Help! Can't eat.

Dear June Babies, I really need some help. I can't seem to eat much food. I am living on 2 protein shakes a day, and maybe 2 or 3 ounces of protein food if I can get it down without gagging. Maybe that is why I am not losing anything for the past few weeks. My daily calorie intake is around 500 on a good day. Everything turns my stomach. Even the smell of food makes me nauseous. What can I eat that won't make me sick? Any good ideas? Can I live on just protein shakes? Is this something to worry about? Please help me. Sher Lo

Hi! Sorry you are having this problem! I would definitely get in and see your doctor. Good Luck Robin

I would contact your surgeon. I had problems with nausa all the time early on and it turned out to be a problem with my potassium. I am sorry you are having these problems. I hope you feel better soon. Shannon

As stated previously... call your surgeon. 500 calories a day is very very low and no you cannot live on protein shakes forever. Hopefully he can give some insight into a possible phsyical reason why you are having a problem eating.

I'll ditto in and say call your doctor! That's too low! I hope they get it straightened out for you soon.

Nothing original...GO SEE YOUR DOCTOR NOW! Let us know what's happening.

Since you are eight months out from your surgery, I would check in with your doctor to see what they think.. Is it possible that you just have a little stomach virus? I did find that I have to rotate the types of protein that I eat. If I eat too much of one thing it will start making me gag. Good luck!

That sounds so discouraging. See the doc and try to keep your spirits up. Hopefully they will do some bloodwork and maybe a scope to see what's going on. Good luck and get well soon. Lori

Thanks everyone. I will call my surgeon. Although, I haven't seen my surgeon since I left the hospital after surgery. I do have low potassium, so perhaps that accounts for some of the nausea. I thought maybe you all would have good ideas as to what I could try to eat. I will try and see the surgeon and not just the P.A. this time if I can. I really want to feel better...not so sick all the time. Sher Lo

Hi, Sher Lo...Hopefully, you have gotten some info from your Dr. Let us know. For an idea of what is working for me...I drink 1 oz of Prostat-64, which is equal to 15 grams of protein...3 times/day. That takes care of 45 grams...after that I eat some yogurt or 2% cheese...maybe some "meat" that I can tolerate...all trial and error at this point. I concentrate the rest of my meals around produce...healthy, colorful, softly cooked veggies and some fruit. I eat a lot of combo veggies in small quanities. Most of the produce is high in potassium, as I was low, due to the blood pressure meds that I no longer need. I do eat bean-based soups and brothy chili, but limit the amount of food so that I don't get sick. The Prostat-64 costs about $30 per bottle, which lasts 10 days. It does not taste very good, but can be taken quickly. I believe that it is the product that is used in hospitals to tube feed patients so it is probably a fairly "complete" source of protein. Over time, I will rely on soft meats, fish, etc, instead of the 3 oz mentioned above. Ultimately, I plan to change over to regular "proteins" and produce. If I am going to eat a lower nutrition snack (crackers, pretzels), I pair it with a time that I am eating high protein, basically Prostat-64 right now...it helps to rid the 1 oz taste problem...which I am getting used to after 2 months. I had my surgery in early 12/06 so I am still new to eating. I thought that since you have been having problems, your system might be similar to a more recent post-op patient. I would ask your Dr and your Nutritionist about the above for their expertise. Wishing you health and peace of mind...Ro