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Posted 3/12/2014 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
Since my last surgery (Jan 23rd) I haven't had any appetite. I'm just not interested in eating a whole lot. I was eating whatever I was craving, but still trying to keep my protein up. I have been drinking protein shakes, probably one a day.

Last week I went to my primary because I was almost passing out when I got up. He ran some blood tests and I came back malnourished. I went to my follow-up with my surgeon yesterday and she wasn't too happy with me. I thought she would mention it and move on, but we had an extended conversation about what I can do to eat more. I appreciate her taking the time, it was just unexpected. I can't believe I have a BMI of 34 and am malnourished!!

So now I'm trying to force myself to eat more, sigh.
Posted 3/12/2014 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
I know how hard it can be but you need to eat to help your body recover...it is usually easier to start with really small quantities many times a day to trying to eat whole meals. I found that a spoonful of peanut butter or a cheese stick every hour or so can jump start your appetite.

Hang in there, it will get better!!

(((HUGS)))
Posted 3/12/2014 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Oh I remember those days. It took a really long time after surgery for my appetite to come back. I agree, it's easier to eat something small (something with protein) every hour or so than to choke down a full size meal.

There are documented cases of obese people starving (while they are still obese), your body cannot function on JUST stored energy no matter 'how much' you have.

Greek yogurt was my #1 most eaten food post-op... Way easier to eat a large portion IMO than to eat a piece of meat.
Posted 3/12/2014 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, Greek yogurt is another of my favorites. My surgeon told me to keep food next to me so I can snack. She also recommended the small meals spread out as opposed to large meals. I just need to eat, sigh.
Posted 3/12/2014 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
Ensure drinks are great because they pack in a lot of nutrients.
Posted 3/13/2014 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
*Sigh* I must be the only person EVER who goes through radiation, surgery chemo, have blood clots in my lungs, and in 14 months, I could count on one hand how many times I've lost my appetite or been uninterested in eating. Saw two doctors end of January and in the three months since I've been there put on 20+ pounds! Ugh, I could not afford to gain weight, but did over the Christmas holidays and been doing a lot of baking etc. since I've been feeling better. I swear --surfing all those recipe sites increased my hunger!
Posted 3/13/2014 11:26 AM (GMT 0)
Have you tried the high calorie supplements like bene calorie? No experience w/them myself, but it looks like you can get a lot of calories just forcing down a few ounces. I've heard of others on the board having success w/those.

Hang in. You've had a rough run.
Posted 3/13/2014 1:04 PM (GMT 0)
Try adding Benecalorie to every meal. It's a one ounce liquid with 300 calories. It won't add bulk and therefore won't increase your frequency. Three of those per day and you could take in almost another 1000 calories.

Sue
Posted 3/13/2014 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
Holy cow! 300 calories in an ounce! I have never heard of that stuff!

I managed to throw up about 4 cups of stuff last night. Oh the irony. It was either Fentynal patch, bad crab, or my body was in shock from so much fat/calories. I took the pain patch off last night just in case. I don't have pain like I expected from having my peristomal skin silver nitrated (last time it killed for a week). I won't be eating crab today and I'll be a bit more conservative on fat today.
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