No desire to eat?

To me, eating is now a pain in the rear end.  I'd rather have a protein shake or a protein shot and go on about my business.  I just do not have the desire to actually eat anything.  I know I need to eat, and I am forcing myself to eat at least once a day, but I have absolutely no desire for "real food". 

Anyone else experience this? If so, how long did it last and what did you do?

Yep that's pretty normal. I got to where food was disgusting. I could not stand the smell of it, the sound of it, at one point to hear the word "deli meat", "eggs", "chicken" made me want to gag. I wondered "Will I ever enjoy food again?" It was about December of this past year that I finally started to enjoy food again, which was 1 yr, 2 month postop. (I thought it was November, but Tim said no, it was around Christmastime.)  BUT I did have my gallbladder removed last July, then plastics in August, and had a rough way to go for some time... didn't want food... didn't want to even touch a protein shake, bar, anything! It got better.... yours will get better too... great way to help utilize your "tool" right now though!

Bob,

I can surely relate.  I told my support group Thursday night I was getting bored with my food.  Getting to wear I am a little uneasy about trying new food, cause I don't know how it will sit with my "St Patti's Pouch,"   Some days I can't even think about drinking another protein drink.  So I am attempting to vary what I am drinking in the protein drink. 

The other thing is the portion I can eat, is still so little, it feels like a pain, even to go to the extent to even fix or order anything. 

 

 

Been there done that!  In fact. I did this before surgery!  If I had a project to finish, I did not eat.  Now it can be detrimental to my health, but I still have a problem! 

Scott

Ya know, Bob, I still don't really "eat" per se, unless we go out and I order something off of the children's menu. I am 10 months post-op. The only time I "want" to eat, is usually connected w/ stress or boredom --- and are just bad habits lingering on. When I get the munchies, I try to stick to nuts or GenSoy crisps (salty & crunchy, but protein-y and safe.) I did go through a phase where I CRAVED fresh fruit - melons especially - and that actually scared me. I was afraid I might get in too much sugar...

A typical day for me is: first thing in the morning, I make sure I have a protein shake. It's actually more like high-protein flavored coffee. I put in 2 scoops of protein and us a 20oz cup. That has me at 46 grams of protein to start my day! (BTW - it is a myth that your body can only absorb 30 grams of protein at a time and that anything over that is wasted! Got that info from Susan Maria herself!)

Anyway, I'm drinking all day, usually Crystal Light peach tea sleeves in bottled water. I will make myself take a little "protein break" late-morning and mid-afternoon. It's usually something like shrimp ****tail or a boiled egg. Occasionally, I will have made up some chicken salad w/ boiled egg in it (and diced apples/grapes) and I'll eat a little of it. If I eat anything at supper, it's usually more of the same - shrimp or boiled egg --- fast, simple, no fuss, no mess. If I grill for the rest of the fam, then I might have some grilled chicken or steak. Then I make sure I have another high-protein flavored coffee right before bed.

Note: they say the best times to take in your protein is first thing in the morning, right after exercising, and right before bed. I haven't been "omb" since April/May when I started working 7 days a week, but before that, when I would leave the Y, I would make sure to get some protein in w/in 30 minutes. Next week I get to start working out again and will re-implement this strategy.

Anyway, prob'ly TMI, but wanted to share so you'd know you're not alone. And I figure (right or wrong???) that the most important thing is to make sure I'm getting in my protein and fluids...

Hi Tara,
Don't forget I got some clothes for ya...  I will PM ya so I can get them to you before you shrink out of em.. LOL.....  Your new avatar looks wonderful...
You might want to just check with your nutritionist about protein gram consumption.  Consuming more than 25 to 30 grams of protein at one sitting is strongly discouraged by my WLS center.  It is very hard on the kidney's to process more than the 25 to 30 grams at a time.  It is damaging to your kidney's and can cause kidney stones... 

Thanks for the replies folks!  Prior to my heart attacks 6 years ago, I was in excellent physical shape and worked out 5 to 6 days a week. I was part owner of a family fitness center. I ate correctly. I had no problem with my diet at all.  Then, after the heart attacks, all the meds I was put on really did a number on me, even though I stll ate correctly. It was the lack of being able to be active combined with some of the heart meds (which made me feel like a zombie) that caused me to balloon out again.

 As I said, I am forcing myself to eat at least once a day, and trying to do so at least twice a day. I'm trying my best to get in 60-70 grams of protein with 1/3 to 1/2  coming from "real foods" like eggs, chicken, fish, etc.  But it is definitely a chore right now. I will continue to work on eating "real foods", drinking the protein shakes and protein shots, and taking all of my vitamins and minerals.

At least now I know it's not just me and that some others have or had the same issue.

Thanks again for your replies!

I can't even imagine not wanting to eat.    I am having the most problem with DIET COKe!   I swear it like what i imagine it would be if I were hooked to crack cocaine!   I didn't realize how hooked I was on it.   

I will be so glad when I have your problem.   I would exchange mine for yours TODAY if I could. 

Hi Bob in Bama,
This happened to me too.  Some times are better than others..  The frequency of this does pass for the most part, however I still struggle with it from time to time. 
Do the best you can.  We know the ultimate goal is to get our daily protein requirements from real food but being a new post op it just isn't gonna happen for a good while.  Some days are better than others.  Sometimes I can tolerate certain food items and then a few days later just to look at it makes me wanna upchuck.I am 20 months post op.LOL
Just remember do the very best you can... I don't wanna have to come visit you in the hospital cause you are malnourished and dehydrated...  That is gonna really hack me off...