don't want food

I'm 24 days post op now and I'm supposed to be eating six pureed mini meals per day. After a full week on this stage, I have managed 2-3 meals per day. I'll eat the correct amount - or a bit less - and it will go down fine, taste fine, no problem. About 20-30 minutes later, I get nauseated. The food doesn't come up, but it's many hours before I can even think of food again without gagging. I am not doing the protein shakes as the very smell of them nauseates me. I'm not getting all the vitamins down because they make me gag too, and sometimes they just won't go down. Sometime, I'm even choking down the liquids. I always have this sickening sweet taste in my mouth. It's gross. I've lost 36 pounds so far, but haven't lost in a few days. My blood sugar has been good and my energy has been high - except for the last day or so, as my sciatica has been bad and I've gone back on percoset for that. I am either constipated or, when I take something for it, I have diarrhea and stomach cramps. This is not an experience I would recommend for weaklings! I'm wondering if part of it is in my head...when I enjoy what I'm eating, I always fear not losing weight or, worse, gaining. There's a lifetime of programming to be overcome... Lisa

Yes, it's a good thing we are strong, huh! It's funny how scary it is when the scales start to slow...I think, for many of us, this is the "last chance" for weight loss. If this doesn;t work, what in the heck will!?!!? Fortunately, it does work, if we use the tool correctly. I'm sorry you've had such a hard time eating and drinking. I'm sure it will get better, but it may take some time. I would suggest you try eating a little less at each meal and see if that helps with the naseua. Also, don't be too stressed if you're not getting everything in...it will come in time. Do be sure that you are sitting quietly when you eat, eat slowly, and try some relaxation before and after you eat. Please, enjoy your meals! You WILL lose weight and you certainly WILL NOT gain weight eating 700 calories a day! Hang in there.

Thanks, Lisa. I will try smaller meals; I guess we can't all move at the same pace. I'm supposed to be increasing food, this being the second week! But I guess getting it down and keeping it down is more important. I'll try the relaxation too. Lisa

I cant handle sweets of most any kind either. I do hack down my 1 protein shake a day ( it gets me a head start of 55 grams in the morning). But other then that I try and stick to real foods high in protein and ready to drink Isopure. I cant imagine having to get down 6 meals a day. I get down Lunch and Dinner and thats it . I have my protein shake for breakfast. I was told 3 meals or if I wanted I could split them into 5 but not to worry about it for a while as we just cant eat very much anyways. Are you taking your vitamins with food? Some times if you are not taking them with food they can give you a nauseated feeling also. If the ones you are taking are not going down well ( I am assuming you are taking chewables though) just switch brands till you find one you can get down. Personally I think its just you and your new system learning to live together. Don't fall prey to it though because the consequences of not getting in your protein, fluids and vitamins are much worse then the "icky" feeings you have right now ok!! It was 6 weeks ish before I started to actually feel fully human again... As always be sure and keep in contact with your surgeons office about your troubles ok!! *big hugs* Felicia =)

I cant help you with the food issues as I've had no trouble...I am not even bothering to puree stuff. However I can tell you that the sickly sweet taste in your mouth is because we are in ketosis...which is what happens when you aren't taking in carbs. It is supposed to go away as we begin to add carbs back into our diets. Frequent brushing of the teeth and tongue help...I've wanted to try the listerine strips but theyre so strongI don't know if my pouch will like it!

Thanks, Beth. I guess I can bear with the taste, knowing it means I'm losing fat! It's so nasty though! Lisa

Thank, Felicia. Your getting down lunch and dinner seems a good idea. The thought of food first thing in the morning makes me not want to get out of bed. Today I'm having a SF Carnation Instant Breakfast first thing and will deal with the pureed foods a little later in the day - that may work better for me. And you make a good point...I think as my incisions and bruises are healing and the pain is not so bad, I don't give much thought to the major healing and adjusting that still needs to take place on the inside, where the surgery actually took place! As I start feeling more normal, it's hard to remember at times how different my system is now. Lisa