Question:
Is it normal to have no desire to eat?

I am 2 months post-op. For a little over a week I have had no desire to eat. I get my water in, but not much food at all. Like yesterday, no breakfast, no lunch,(lots of water though) and at dinner I ate 4 small scallops. I was fine. Didnt feel hungry. This has been going for over a week now. Down 60 lbs in 2 months. I do need to eat more right? Do I need to force myself to eat when I'm not hungry? Any advice helpful, thanks!    — Laurie L. (posted on January 10, 2002)

January 10, 2002
While I can't say it's healthy, I can say you're not alone, at 1 month post op, I have to set my alarm clock to remind me to eat, or I just won't think about it.. I also had to decrease my liquid intake so I could eat (I was drinking WAY more than the "required" 60 + ounces) I told my surgeon I was having problems, and he's the one who recommended the alarm clock, but I'm still working on it.. Good luck to you..
   — Elizabeth D.

January 10, 2002
Hi Laurie- Absolutely you need to eat more. I'm never hungry and can go quite comfortably all day without eating a thing, but it's not healthy at all. You should be eating every three hours or so, and getting your recommended protein, which I assume is around 60g. If you don't get that protein, you will gradually become very tired, your hair will fall out, and worst case scenario you could die. It is so important to eat. also, your weight loss will stop, as your body will go into starvation mode if you keep this up, and will try and hold onto every pound you have. Try excercising too, as that will make you a little more hungry... well not really hungry, but not as opposed to eating... Good luck and get on track!
   — [Anonymous]

January 10, 2002
Hi, It is very normal at your stage to have no desire to eat. I was the same way. Believe me..your appetite will return. I am now almost 1 yr out and if I forget to eat..my tummy reminds me :) . One thing to keep in mind..it is important to eat well balanced meals 2-3 x a day. You need to eat to stay healthy . Good luck!
   — Eva C.

January 10, 2002
Larrie,I was like that to at 2mo. but yes you got to get some protein in .I Found this shake that is low on sugar and has 10gm of protein it is called GLUCERNA made by ensure for diebetics.But it worked for me.Don't drink water for about a hr or so then drink one of these ,then go back to drinking water.It has 220 calories but you need at least 800 calories a day. be care ful you got to eat right . good luck.I've lost 61 pounds and i'm 2mo &5 da. post opp. wish you the [email protected] NANCY M.
   — NANCY M.

January 10, 2002
Laurie, I do this too, and have to make myself drink protien shakes, even if I am not hungry. At least I get the protien in, and that (along with water) is extremely important. Make sure you get your protien, and (I was told), our appetites will eventually come back! Good luck to you, and let me know how it goes with you, ok! :)
   — Sharon H.

January 10, 2002
I too am like that and I am 5 months post op. It is a strange sensation to almost "make" yourself eat at least three times a day. I just eat a couple of ounces of something (usually protein based) when I am not hungry as from what I understand, you need to keep the calories going in, in order for your body to "not" think that you are starving it and in turn not lose the weight. Good luck... I know it is hard!
   — Kellie Jo B.

January 10, 2002
Believe me... your hunger WILL come! Mine hit me at 6 months. Later you will wish you were'nt hungry. ;)
   — Danmark

January 10, 2002
hi, well im about 6 weeks out and sometimes i am just like you. I feel like i cannot eat one bite...But i keep trying and then finding what you can eat you dont get sick on is another trick in the sack!!!! One day i bought Moo Goo Gui Pan (excuse spelling) and it set so well. The next time about 4 bites and i dumped for an hour....Go figure!!! Tonight i ate ham and green beans and 1/4 of a potato and it all went down very well. Could prob have eaten more ham but didnt want to push it. (We were at a restaurant) I worried about everything at first, then my mentors told me calm down, you'll get your water in soon and your protein too and some days you will be hungry!!!! I think being kind to ourselves and trying to be patient..maybe? is helpful???? I'm just a beginner!!!! But thats my 2 cents for today.. :)
   — Jackiis