Help, I can't eat or drink..

I am not in any pain or anything,  I just have no s=desire to eat or drink.  Everytime I think I want something, when I get it I just wrinkle my nose and inthe fridge it goes.  Of course I am not hungry, but I know for sure I need nutrition and fluids.  Every since my trip to the ER I have just felt gross and not wanting to eat.  Any particular thoughts on this.

The bottom line is that it does not matter what you WANT... your body needs food and fluids.  Children don't like taking medicine with a bad taste, but they NEED it.  You need to treat food and water as what they are.... not optional components of life, but necessary for sustaining life and maintaining health.  This is part of the task we all face as far as redefining our relationship with food.  Right now it does not provide you with the emotional/psychological lift that it used to, but it is necessary.  In this case, avoidance is NOT a good coping strategy.  As the current saying goes, you need to put on your big girl panties .  Take responsibility for your health and just do it.

Lora

thanks Lora,I knew i could count on you for encouragement, but it does not help the grossness I fell when just thinking about a meal. My palet has changed sooooo much since surgery I can not tell you how much food I have wasted trying things I thought I liked. I really am trying.

That "grossness" was part of the reason I initially stuck to a lot of simple, whole foods... because a full meal or even an entree "dish" was so unappetizing.  So I ate a lot of very simple foods.  The protein part of a meal was often just a piece of roasted turkey (sometimes cold with just salt) or a piece of Honeybaked ham (yum!), deli meat rolled together with a slice of cheese, some tuna salad, a boiled egg, Greek yogurt and some fruit, etc.  I actually STILL eat a lot of simple, whole foods (and that has made it somewhat easier for me to maintain the weight loss, I think... although I still struggle since my taste for pizza, Chinese food, etc. returned a LONG time ago!)

Even if it means eating the same thing meal after meal, there has to be SOMETHING that you can force yourself to eat.  There may also be a psychological component to this... it is not uncommon for people to develop a form of anorexia post-op... and perhaps some short term counseling would help...?

Lora

Lack of appetite is not an uncommon issue for newer post ops. This issue can go on for several months.  I know a couple of people in my support groups, who still have this issue at 2 years post op, but this is the exception. YOU NEED to eat and drink fluids.  You need to eat to keep your digestive track working properly. Failure to drink enough fluids can lead to kidney failure issues or landing you back in the hospital for dehdration.  You may want to attend a couple of support meetings to learn from other post ops to help you on your journey. DAVE

RNY 5/25/11 SW: 308 CW: 258

NIXMOMMIE, I'm having the same issues now as well! At first I having a taste for a specific food, then when I get it it grosses me out. I'm actually AFRAID of getting sick from the food. I want so badly to eat but that fear is consuming me. Yesterday for some odd reason I had nausea so bad when in the car, my mouth started watering and I thought I was vomiting but it was nothing but clear saliva. Nothing came from my stomach. But then I really didn't want to eat anything all night. I ate about an ounce of sharp cheese and that was it for the night. Today will be a challenge because I couldn't get my water in like I always do, and now it's back to square 1 for the fluids and also trying to build up my eating.  I pray all will be well with you! With all of us!

i agree with lora-i am just 15 days post-op and still have no desire to eat or drink.i am getting in my protein and fluids though.i am still on soft foods and a have been trying a varietry of things.just have to make yourself do it.like she said-your body depends on it and its the only way to keep it going.hope things get better for you