Struggling without an appetite
I had my surgery on December 31st. I've been pretty good about following my plan and not had any serious problems. I'm down 30lbs since surgery. I'm able to get in my vitamins and fluids, my problem is I still have no appetite and while I initially thought this was a God send, it's become difficult to get in my daily protein requirements. On top of this, i'm fighting a nasty cold that I suspect is actually due to a sinus infection (i'll be going back to the Dr's tomorrow) and it's making it even harder to want to eat. I've tried to make myself eat and if it was just lack of hunger, i'd probably be ok, but a lack of appetite makes eating most foods actually repulsive. It's hard to find the idea of eating anything appealing and I'm hoping for some advice or food idea's by anyone else who may have had this issue early post op? Thanks!!!
I had surgery over seven years ago and still have no appetite. I just eat because it is necessary to do so. I make sure I eat my required amount of protein and then add some salad and vegetables. I have gotten used to not having an appetite and would rather wear my size 4 jeans than look forward to food.

Real life begins where your comfort zone ends
It's my hope that after I get this cold/infection under control, I'll be able to eat again appetite or not. It's just that right now, I can't even seem to take in a little food without feeling nauseous! NOTHING sounds appealing. Even the protein shake I like goes down like sour milk. I know I need to eat to get my protein, I also know my immune system needs the calories to fight the cold. I'm just struggling to find SOMETHING that gives me what I need without making me feel sick to my stomach at just the THOUGHT of eating it.
Days like that slider foods, soups, etc are a blessing. Days like that are the only days when it is OK to eat and drink - or just have soups.
My quick recipe of homemade egg drop soup: 1cup chicken or beef stock, 2 eggs, salt and pepper. Boil the check-in stock. Break the eggs in a glass, and blend well. Slowly Pour the egg mixture into boiling stock. Wait until all boils again. (Briefly).
Add salt and pepper to taste. Eat /drink it.. ..it can be blended on a small mixer to be more smooth.
Same ****ed veggies can be added.
Also - adding a small clove of garlic, or ginger..make it "sharp" and helps with the cold. To add more flavor - pat of real butter makes is so smooth.
Very nourishing
Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG
"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"
"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."
Hard boiled eggs, scrambled, omelet were really hard for me first few months. Surprisingly egg drop soup (blended after cooking) was and is super easy...
I used to start with one egg..add a cooked carrot ...pat of butter makes things smell heavenly..
Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG
"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"
"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."
I had my surgery a couple of weeks before you...and don't feel hunger as I used to know it either...although I can feel shaky if I go too long between meals...and then I realize my body needs nourishment.
i discovered Sytrax Nectar iced tea flavor....I mix 1 scoop with 24 oz of iced water (sometimes I sprinkle a little crystal light lemonade)....and I sip all morning. This has become my daily breakfast. 23 gr protein, and it's like sipping Snapple.
I remember 5-6 weeks out I was gagging on protein shakes and things in general. Just had to try different flavors and change up the food and just do it. I found switching to the coffee flavored chike/fit frappe got me through that period.
Cynthia 5'11" RNY 7/23/2014
Goal reached 17 months. 220lb Weight Loss
Plastic Surgery Dr. Joseph Michaels - LBL and Hernia Repair 2/29/16, Arm Lift, BL, 5/2/16, Leg Lift 7/25/16
#lifeisanadventure #fightthegoodfight #noregrets
I'm almost 6 years post RNY and I often have no appetite - BUT my body still needs fuel, nutrients and energy. I eat because my body needs me to so I can function. I need to keep vitamin and minerals coming in so my body can make new cells, my brain, heart, kidneys, etc. can function.
If I have no appetite and feel that solid food might made me vomit - then I have a hot or cold protein meal replacement drink.
I always get in 80+ grams of protein, 100 oz of fluid and my vitamin & mineral supplements.
It is just what I must do - no choice. After doing this for almost 6 years now - it really isn't a big deal - I accept it and don't let it ruin my day.
Hope you can learn to accept it and stay healthy,
Penny
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for the advice and tips. I went back to the Dr and turns out it's a nasty sinus infection. Started antibiotics and today I was able to eat a bit better without nausea. I realize that hunger and appetite changes are to be expected and up till I started feeling ill, I was able to follow my plan and eat as needed, just got a little scared when the (then unknown) infection started making food repulsive. I'm optimistic that in a couple more days, i'll be completely back on track. Thanks again for the support and advice everyone!