Struggling

[3momchaos]

I have found that over the past couple days I have been struggling to want anything. I have zero hunger and no appetite for anything (not even the foods I’m not allowed). While I am thirsty, I find that my thirst is never satisfied. I can move onto pureed and scrambled eggs, but the thought of food makes me nauseous. I don’t even want to drink my protein shakes or water, I am forcing myself because I know I have to, but then I don’t feel well after. Not exactly sure what’s going on, but it’s bringing me down. I am drinking over 64 oz a day and getting at least 60 g of protein. Maybe that’s just keeping my body satisfied? I’m not sure. Any one else go through that or have any suggestions? I’m kind of at a loss. Maybe it’s mental? Like I’m afraid to move on, but I know I need to, and if I can justify my need for the protein drinks, then I should be able to do the same with the foods.

 

[LisaLisa]

sounds like you're doing well! you have your water and protein so don't worry too much about anything else for a while. Cream of Wheat is a bland light "meal" maybe you can get some of that down? Or maybe some favorite soup? For some reason cream of mushroom soup is a new favorite. I guess just keep thinking about different things that might sound good. I'm sure the hive mind will find a better answer, but I know the first thing you can do, is stop worrying--you got the essentials.

 

[JudyNY]

You are still so early in the process and still recovering from surgery. Your body is going through changes, so give it time. Even if you just eat a couple of spoonfuls of your next stage food, it is a start. I remember that was all I could do at first. Hang in there, you will be fine.

 

[eladams2015]

This process is a huge adjustment for your body and your mind... it takes a bit for them to "sync back up" sometimes. I still have times that I have to remember to eat, because I am just not hungry. And there are times that nothing really sounds good or feels satisfying. It is just part of the process. It does balance out.

 

[WazzuCoug]

It looks like you are right on track. Drinking that much and getting your protein in will probably keep you satiated. There is such a huge range of experiences with hunger during this time, especially during the first couple months. What you are doing is enough for you and your body isn't feeling like doing anything different or eating new things, and that's okay. Over time things will adjust. Some things that don't appeal to now may appeal to you later. Also, if you try something now, it may make you nauseous, but in a few weeks or months, you may be able to eat it just fine.

If I've learned anything by watching and reading online is that there really isn't a "normal" path after surgery. There are commonalities, of course, but a very wide range of "normal."

Move forward when you are ready, you don't need to force anything along, and of course always update your care team in case they have suggestions.

 

[Smalldog]

I have found that over the past couple days I have been struggling to want anything. I have zero hunger and no appetite for anything (not even the foods I’m not allowed). While I am thirsty, I find that my thirst is never satisfied. I can move onto pureed and scrambled eggs, but the thought of food makes me nauseous. I don’t even want to drink my protein shakes or water, I am forcing myself because I know I have to, but then I don’t feel well after. Not exactly sure what’s going on, but it’s bringing me down. I am drinking over 64 oz a day and getting at least 60 g of protein. Maybe that’s just keeping my body satisfied? I’m not sure. Any one else go through that or have any suggestions? I’m kind of at a loss. Maybe it’s mental? Like I’m afraid to move on, but I know I need to, and if I can justify my need for the protein drinks, then I should be able to do the same with the foods.

Normal, do the protein an liquid no matter what.

 

[Kayleigh]

I have found that over the past couple days I have been struggling to want anything. I have zero hunger and no appetite for anything (not even the foods I’m not allowed). While I am thirsty, I find that my thirst is never satisfied. I can move onto pureed and scrambled eggs, but the thought of food makes me nauseous. I don’t even want to drink my protein shakes or water, I am forcing myself because I know I have to, but then I don’t feel well after. Not exactly sure what’s going on, but it’s bringing me down. I am drinking over 64 oz a day and getting at least 60 g of protein. Maybe that’s just keeping my body satisfied? I’m not sure. Any one else go through that or have any suggestions? I’m kind of at a loss. Maybe it’s mental? Like I’m afraid to move on, but I know I need to, and if I can justify my need for the protein drinks, then I should be able to do the same with the foods.

I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. I can remember feeling like that too for a couple weeks after surgery. I haven’t been able to get the 64 ounces of fluids in, so you’re doing great. The main things in the beginning is to drink enough water to prevent dehydration and concentrate in getting enough protein daily. I ate about a quarter cup of cream of wheat and added unflavored protein powder and 1 percent milk. Your appetite will slowly come around.

 

[missyinacage]

As long as you are getting your water and protein, that's the most important thing. It does suck that you have to force yourself to do it. You are only 2 weeks out, right? And are supposed to be on puree for 3 weeks? My program was a little different, in that I spent an additional week on liquids and only 1 week on puree. So I would think that if you need to wait a few more days or even a week to comfortably move on, there is no reason to be concerned or to force yourself to do so. Just yesterday I tried to eat a chicken patty (which I eat all the time) and it didn't seem to be agreeing with me (too dense) so I had a protein pudding for dinner instead. Give it a few days and see if you can manage something pureed. Hope you feel better.

 

[3momchaos]

Thanks y’all! I decided to try some very liquidy cream of wheat with cinnamon. It was extremely uncomfortable to digest. But I’m not sure how things are going to feel anymore, and since I’m still healing, I’d assume that it might be weird feeling in the beginning. I have to check in with my care team on Monday, so I’ll let them know how that’s going.

 

[Roseanne37]

I have found that over the past couple days I have been struggling to want anything. I have zero hunger and no appetite for anything (not even the foods I’m not allowed).

I'm so sorry to read of your problems. But, you are managing to reach your water and protein levels and that is very important. Maybe on Monday, your care team will give you some good suggestions on getting your appetite back, at least for some of the new levels in your eating program. I still cannot believe how full I get on such little food. But, it does get better. I am at 2 and a half months out and have started adding back some foods. I am taking it slowly but So far, so good. Good luck on Monday!! And, keep in mind that you are just beginning your journey and your body has been through a lot with the surgery. Don't be hard on yourself.

 

[3momchaos]

I checked in with my NP today, and she said it can take 4-8 weeks for the body to adjust after gallbladder removal, so WLS aside, my body still has a lot of adjusting to do with just that. I’ve started forcing myself to eat pureeds since I still have no appetite, and things are going ok, but I really need to remember to take Gas x because that’s where some of my discomfort is coming from.