Question:
Do you find that you just dont want to eat?

hello i am 9 weeks out and today i said to my self i just and tired of eating help i know i have to but just dont want to.i want to stick to my protein drinks and tea and water help if you can thanks so much    — nancy A. (posted on August 13, 2003)

August 13, 2003
OH YES!!! I thought it was just me and I am 3 months post-op today. I absolutely do not enjoy eating at all. I could live on liquids but I know I need solid food. I feel absolutely yucky when I eat for about an hour. I'm really not complaining because it won't last forever.
   — Happy I.

August 13, 2003
I too am experiencing this at 8 weeks post op. Eating is just not fun anymore and nothing is appealing. However, I went to my support group last night and was complaining about my slow weight loss (only 35lbs. and 21 of it the first 2 weeks). They suggested that I try to reduce the protein shakes and eat more regular food. How is your weight loss? If you are losing slowly, this may confirm the groups opinion. I tried eating more today in hopes to speed up my weight loss, hopefully it will work. Sorry I don't have a real answer, but I think you already know better. We have to eat and protein shakes are not enough. Also if you exercise often, you need more food too.
   — Regina J.

August 13, 2003
Hi Nancy, What you are experiencing is normal. As time goes on your appetite will increase. For some, it increases sooner, for others much later. I am 5 mos post op and I only recently wanted to start eating more regularly. It is important that you do a few things though. Drink your required amount of water and don't let your calories go too low or your body will go into a starvation mode. If this happens your weight loss will slow. Best wishes -
   — M B.

August 13, 2003
ENJOY IT while it lasts. By 6 months most are hungry again.
   — bob-haller

August 13, 2003
Congratulations on having surgery. What you are going through at the present time is to be expected. I can't speak for all, since I do see some have head hungar, but most are not hungar for months. I'm 6 months [ost op and I still have never eat because I have hungar pains. I just know I have to get my protein/water in and "Now" I eat to live and not live to eat. My outlook is to be healthy and eat the right foods to get me there, even with this surgery. We are not all alike and I'm sure some would say the opposite as what I've said, but I'm speaking for myself. Some things tatse a bit better to me, now that I'm 6 months post op but not that much. I'd just rather a protein drink/seafood, than other food that has no taste. I wish you the best. Enjoy the ride!
   — Hazel S.

August 13, 2003
It can get pretty boring, but you really do need to eat food. It's easier for me now that my apptetite is starting to return (darn it anyway!). But, before I felt like I wanted food, it helped me to schedule my meals and snack just like I schedule my vitamins throughout the day. If I thought of food as medicine, it seemed easier to get it in. It also helps to keep your food as interesting and varied as possible. Try adding sauces or dressings to your meals to change up the flavors. Get creative with your food, and it's more interesting to you, and not such a chore to eat.
   — Vespa R.

August 13, 2003
Ah, well I remember those days when I had to "remind" myself it was time to eat again. Enjoy it-it does not last. Look at it this way, if you want to successfully continue to lose weight, your body needs fuel to burn, which is supplied from the calories/food you put into it-no food, no fuel to burn, the body conserves its fat resources, slower weight loss.
   — Cindy R.

August 13, 2003
The diet following surgery is sooooo boring, isn't it?! I felt the same way. I was just sick, sick, SICK of broth, Crystal Light, water, protein drinks ..... now at almost 3 months post op, my appetite has returned and sometimes with a vengeance! Oh, how I wish I didn't feel like eating!! LOL Believe me, you will get hungry again, but I remember what those first few weeks were like. I know it's tough but you have to do it or your body will shut down and you will lose NOTHING. Just keep telling yourself it won't last forever. Are you getting exercise? I found that once I started exercising, my appetite picked up. Not that I felt like pigging out - it picked up in a HEALTHY way. You might give that a try too. All I can say is, it gets better. Hang in there!
   — MomBear2Cubs