Question:
Am I okay? I haven't eaten in about four days.

I am down 37 pounds and started the gym 3 weeks ago. I though that might be the cause of my lack of appetite. I have no energy and am worried I'm gunna collapse. The dr. hasn't called back, so I thought it must not be two worry some. I am trying to take in all the fluids I can , but all my energy went out the window. I gag at the smell of food, let alone forcing myself to eat. Has anyone else experienced this. Will I be on soup for the rest of my life?????Help.....please.....    — Dana G. (posted on July 19, 2003)

July 19, 2003
It's easy for me to sit here and tell you to force yourself to eat. But I know that if the smell of food makes you gag then you are not going to eat. Are you at least drinking protein shakes? You ABSOLUTELY need protein and if you cannot eat it then you will HAVE to drink it. If you do not hear back from your surgeon on Monday then call him/her back.
   — Kristen S.

July 19, 2003
Sweetie, I know exactly how you are feeling but you MUST try to eat something. I went through the same thing for the first 4-5 weeks after my open RNY. My surgeon had me on such a limited diet (broth, SF yogurt, Cream of Wheat and V-8 juice) and none of it was appealing. But when I didn't eat, I just felt worse. Your body needs all the energy it can get to heal. And on top of that, if you are pushing yourself at the gym without giving your body the fuel it needs, you are going to find yourself in a world of hurt. The reason you don't have enough energy is because you aren't eating! When I went through this phase, I forced myself to sip soup or broth, even if it was just one sip an hour. It was not pleasant but eventually it did make me feel better. Please do what you can - even if it's just a sip of broth/soup here and there. You WILL get better but only if you eat! Good luck to you! Jody Open RNY 5/23/03 ~ -40 lbs and counting!
   — MomBear2Cubs

July 19, 2003
This might make you gag too but it worked for me post-stricture when I just needed a boost: Natural peanut butter on a spoon. Maybe add a little all fruit spread (no added sugar)if it would taste better. The peanut butter had protein, tasted good and had some calories which I really needed at that point.
   — ReneeJune03

July 20, 2003
Are you still getting your protein shakes in? Water? Vitamins? You can go a few days with no solid food, but not without nourishment. Your body will be mad at you. And if you're working out, you need extra protein, or you're burning muscle as well as fat. You can work your way back to food when you're ready. But if you allow yourself to become nutritionally depeted, it's a LONG haul back up the hill.
   — vitalady