Anyone Afraid To Eat?

I have been having a real big problem the past few weeks. I am now paranoid to eat new things. For fear mostly of gaining my weight back. My hubby said I need to relax but I am having a hard time with this. I eat basically the same few things on a daily basis. Unjury shake for breakfast , Low Fat cheese stick for snack, protein bar and 30 pretzel goldfish for lunch, cheese stick for snack and cream of wheat with unjury for dinner. I hate meat and seafood so have to get most of my protein from drinks or bars or cheese. But yesterday I got really upset and actually cried. I don't even care to eat food as I think it tastes bad and now am hating fooda nd I am in fear of gaining. Am I the only one with this problem? Guess I better call my bariatric shrink and talk. Thanks all, Roxanne

Hey Roxanne: I am so sorry you are experiencing this! And I think talking with your bariatric shrink will be very helpful. I still see mine and he also heads our support group meetings and if I did not have those two things along with you guys I would go crazy! I am meat eater and pretty much eat whatever type I want but I am not a cook, so my meal is usually some type of chicken! I will be in prayer with you that you can come to a happy medium with you new realationship with food. ((HUGS))

Stephanie, Thanks so much for your prayers and support. I see my Surgeon next week and will set up an appointment with the shrink. I am glad I have this great group of people on the Jan board. Roxanne

I think I know how you feel, Roxanne. I am having a problem branching out and trying new things, as well. Although, I am forcing myself as of late to try something new or scary at least once a week. This past week it was bread. I hadn't tried any since well before surgery...it went down okay, but I couldn't eat much of my sandwich...barely a 1/4 of a sandwich. I have to admit that I felt a little guilty eating it! It is easier for me to eat the same things all the time, but I also am starting to realize that part of our journey is to get back to living as normal a life as possible. Eating a variety of healthy foods is definately part of that life. I think it is a great choice for you to speak with your therapist about your worries....surely they will be able to give you some tips on how to overcome your fears about regaining. I hope that we can all find a happy medium!

Suz, I guess your right . It is going to take awhile to accept that getting on with life as normal as possible. I obsess about everything lately. I am going to call my shrink. I think just talking may help me get over some of my fears. I am going to try and force myself to eat some veggies today. I have had 1/2 slice of bread since surgery. So maybe will try a sandwich. I had diabetes which is now gone but was on shots and meds. I think a big fear is getting that back. Which made me hungry all the time and thus weight gain. Thanks for taking the time to write back to me. Roxanne

Roxanne, I think that your strict eating regime has helped you lose so well. I on the other hand try too many different things and if I don't get sick then I'm almost disappointed that I was able to tolerate it (ie: bite size candy bars, crackers, etc - things I don't want to over indulge on) However, with that said - I think that we are all at the point where we have to really define how we want to treat food for the rest of our lives. We don't want to use it as a crutch or an addiction, but we do want to enjoy life and the blessings of great smells and tastes and the fun and fellowship that goes along with eating and celebrations. I bet that your shrink will recommend trying some other foods that you know are good for you and are high protein. I know you say you hate meat and seafood - is this only after surgery? I know that I did not like shrimp before, but it is now one of my favorites "meats". You might try instead of a cheese stick mixing some light cream cheese with a bit of tuna. Trying a combination of the things that you know you like might help? Add some fruit to your cream of wheat? You've done great so far - conquer those fears and go forward! Hugs, Marilyn

Roxanne - I would for sure talk to your NUT. I have the opposite problem I'm afraid, all food sounds good to me. Like you, I'm afraid to gain it back, so I watch what I eat, but honestly, I could eat more if I tried. Good luck to you!

Roxanne- I don't have those feelings at all- I am still struggling with some of my same food issues of eating too much and not good stuff. Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you... Hang in there- Holly

Roxanne- I wish I could tell you that I feel that way too, but I'm with Janie & Holly on this one. Everything I see looks good to me. Heck, it even tastes good to me. It's almost scary the things I've been able to eat. I worry a lot about putting the weight back on, and most of my issues these days are with curbing my impulse eating. But then again, I can see where you're coming from. I think in the beginning (after surgery) I was like you. I don't know really what else to say, but good luck... I hope you can find some new foods to gradually incorporate in your diet each week. Fruits and vegetables even!

Roxanne, I have to admit (sadly) that I am right there with you. Recently most of my fear of food is because of the cramping I have had since I found out about this stupid obstruction (which still is an issue!!!) but even before then I have had issues with not wanting to eat at all. Many of you would beat me over the head for saying this, but until the major hair loss I was only eating 2 small meals a day. My third meal, breakfast, is now a protein shake, but before that I couldn't force myself to eat an extra meal. I'm sure it's all mental, but when I eat any more than that I feel nauseous. Now, I do eat meats, and I always eat my meat first and then pick at other things like veggies but sometimes I will skip the protein meal and just have a piece of fruit. My husband constantly monitors me and will push me to eat even when I say I'm not hungry. You are not alone, I hate eating too.... Lori