Question:
Anyone else had this experience? cant eat

I'm 4 months out, had open rny on 7/28/2003. I've lost 85 pounds but that's because I can hardly eat a thing. I know of others that are "back to normal eating" and I just don't get it. Maybe I had a lot of intestine bypassed, more than others or something, but I just can't eat. I've been scoped, and there's no obstruction. My hair's coming out in CLUMPS and I KNOW I'm not getting what I need nutritionally and haven't for these past 4 months. I was using the Carnation Instant (sugar free) drink and just purchased some Designer Whey and I'm hoping that will help with my nutritional intake. The only food that actually goes down and stays down seems to be cheese and I've practically been LIVING on CHEESE. Hunger? I don't think I've felt a hunger pang in 4 months either! Is/has anyone else experienced this--any clues guys/gals? THANK YOU!    — teresaxxxx (posted on December 8, 2003)

December 7, 2003
What saved me (and my hair) was my Pure Whey Isolate protein powder mixed with a sugar free Carnation Instant breakfast and soy milk. I had this EVERY morning for breakfast. The first 8 weeks, things tasted horrible and they went down not so good. Four months, now that's a long time to still be feeling like you are. But you say you were scoped and there is no obstruction. So that's good. I guess you just have to keep trying different foods and different consistencies. I am 14 months out and I still cannot eat bread, potatoes, pasta or rice. A couple of bites of these foods and I am totally full. At first, I had a hard time with meats. Pizza is out now for me (used to be one of my favorite foods), but I don't miss it. Your whole way of eating changes drastically. Good luck to you. Open RNY 10/02 405/168/150
   — Ginger M.

December 7, 2003
Hi there! 85 lbs in 4 mos is great, it doesn't seem abnormally high or unusual. You're just not a slow looser! So congrats on that. You say that you just can't eat...so what specifically is the problem? Nausea? Vomiting? Psycological issues re putting food in your mouth? If you can be more specific, I believe we can help more. I really had no desire whatsoever to eat in the first 6 months. It was really tough. I'd like to help, so please give more info!
   — LMCLILLY

December 8, 2003
Hey there! I sure don't think 85 pounds in four months is a slow loser as another poster alluded to. I was/am in your boat as well. I am 7 months out and have lost 130 lbs. But, for most of that time not able to eat much of anything, until recently. I have lived on fat free refried beans and cheese for months, as well as protein drinks and plenty of h2o. All my wls buddies were months ahead of me in eating lean cuisine's, meeting at boston market before support group meetings...etc. Not me! I can now tolerate stuff they were doing at 3 months, BUT very very slow and itty bitty portions. It is nice though, to finally be able to go out again. Doc told me this just happens to some people. Hang in there and I'm sure it will pass for you too. Great Job!
   — Mark

December 8, 2003
I'd like to clarify my post- since one poster misunderstood what I said about 'slow loser'. I was addressing the statements you made which made it seem as though you though you were concerned that you were loosing so much only because you "can't eat a thng" I wanted to say that I don't think you should be concerned at the large amount of weight you have lost in the 4 months, it's fast but normal. Sorry if what I said sounded confusing. But, I do think you need to address why you cant eat, which is what you are doing here. It's great that you can reach out and ask for help. Again, I hope you can give some more info so that we can help you more.
   — LMCLILLY

December 8, 2003
Some people just have a harder time adjusting to post-op diets and it can take longer. 4 months is not that far out. What you can do though is whenever you try new foods, make sure they are soft and eat a teeny, tiny amount, wait a minute or two, then try the next bite etc, etc, to see what stays down. You may be eating too fast or too big a bite. If this continues however, have the doctor test for bacterial infections. Not an obstruction but it may be an irritated lining..In the meantime, drink protein drinks to keep up the calorie and protein content, and ensure that you are getting in your vitamins. As for the hunger pangs, count yourself lucky at this point, because trust me, they do come back eventually. I miss those days when I forgot to eat....
   — Cindy R.

December 8, 2003
To follow-up (LISA), MOST ALL foods make me vomit. I'll feel full after literally 2 bites, then either be uncomfortable for an hour or so OR feel uncomfortable AND vomit. It's truly not psychological. Additionally, I TRIED the chocolate designer whey today and boy that's not going to work either...its HORRIFIC TASTING! Maybe I should try it with milk?!?! Well, THANK YOU FOR EVERYONE'S INPUT-I REALLY DO APPRECIATE ALL YOUR ASSISTANCE! Thanks much.
   — teresaxxxx

December 8, 2003
Hopefully they will do a lil more research on your vomiting. We don't usually vomit for "no reason". But since it's not the obvious, maybe it is something NOT obvious. Did they scope or do a swallow? But then, on the protein thing. I cannot do Designer, either. Mind you, back in the olden days, it was HEAVEN compared to soy or collagen! ANd then they "improved" it. GAAACK. There are literally 100's of choices. How did you make it up and what did you not like? Actual flavor? Texture?
   — vitalady

December 8, 2003
Thank's for following up with more info. That's a tough case. Indescriminate vomiting should really be looked at by your surgeon. Barring there being a physical problem, the only thing I can suggest - though it does make a HUGE difference - is to chew your foods to mush. And, I mean REALLY chew. If it's not mush, don't swallow. Use a baby fork/spoon or a small dessert spoon to eat your meals. Put your utensil down between bites. This will strictly control the amount of food you can put in your mouth at one time. Don't take another bite until you really macerate what's in your mouth and swallow. This helped me a lot when I transitioned to new foods and when I went on to more solid proteins. I thought I was taking small bites and chewing, but I really wasn't until I tried this technique, recommended to me by another WLS'er. It requires a LOT of thought and work, but it's well worth the effort. Maybe this will help you. I think it will. Good luck to you.
   — LMCLILLY

December 10, 2003
Teresa... Try going to Susan Maria's site www.bariatriceating.com and you can order great samples from her. Susan is 29months post-op herself and is a WEALTH of knowledge and info on what we as posties go through nutritionally! The ProPlete Gold product she supplies is the BEST tasting protein drinks I've tried since have my WLS six months ago!! Best wishes & God bless!!
   — Amy G.

Click Here to Return