Question:
Nothing stays down... what happens when your body gets less than 300 calories a day?

I had surgery almost 3 months ago. (9/29/03) I have lost 40 lbs... but it's been a nightmare. My doctor says most patients go through a strong adjustment period and to be patient. I throw up often, have been to the hospital and rushed into ER because something got stuck and have had major hemorhoids. My hair is definitely thinning and I have no energy. Can I die from starving to death? I'm scared that I won't survive this surgery. Losing the weight is so important to me, but not if it means dying to be thin. I know I'm not getting enough nutrition, water makes me gag and I've been on a plateau over a month. What can I do to break this terrible pattern?    — Kim T. (posted on December 17, 2003)

December 17, 2003
Have you been scoped? Since water makes you miserable, have you been checked for a marginal ulcer? Can you get protein drinks and vitamins to stay down? The water thing is critical and yes, you can be too sick to survive if you are not being monitored until you get a working diagnosis.
   — vitalady

December 17, 2003
This is how I felt when I had a stricture, have you been checked for that? I have had 4! After get that taken care of I felt a 100 times better.
   — heyjude51

December 17, 2003
Yes, there is an adjustment to the mental changes as we re-learn to have a new relationship with food, but that doesn't sound like your problem. It really sounds like a stricture - esp. if you can't get down liquids. Call Naaman and insist on a scope to check for a stricture or ulcers. It sounds like there is a real physical problem causing you to be sick. Insist that he find out what it is.
   — Ali M

December 17, 2003
I was also pretty sick to my stomach for the 1st 2-3 months. The 1st two months were the worst - I could not keep anything down. I just ate what I could and I am living proof it passes. I am 5 months postop (yesterday) and down 83lbs!! I do not eat what I should every day but I make sure I take my supplements. Drinking protein shakes is very critical for us. Unjury makes a great one. Stick to mostly protein even if you only take 3 or 4 bites. Somedays that is all I can eat per meal. Just do the best you can and keep your chin up!! It will all be worth it!! Hugs, Laura/Open RNY 17Jul03/187lbs down -83lbs.
   — laurab

December 17, 2003
I don't think you should still be doing all of this at 3 months out. I would insist that your doctor order some tests to check all of this out. If nothing shows, then you'll just need to be patient with yourself, while trying to get in as much protein and water as possible. Good luck and please talk to your doctor!
   — Carlita

December 18, 2003
you have to have food to lose weight, 300 cal a day and you body is in starvation mode and at a certain point wont release any more weight.that being said,make sure w/your doc that there are no physical reasons,and if nothing else...try to get liquid protein drinks.
   — italianprincess