Question:
Not eating solid foods.

I had my surgery in 2000, I lost all but 20 pounds then I started gaining in Jan 2002. I gained 60 pounds,and I didn't want to have the surgery again, so I just stopped eating solid foods, its been 8 days since I put food in my mouth, I do take my vitamins and calcium still and I started to drink the ensure high protein drinks, I drink a lot of water, milk, ice tea. I have lost 11 pounds and dropped a size, I refuse to eat until Christmas Day then, I will just eat a little if I can. My problem is I am really scared to eat, and what is it doing to my tummy, I never felt hungry ever, I just love to eat and now I don't want to eat anymore, I don't want to gain all the weight back, I could eat everything and it didn't affect me until I started gaining, I know back in Jan I felt something tear in my tummy, but never had it checked out. Now I just want to get thin and I am on this I don't care attitude and leave me alone until I have 20 pounds gone. My family is getting worried about me but I tell them that its ok, as long as I am getting something in me, I figure that what I am taking and drinking is good enough, now the question is; is my tummy going back to 2oz or is it staying the same, how long can a person can continue not eat solid foods?    — Terri Z. (posted on December 11, 2002)

December 11, 2002
Many people live on Ensure type products that are tube fed, so yes, its possible to get all your nutrients via liquid if your drinking the right stuff. Your pouch will shirnk down when you drink liquids, just like our old stomach used to when we didn't eat much. I do that once in a while to get it back to the post op state.
   — ZZ S.

December 11, 2002
I believe if you get your nutrition/protein/vitamins in, you can exist on non-solid foods for quite a while. But the question is why would you want to do that? Is that the only way you can lose weight? Its so not normal. You seem to have amazing willpower. Most of us could not do what you are doing-8 days since you have put food in your mouth. I couldn't. Its not the healthiest solution. I'm wondering where you would be if you put the same amount of willpower into eating a normal diet? I don't know the answer to the tummy going back to 2 oz, though I doubt thats possible. I understand your fear about gaining the weight back-we all have the fear, and since you have experienced some weight gain, its a very real fear...maybe talking to a professional can help get you back on track. Good luck.
   — Cindy R.

December 11, 2002
I don't think there is anything wrong with going on liquids for the short term. But you have to consider your quality of life. Is this really sustainable? If you have a mechanical failure (which it sounds like you do) then get a mechanical fix! If you develop a fear of food, that's unhealthy for both your mind and your body. Please get it checked out!
   — ctyst

December 11, 2002
Heya.. not to be the bad guy.. but have you ever heard of anarexia.. you ..when you dont eat..are afraid to eat.. sounds to me like you need to get some help with your food issues.. also.. if you are going to stick with an all liquid diet.. you may want to switch to a high protien drink with low/no sugar rather than the ensure which is high in sugar.. just a thought.. but you should definately call your doc about the ripping feeling..
   — johanna F.

December 11, 2002
You're wanting to regain, right? Ensure is what is used to put weight on people. If you're wanting to lose,you might want to try real protein (high protein, low sugar, made with water), with some salads or relatively harmless things for balance. Being half crazed with hunger on Christmas day is probably not going to be good for your body OR your mind. The next thing is to get your mechanics checked & see where you stand. If something is broken, fix it. It's GOT to be easier than living as you are, watching every bite (like the old days).
   — vitalady

December 11, 2002
I am a pre-op (33 days away from surgery) but here's my take on this: <p> I can kinda understand why you're doing this. Its like a smoker who wants to quit smoking. All they have to do is stay away from all cigarettes to succeed. But with food as your addiction, you can't stay away from food to succeed like you can cigarettes. That's what makes food addictions so hard to overcome.. you have to continue to eat it, day in and day out! <p> Its these kinds of crazy diet plans I tried that got me to be so morbidly obese to start with. Anyone who has ever tried and failed at liquid diets such as Optifast know, you seem to lose while you're on the liquids, but as soon as you start eating food again, you gain it back and usually gain more than you lost. I think you could be working against a physical problem with your tummy and if so, its only gonna let you go so far. Please call your doctor and at least get scoped and see what's going on.
   — thumpiez