How do I make myself eat...

OK, I know this sounds odd.. but I rally need to figure out a way to get more in.. Somedays I can go all day without eating.. As Long as I have my crystal light I am fine..... I am working on my daily yogurt this am. it's 90 calories and 8 grams of protein... i'm only 1/3 into it and have been eating on it for an hour... I am ready to put it up, but I'm gonna really try to get it down. it's only 6 oz... might have to do 1/2 now 1/2 later.... but anyways... I don't really know what to eat later in the day... I know I have heard alot of greif about never being on a retricted diet by my dr. I have however taken it slow, not pushing things... I am lactose intolerant, so cheese and things are a total no no... I have tried peanut butter, total dump !! Tuna, and chicken just don't taste right. I can do bean & beef burittos, well about 1/5th of one.. I can do beef in small amounts.... I can eat like 3 shrimp... I have tried some deli turkey and it didn't taste right, need to try it again. I think I'm just scared of food... I need to learn what to eat, but am so scared to try things. I don't want to dump.... I don't tolerate breads well at all, crackers or anything. I have ate a small amount of potato, but am so scared of it I stop eating.. I also fight with horrible GERD, and am taking a medicine to help, I have to take it 1 hour before eating, and if I don't it feels like I am swallowing knives..... guess I'm just thinking outloud.. any suggestions would be nice..... Hugs Kim Lap RNY 11/12/04 251/211/135

I don't really have any advice for you, but I sure hope someone can help, you'll put yourself into starvation mode with the little bit you're getting in now...or end up in ICU with a terrible deficiency of some sort (happened to 2 friends of mine who couldn't get in what they needed). Have you let your doc know? This is very serious....best of luck...keep us posted.

Boy - you know this doesn't sound too far away from what I'm experiencing - except I can tolerate milk products just fine.... A couple of things that MIGHT work - i guess my philosophy is to try a little of something new everyday to see what I can tolerate - & I too have had fear of eating - On the peanut butter - try a natural peanut butter if you haven't allready - it could be the sugar in the peanut butter - Laura Scudders makes a natural - doesn't have any sugar - or try almond butter - YUMMY - at least I think so - I have been getting a new protein bar everytime I go to the store - cause i have a hard time getting my protein - and so far I've found two that i like the taste of - I'd tell you what they were - but I only know them by wrapper - & if I've learned only one thing from these boards it's that each of us has different tastes - You might try soy - I find that the chocolate silk drink is tolerable & if you can find the mocha coffee it's DREAMY! there are also boca burgers - made with mushroom and soy that are pretty high in protein - soy cheeses - I haven't tried any - so can't speak on their taste... as far as crackers go - I've found that I can have bagel chips or melba toast i think cause they are so dry - might try these. I can't eat chicken yet - & have had to throw up shrimp - though it's the only real craving I have had - drats... & I admit to being afraid to try beef - got some dinty moore stew - tried a piece of the beef - it was the first time I threw up - but if you can eat beef - that sounds like a good source for you. Well - my good thoughts are with you -

Hi Kim, I know what has really helped me to remember to eat is having a schedule. So I drink when I first wake up, take my medicines (those that don't need food involved), then I make myself eat breakfast. Then I time myself when I'm done eating to start drinking again. I have my phone alarm tell me times so I know it's time for me to eat. This has helped me tons! I was having issues not feeling good and remembering to eat prior to surgery, so for me its easier to force food into my mouth at 'specific times.' Otherwise I will go into low blood sugars which is not fun feeling either. Remember, what might not have worked last week may work this week. This has certainly been the case with me and my food choices. If you cannot tolerate meats what about garden burgers or something like that? I tried my first today (with some A1 sauce) and I was able to eat one patty which has 13 grams of protein. Other options would be Tofu, pork, etc. I have been able to tolerate turkey bacon but not scrambled eggs- go figure! My Doc's office stated that the density of an item may cause pain, dumping, etc. I have GERD as well and eggs certainly don't feel good to me! I have dumped several times but don't let FEAR make your pouch a 'soft- pouch' as my doctor told me it needs to 'work out.' Good luck! I hope this helps you!

Kim, I went through a period when I was ing all the time. I had a few things I could eat Shrimp was one of them. I had surgery 11-4 and I ate 3 shrimps for lunch today. I ate Deviled chicken (in the little can) scraped off t/ fat and bacon worked too. I just ate the things I could . Even if it was shrimp or chkn for breakfast. Try no bean chili or refried beans w/ no cheese. I read many post ops eat Taco Bell pintos n' cheese. Slowly I tried things again and did better. I have not thrown up in 2 weeks. I was scared to eat too and ate small amounts not wanting to risk it. Soy drinks are high in protein as mentioned in the other post. Just remember things change....things will get better!! Good Luck!! Summer 240/202/140

Definately put yourself on a schedule. Yogurt is good - glad you can tolerate that while being lactose intolerant. Don't try and stuff yourself! If you have to put the yogurt up halfway through, put the yogurt up. You can pick it up later. Eat slow. I have to count between spoonfuls to remind myself. If you can eat yogurt, look around for the lactose free cottage cheeses and such. Great source of protien and easy to eat. Eat Soup! Read the lables and check sugar content, but soup is easy to get down and it has good nutrients. Campbells said it best "Soup is good food" (it is also good liquid) I can drink an entire soup at hand - it takes an hour, but I can do it! Crab in a can - just an ounce at a time - it goes down easily. Fish - if not overcooked it flakes nicely and goes down easily. One to two ounces at a time I can do some chicken salad - but other meats make me sick. Smoked Salmon - sold by the tuna, it comes in a pouch I think by Chicken of the Sea- its a nice source of protien and very tasty. Most of all - don't stress yourself out. Take some time for yourself before you eat - relax. The more you stress the less likely you will be able to eat. So - set a clock - eat only as much as you can and no more, don't worry yourself, eat small amounts often, and you should be fine. Also don't forget your vitamins and calcium supplements. Now.... I should probably practice what I preach... because I have the same problem