, then the replacement is needed to absorb some of the fat soluoble vitamins and nutrients. You might be on it for a long time depending on your response and whether your pancreas picks back up. The wait will come back on at a rate dependent on your diet.... you now will absorb fats better, so a reasonable diet may keep you where you are at now, or a slow increase.
You will be able to judge the response when your weight stabilizes and when your stools are no longer greasy.....
