Serious - anyone "afraid" to eat?

It's been 2 months since surgery & I'm at the point where I should be eating, but to be brutally honest - I'm afraid to.  Food doesn't sound good, taste good, look good, or smell good anymore.  And every time I think about eating - I cringe because I'm afraid it's going to hurt or make me sick.  So I don't. Yes, I hear everyone - you have to eat something.  Gotta get the protein in.  Gotta get the fluids in.  I'm trying - honest to God above - I'm trying.  But it's not coming.  And I'm even more afraid of having to go back to the hospital because I'm not eating or drinking. Maybe I'm rushing it or taking it too seriously right now.  I don't know.  I just know that I'm reaching out for any & all support I can get right now. BTW - I'm down 65 pounds since September 12th, so like Dr. Byrne said at my last checkup:  "IT'S WORKING!"

The first couple of months I had this fear that my pouch would explode if I ate but I got over it when I realized that as long as I followed the nutritionists diet plan to a tee I wouldn't have any problems. I guess to me it was a trust issue - I had to totally trust the doctor and the nutritionist. Once your taste comes back (for me it was around 2-2 1/2 months) and you can eat more and more solid foods you will feel alot better. I also had a hard time getting in all my meals, water and protein but the farther out I am from surgery the easier it is for me. Today is my 6 month surgeryversary! I don't know if I have helped you or not but remember we are always here for you. You are doing great! 

Thanks, Karen.  I know that almost everyone out there has gone thru something similar to me, but it's just nice to have the support!  And yes, you did help -

Totally Normal!!  Helen, you are doing great!   Just don't get dehydrated.  What helped me is  taking very small bites and  chewing until I was comfortable.   You might have to  "shop around" but find something to whet your appetite and try it!  Everything tasted sweet to me after surgery.  Coffee tasted like someone put soap in it. (no lie).  Chicken noodle soup was my best friend and I still love it.  I hope you find your niche.  If you need anything don't hesitate..S

Thanks so much!  Yes, Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup has become my friend - even if I don't eat many of the noodles, for some reason, the broth is yummy & does make me feel better.  I've also discovered a decaffeinated French Vanilla tea.  That with a little Splenda & sugar free French Vanilla creamer - WOW - am I in heaven.  It's still a lot of fluids and soft stuff, but one day at a time.  Your support is soooo needed & appreciated -

Hellen, PERFECTLY normal, girl...you are doing great! I was so scared too....just chew chew chew and drink...sip, sip, sip, you will find whats comfortable for you as the days go by. Keep up the good work!!! ~Melissa

Thanks, Melissa!  Your avatar is sooooo cute!  It's a "one-day-at-a-time" thing.  I do appreciate the kind words -

You sound like I felt.  I started drinking coffee.  I had never drank it before in my life, but now, it sooths my tummy.  I also ate alot of nuts and sunflower seeds.  Things that I could chew to mush.  The nuts and sf seeds gave me protein.  So in my head I got plenty to drink and got in protein.  Don't know if it was right or wrong, but I have always felt great and all of my levels are right.  I was about 3 months out before I was brave enough to eat.  Before that everytime I ate anything other than soup, salad or nuts, I would throw up. You keep doing the best you can and ask for help when you need it.  Your body will tell you when it is ready to eat more and heavier. 

That is so strange what you said about the nuts because a day or two after I posted this, I went to CVS to pick up some more Flintstones Vitamins (yabba dabba do!) and they had a sale on Deluxe Mixed Nuts.  So I thought "what have I got to lose?"  And I now take one at a time, chew it 'til it's mush and it goes down real easy.  I especially love cashews so they tend to run out first.  I've also started drinking more tea (decaffeinated usually) and found a French Vanilla that I love.  Warm stuff does work much better. 

Thanks so very much!  Your support is appreciated more than words can say -

Hey Hellen your doing great we all have been there, I know how your feeling about getting both in I thought it was a endless battle at times. don't beat yourself up. what I found has worked great for me I'm like Deb I seem to do better with warm things then cold.  now I drink UNJURY Chicken Soup to get my protein in.  1 scoop & 8oz water 90 calories 0 fat 1 carb 21g protein www.unjury.com