Question:
Can anyone help me break this cycle?

I had a good appetite for 2 weeks faollowing my Surgery, but now I do not want to eat anything. I am finding it is hard to get my water in also. I am getting about half the 64 ounces a day, and I am having trouble even eating 3 times a day. I need help to get me back on track!    — sbinkerd1 (posted on January 2, 2002)

January 2, 2002
Scott, this is very normal (except that you did have an appetite right after surgery- I sure didn't!). Don't worry, it will get better! My opinion is that the anesthesia made food not taste too good (water either for that matter) and so, I stayed away. I also think it is a good way to break away from the compulsion to eat and to take the time to reteach yourself how to eat SLOWLY to help keep the compulsive behavior at bay. Just do the best you can- schedule your meals at a certain time and then EAT THEM- even if they are very small! Same with water- schedule a sip every 10 minutes until you get the hang of doing it. It is a very high mantainence time, but that will change and you will be eating and drinking without thinking about it soon. In the meantime, treat yourself carefully and lovingly and get tuned into your body and eating habits- it will help make this tool work for you! It has for me- 2 years postop down 140 pounds>
   — M B.

January 2, 2002
Oh MB, what a great answer! Scott, this is totally normal for being recently post op. Believe me, it will change. To add to what MB said, this is the perfect time to learn how to eat all over again. I make sure that I get in food by eating even when I'm not hungry (this ensures that not only do I eat nutritiously and in small amounts, that I eat slowly). I know that even though my brain is telling me I'm not hungry, that my body needs to have some sustenance. Don't worry. You'll be fine. As far as the water goes, I switch up every once in a while and do Crystal Lite instead. I get tired of plain water and the Crys lite (actually it is SF koolaide) tastes better and helps me to get in my daily 64 oz. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

January 2, 2002
I love MB's answer also! If you like Crystal Lite, I found a premixed Protein drink yesterday that tastes just like Orange CL. At GNC, it Designer Whey Protein Blast. Comes in Orange PassionFit and a Kiwi flavor. Single strength is 17 g protein per 20 oz. Double strength is 34 g protein per 20 oz. I'm stocking up for surgery next week. It's thin and not heavy. Actually tasted good to me. Maybe this will help you.
   — Kathy J.