Question:
Unable to eat enough

Sorry for the previous posting error. I am 9 months post op and have lost @75 lbs since surgery. I only lose about 6 lbs a month and have done so since the third month. I have trouble eating. After about 3 tiny mouthfuls of solid food, I just can't force anything else down. I average around 500 cals a day which is made up of a protein drink and a protein bar. It takes me as long to drink my shake now as it did right after surgery. I have had a lot of nausea and some vomiting. I know my body is in starvation mode but how do I eat more? I just don't seem to be able to handle solids. A Lean Cuisine lasts me 3 meals. Could I have a problem with the pouch. I am so discouraged because I exercise religiously but can't lose more than 10lbs in a month. I have pretty much gone back to the soft diet as I can eat soup and yogurt fairly well and it is the only way to up the calories. Can anyone offer any quidance. A happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.    — Dianne C. (posted on December 31, 2002)

December 31, 2002
At 500 calories, you are literally starving your body and it is trying to hold onto every pound it can. Have you asked your doctor to check into why your not able to eat solids? Maybe there is a small stricture? I am 10 months post-op and have been able to eat solids since month 2. I don't even have to chew well anymore. 3/4 of 1 Lean Cuisine is a meal for me. I'd say there is a problem, and the doctors need to find out how to help you. You shouldn't have to live like that. Check into it. Good luck and happy New Year to you too.
   — Cindy R.

December 31, 2002
Ok I am pre opp.........but when I drink water, I loose weight, when I don't drink I don't loose.. To remove fat from the body, the cell must have H2O to do its job of moving fat to the needed areas of the body, If you dont have enough water to move the fat (stored energy)to the areas that you need it your body will use protein as a source of energy, (this is why we get lactic acid built up in our muscles) and we are sore after a workout. It has to do the the C-H-O-N Chemical bonds cho= charbs...chon= protein, so when you body breaks down the chemicles, it breaks off the "n" or nightron bond (this is why pee smell like ammonia) I am sure this is way to much of a chemistry lesson, and a little over simplified, but it slightly explanes why we must have water to loose weight,and to function normally. sorry if this is on the technical side. Rachel Hoping to have surger in jan or feb 03
   — Rachel D.

January 1, 2003
Hi Diane, Call your surgeon, ASAP honey. You should be eating more than that and you should have been for a while now. Good luck..Call him..Sharon
   — Sharon1964