Question:
5 weeks post - concerned that I'm not eating enough...

I posted a question similar to this 2 weeks ago, but I still can't eat enough. I'm 5 weeks post op and I'm having trouble getting food in. For the most part the throwing up has stopped, but I have to <b>FORCE</b> myself to eat anything. I already feel full even when I haven't eaten all day. I'm also having trouble with water. PLEASE don't flame me - I know eating and water is important, I just feel like I can't!! For example, yesterday I had about 32 oz of water (atually a lot for me), about 6 almonds, 3 tablespoons of mashed potatoes, a bite of chicken (it was too dry so I didn't want any more), and about half of a protien shake. This was all day. I do take my vitamins and I try to get water in, but if I come close to the recommended amount I can't even get that little bit of food in. I asked the PA at my surgeon's office and she tells me I am normal for being only a few weeks out, but I'm not so sure. Please help me with suggestions on how to eat more. Also, I cannot eat right after I get up in the morning - I have to be up a couple hours before I even try to eat (I've always been like this).    — Toni C. (posted on January 22, 2003)

January 22, 2003
Toni,I am 6 weeks post op. I wasnt hungry but I didnt have any trouble eating.My Dr let me have 2 oz per meal,3 meals per day. I ate mostly Cottage cheese,soft eggs,slice of low fat cheese..to get my protein. I also had applesauce.I had 2 of the Carnation Instant shakes per day.I have now switched to the "Designer Whey "cOOLAID TYPE DRINKS THAT have 40 grams of protein each. You can put them over ice. Also Isopure drinks are good. Dont forget to wait a half hour or so between meals and drinking. HOPE it gets better for you..
   — NANCY P.

January 22, 2003
oh i if i had that time to do over..(first few weeks) i wouldnt worry about how much i ate!!!! Just relax you might be too upset over it...take your time...get well, you wont starve. If you are getting your protein down is the main thing and your water..if you cant eat much...try the protein drinks, or the protinex or real meals...do what you can to get close to the 40-50 grams a day of protein...dont push it....i was so scared i did some force feeding and i think i did wrong...ive lost well but have flat stopped at this point and with the freezing temps here in VA i cant get outside to walk...(60 years old) cold natured...all that..but i do use the gazelle and i keep active..the colder it is the harder for me..though..hang in there you will eat and eat soon enough!!!!
   — Jackiis

January 22, 2003
You sound like you are doing fine. If your doc says your fine, and you feel fine, then just relax. What is different about this surgery vs a diet, is that component of having to work really hard.....we are so used to having to work SO HARD....it's strange just to relax and let it happen.
   — Cara F.

January 22, 2003
You're completely normal! I was the exact same way. I'm 5 & 1/2 months post op and I still have trouble! I still have to force myself to eat. It's VERY rare that I get hungry at all. I still can't get all my water in everyday. I get full just taking my vites in the morning. I feel overfull so then I don't eat again until late in the day. All I have to say is you'll probably want this when you don't have it anymore. Because I can eat more now than I did when I was at your stage so I know as I get further out I will still be able to eat more. So don't even begin to worry about that. Everybody is like that. You will get to the point of eating right again and getting all of your water in. It does ALL get better eventually. I mean I'm still fighting and having problems with some things, but you get to a point when you know it's all been worth it and the little things like your hair falling out isn't a big deal. It'll grow back. You'll feel normal again. Life will be good. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Diana L.

January 22, 2003
I'm 6 weeks post, and I can't eat in the morning either. I feel full when I wake up. It's strange! I think you are perfectly normal. I WISH I didn't get hungry! Consider yourself lucky on that one!!
   — Diana L.

January 22, 2003
I can relate, too. I am 4 weeks out and cannot get in everything yet, either. You are doing better with the water/fluids than I am. The doctor told me to do what I can and not worry too much about it at this point. I am averaging 2 meals a day. I am more concerned about getting my water in so I can get properly hydrated... I am VERY dry! I am sure we will make it through. We will get it all together eventually. I'm learning I need to relax more about this too... and not worry so much. Good luck! :-)
   — Angela D.

January 22, 2003
Hi Toni, Don't worry, you will be fine. I think most of us went through the same thing. Try really hard to get your water in and everything else will follow. It all gets easier with time as you learn to adjust your lifestyle. Good luck!!
   — Sharon1964

January 22, 2003
At 51/2 weeks out I was still on pureeded liquids. I would not have been able to eat the almonds, chicken and the mashed potatoes would be very iffy. I am one year post op now and can eat what ever I want. I have lost 167 LBS and feel that WLS is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Don't worry you are normal. We all heal differently. Good Lux
   — Robert L.

January 23, 2003
I'm the same way Toni. I don't think I've ever had 32oz of water though. I had Open RNY (w/ gallbladder removal) 11/11/02. I barely eat at all. One week I'll really liek something then the next week I'll hate it, which makes eating very difficult. I drink skim milk, Crystal Light, and tea...hardly any water. I'm not sure how normal I am but you can't force yourself to eat to the point where you'll be sick. I've only thrown up once...I think I ate too quickly. But each week gets a little better! Keep plugging away girly!
   — Tracy A.

January 25, 2003
Toni: I'm 8 weeks post op and I eat just as much as you do, and I also think the same. I just don't like food...plain and simple. After drinking my liquids ( 90 oz daily) my 3 protein shakes, and my vitamins.. food is the last thing I think of. Yesterday, at the advice of my best bud and fellow post op, I tried to eat a little more.. and now I'm dealing with the most horrible gas pains ever! Up until this point, I have not had any twinges, aches or pains... and now ... forget it:) You're doing fine... we all do heal differently..... Faith
   — Faith B.

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