please help... I can't eat!

I just started today on my stage 4 diet. I had my surgery on May 05, 2008. I have not had a full meal the entire time I'm been off of the full liquid diet (stage 2). I start to eat and just lose interest. I talked to Chandra and she was telling me about some type of "Protein Bullett" from VS but is that the next best thing? Is there anything else I can do? Even on Stage 3, all I was able to hold down was about 1/4 cup of cottage cheese and maybe 1 scrambled egg. I never got to the veggies at all (blended spinach, sweet peas, creamed corn, etc.) I've actually forgotten to eat several times and find myself drinking a protein drink late in the evening to get some extra protein. Any suggestions? I was told to try refried beans but the calories are so high and I think that of all things, I have gotten afraid to eat because I don't want to sabatoge myself. I have become overly conscious of what those cans say. But I know that not eating is just as bad. Can anyone tell me, is this normal... am I just overthinking this?

Dawn, Hang in there!!!! What you are going through seems pretty normal.  I know I felt the same way.  I just didn't want to eat.  If you are having problems, the first piece of advice I would offer (along with everyone else), is to call your doctor.  Dr. Dyer is there for you.  Between him and Pam (nutritionist), I am sure they can come up with something.  First we need to make sure it's nothing medical! Keep doing what you are doing.  By that I mean keep pushing those fluids and proteins!  Hang in there and keep us posted on your progress!

Dawn, Like Scott said make sure there's nothing medical going on. just my opinion but I don't think you need to be overly cautious about your calorie intake at this time, your consumption is so minimal. You might try a small Wendy's Chili 16g of protein and the pinto's and cheese that was already mentioned to you. It sounds like your already journaling your daily intake you can also find the 25g Protein Bullets at Wal-Mart in the Pharmacy Dept. (they get bought up pretty quick) and mix them with water, this gives you the taste of Crystal Lite but 25-42g of protein to sip on. Hope this helps, Good Luck. C'ya Bob 

I don't think walmarts have the bullets here in Nville.  I've searched HIGH and LOW! lol You can get them at Vitamin Shoppe and GNC.  They come in 25 and 42 grams of protein and are each 3 oz.  PM me and I will give you some tips on what to do.  I am runnin out the door for work right now and I dont want to forget about you!

Yea Mel they are hard to come by. But when I was in our Wal-Mart the other day the were updating their orders I encouraged them to stock more. I know I buy up whats on the shelf (usually only 8-10) but at $1.95 not a bad deal if you can find them. C'ya Bob

Hmm 1.95?  I am going to get me an inside source!  lol

I noticed the Wal-mart at Hamilton Church Road had them the other day.  They were in the aisle with the Protein drinks, bars, and diet aids.  They were on the bottom shelf and I just happened to see them.  The only flavor they had was the Fruit Punch.  Since I don't care for that flavor, I didn't purchase any.

Hi, First off, make sure it is nothing medical.  I did this as well.  I wasn't hungry for a long time.  And, I worried about calories at a time when I didn't need to.  This chili from Wendy's was a lifesaver to me.  Also, I did eat fat free refried beans with low fat cheese on them.  I also baked a chicken breast with spices that I like, and then pureed it with some chicken broth and ate that for several day.  Don't worry too much, this will pass, and as the swelling goes down, you intake will decrease.  The big thing is to drink, drink, drink, and get in as much protein as you can.  That is more what you need to count right now instead of calories. Marilyn