Help.....Having a hard time eating when I'm not hungry.....

I'm 2 weeks and 2 days post-op.  I started blended foods yesterday.  Dr. Houston told me last week at my visit that I'd probably have a hard time getting 2 ounces of chicken down at first and that I'd hprobably ave to supplement with protein shakes for a while.

So, I've been kinda scared about starting eating.  Last night for dinner I blended 2 ounces of chicken with some fat free Italian dressing.  I also cooked some deviled eggs (with only a smidgen of low fat mayo, mustard, salt and a small amont of dill pickle chipped).  I put the chicken and 2 deviled egg halves on my plate for dinner.

I managed to eat one deviled egg half and a few small bits of chicken.  It was odd to me because it didn't taste all that good and I wasn't hungry.  So, I supplemented with a Myoplex carb control later.

So, today I have used Myoplex for breadfast and lunch.  I know I'm supposed to eat, but I'm having a really hard time eating when I'm not hungry.  I buess drinking the shakes seems liking I'm only drinking even though I'm getting my protein.  But, eating, seems like eating....I know that probably sounds silly.

I've heard of so many people who look forward to food, but I'm not one of them. 

Anybody else have/had this problem and how do I get past it?

Thanks,

Angela

I'm 8 weeks out and no I don't want to eat either. I have a stomach like yours and I drink more protein than eat it.

Tonight I really thought I wanted shrimp and after I fixed it, I ate maybe 4 little shrimp they were not big. We will be hungry ,but that's later done the road. I enjoy not be controlled by food anymore. Mke sure you drink some
protein drinks, because that is what gives you energy and will keep so much hair from falling out. The more protein I drink the better I feel.

Good luck, if you have questions don't hesitate to ask me.

Give it a little more time, Angela. Your appetite will come back. In the meantime, just do the best you can and continue to try to eat, even if it is only a small amount.  It will get easier as time goes by. Also, to make things have more flavor, dont be afraid to use a variety of seasonings. Liven the food up a bit and it might be more appetizing. I have found since surgery, the crockpot is a good friend. Meats and beans in the crockpot are so tender and moist. It sits much better than baked meats. Also, dark meat chicken has more moisture and I can tolerate it much better than the breast. You are doing great. Hang in there and just keep doing your best.
Blessings,
Karen

I agree with Sunshine Heart.  Your pouch hasn't healed yet.  You will get the hunger back, just not as hungry as you used to be.  In the meantime, Moisture and lively seasoning is the trick.  I found that three bean chili was WONDERFUL in small portions.  I would make a crock pot full and freeze in small portions.  Re fried beans and cheese worked too.  

Chicken and any dense meat, blended or not sat really heavy on my stomach.  I am just now getting where I can tolerate it and it has been 6 months for me. 

If you can't eat all you need, drink your supplements.  It will be OK.    Hang in there!

Thanks y'all!

I am drinking my protein.  Dr. Houston's office really encourages you to try to eat your protein.  They also don't want you to have beans yet, so the chili is out for me right now.

I'm just doing the best I can.

It's really funny, all my life I've wished I could wait until I was hungry to eat and now I'm not hungry at all, but need to get in my nutrients.

Angela

Your tummy is just learning how to be so small.   You're so soon out from surgery that some of your lack of appetite might be from the effects of surgery.   Sometimes that happens, even if the surgery isn't on the actual stomach.

You have some time to be able to work your way up to the amount of protein per day that you're going to need for the rest of your life.   It's really important to get the fluids in that you need and just keep working on the protein.   A bite or 2 here every time you think you can tolerate it is going to be a big help.    I had eggdrop soup a lot after I had the sleeve portion of my DS.   It was a lifesaver - so soothing and delicious.

So find what works for you and lean on that for a while.   Then venture out to more and better foods when you're feeling a bit more up to it.   You really don't want to shock your new little tummy!

Best wishes for a lot of success!

Dennie