Question:
Is it normal to not have an appetite?

I am 5 weeks post op & seem to rarely be hungry. If I try to eat something because I think I should,it ends up making me sick for at least an hour. I am lucky if I eat 2 oz. of food in an entire day & think it is unhealthy. When I questioned my surgeon,he just said to eat what I can. I feel fine & have lost around 30 pounds,but I am worried about not getting enough nourishment. Has anyone else experienced this?    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 3, 2000)

October 3, 2000
That feeling of not wanting to eat will pass after a while. I felt that way the first month, too. I lived a lot on liquid Boost Plus as it has the nutrients in that is needed if enough is taken (for a short time). I often had to force myself to take that, too as I was just not hungry and got nauseaus after taking anything for quite a while. It is important to get your nutrients in, even now!! don't end up like me w/ a very low potassium count. I got in to a lot of physical problems cause I didn't take in enough nutrients to sustain my body. If you can not eat, try a liquid supplement like Boost Plus or a protein powder mixed w/ water. They kept telling me that that nauseau would pass and it eventually did. I can now eat almost anything though I stay away from sweets and fried foods. I do hope you are taking all your vitamins, etc that your surgeon told you to take after surgery!! VERY IMPORTANT especially when you aren't taking in enough nutrients thru food. Good luck!! KEEP DRINKING WATER...LOTS OF WATER..SIP, SIP, SIP. You will get dehydrated if you don't!! That can be very serious. Been there, done that!!!
   — kathy S.

October 3, 2000
At 6 yrs, sometimes I STILL don't care if I eat. I am well nourished with my supplements, so I rarely ever crave things. I think we have days that we simply don't care and enjoy that food is no longer our "master". And then there are days when EVERYTHING sounds good! Your mind is not losing you! If you are staying well nourished and well hydrated, it is not unusual to simply not "need" anything. And emphasizing what Kathy said, water is NOT optional. Doesn't matter if you're not in the mood for water. :-) Sip, sip, sip!
   — vitalady

October 3, 2000
HANG IN THERE. IT WILL GET BETTER.GIVE YOUR BODY TIME TO ADJUST. JUST THINK O SKINNY YOU ARE GOING TO GET GOD BLESS SHILEY CALHOUN
   — Shirley C.