Question:
Is it true that if you don't eat , you won't lose weight?

I am almost 6 weeks post-op. Most of the time I don't feel hungry at all. Consequently, I am only eating maybe once a day. Is this ok? Should I eat if I am not hungry? Will I lose weight faster or slower by eating like this? I have tried Isopure(makes me itch, lips swell) and other protein drinks, but haven't found one I like enough to drink for every meal. I need some nutritional advice. I'd rather not eat at all but I'm afraid I will sabotage my weight loss efforts.    — MICHELLE R. (posted on June 27, 2001)

June 27, 2001
i have not had surgery yet but part of the reason that i was having trouble with my weight was that i was only eating once a day maybe twice and my body was in starvation mode all of the time so that the food i ate was stored and not used my body was hanging on to the food now that i am eating more food i'm loosing weigt very slowly. i asume that the same thing will happen after the surgery i was told by dr that no matter what i was not to skip meals i hope this answer helps you
   — lawanda101

June 27, 2001
I'm almost 3 months post-op, and if I only ate when I was hungry, I still would not be eating. I have yet to feel hunger. But, I was told to eat 6 times a day, to get my protein in. Very important, for my health, healing and weight loss.(Along with my water) For myself, I have kept a food journal to keep track of what I eat, when and how much protein I'm getting. Since I don't have normal urges to eat, I had to find someway to remind myself. It is getting to be normal to eat this way now, so it is easier. Lots of Luck, and God Bless.
   — bek4901

June 27, 2001
Listen to Lawanda! I used to fast alot over the years. Sometimes for 7-10 Days! And OFTEN (honest) I did'nt lose anything. My metabolism has been screwed since 1978 because of not eating or only eating one meal. (Then people think we don't have any will power so that's why we are fat). Anyway, even if you can't eat much (one or two bites?) eat every meal. You must not let your body think you are starving or it will shut down your metabolism. It was bad enough before surgery, what will happen now? Eat!
   — Danmark

June 28, 2001
Yes its true.. it will sabbotage your weightloss.. it sets your body up to store what it has and slows your metabolism. The best way to lose weight is to eat. You don't have to eat much.. well thats obvious cuz you can't w/ the surgery but eat good healthy small meals and keep your vitamin and supplement intake up.
   — Dawn R.

June 28, 2001
I know exactly how you feel! I was sick pretty much all the time for the first nine months and had little, if any, appetite. Nothing worse than sitting in front of a big plate of food when you really feel awful. My two cents, for what it is worth, is dont eat if you don't feel like it. When your body wants food it will let you know! I think it is important, however, to keep your nutrition level high. Experiment with the protein supplements and bars until you find some you can tolerate. Nutri-sport and GNC are stuffed full of protein and there are certainly some you can endure. Most of the high protein/low sugar bars are pretty yucky....but I found that Solid Protein and Protein Plus bars go down without too much of a fight. Pro-complex mixed with about 1/2 cup of water and a half packet of Equal is also an easy way to get protein. Just swallow it like medicine. When I started getting enough protein (60-90 grams a day) and vitamins my energy level increased tremendously and then I started to get hungry for some salads and veggies. Gradually my appetite has been coming back. Hang in there. It gets better.
   — Anne G.

June 28, 2001
No, that isn't true. If it were true, no one would die of starvation.
   — kim C.

June 29, 2001
For protein try Designer Protein. I mix the natural or vanilla with crystal light. They also have one called Absberry Sundae which is a smoothie and is very good. I have spent a fortune on protein powders that have been thown away but I have to say the Designer Protein is really good. I use it every day. Their protein bars are also the only ones I've tried that I can tolerate. I don't get hungry either (3 months postop) but I do try to get in at least 60 grams of protein and 800 calories a day. Your body does need some nutrition.
   — Karen F.