Don't want food!

Is anyone else having this problem? I am almost four weeks out and I am having a problem eating almost anything. I am just not interested in food at all. One or two bites of anything and I feel like I am force feeding myself. I am drinking Isopure everyday to try to make sure I get enough protein, but I don't think I am eating enough. Protein drinks that were ok before surgery are way to sweet now. Any ideas? Thanks Peggy 272/210/191/125

Peggy, I don't have an answer, but you are smart to be doing the protein drinks to keep the protein up. Are you chewing things thoroughly? I had read that if we didn't it would give us an over full feeling. How you tried different food items and textures ... like cottage cheese or yogurt or tuna? Does it make a difference if the texture is smooth like with yogurt? I know lots of questions but no answers. Just trying to help you determine what may make a difference for you. I'm 3 weeks out and still on liquids. If this continues definitely call your doctor and ask for advice. Mary

I am having similar challenges. My surgeon doesn't use supplements. She puts us on regular food. I'm lucky to get between 1/4 - 1/2 of what I'm supposed to eat in each day. However, I am six weeks out today and have found a big difference between week 4 and 6. I'm able to take larger sips of water and lots of foods that were uncomfortable in week 4 are fine in week 6. Hang in there it gets better. Food has become a chore instead of a feel good encounter. I guess that is why I had the surgery. At least I'm not grazing on junk food every evening. And I'm loosing weight. Sorry, I don't have any advice about the protein, I could use some tips myself. I just wanted to empithize with you. Eileen

Hey Peggy, Don't worry about not wanting food. Your body needs three things: protein, vitamins, and water. So long as you get these things in, it's not so important about the food. Remember, your body is still trying to figure out what's going on (even at four wks post-op), so you might not get a real desire for food for some time. I don't have food desire either. What I've been doing is eating thin soups like lentil and split pea (Progresso) and light, creamy yogurt (Dannon). These foods count toward your liquid intake and gives your body food to help get it used to actually wanting it again, but without making you feel bloated. I also find many things way too sweet including protein shakes. Try ordering a bunch of samples from vitalady.com (she often provides description of the tastes of each sample). Also, try your protein shakes with ice in a blender. The ice helps to water down the shake more and make it less sweet. Good luck, Darrin

I understand exactly how you feel!!! I have to force myself to eat. Nothing is appealing to me. I get something to eat (I'm on soft/pureed food) and then I look at it and just can't eat it. I have been told that it might be the anesthesia. A nurse told me that it can stay in your system for up to 4 months and can affect your appetite. I had open RNY plus an extensive hernia repair and apendectomy so I was under anesthesia for quite awhile. I've also been told that it is a pretty common thing to lose your taste for food when post-op. I'm trying to take it all in stride and be patient. I does get frustrating though! Take it slow and make sure you get your water in so you don't become dehydrated. I wish you the best! Linda open RNY 2/25/04