5 wks post op - Don't want to eat anything! Need HELP!

[healthier&happier4life 86]

So, I'm 5 weeks post op and don't really feel like eating. I've not been getting my Proteins in the last few days and may not be getting my fluids in. I was doing okay, and then all of a sudden I just don't feel like eating anything. The things I was eating a week ago don't taste good to me anymore. Water doesn't taste good anymore. I've had trouble with feeling like my food is stuck a few times and since then I haven't wanted to eat anything. I know I need to eat something and get these proteins in but I'm just struggling. Nothing appeals to me. Not sure what to do. I could really use your suggestions if you've been through this. Thanks in advance for your help!

[James Marusek 5,244]

The three most important elements after RNY gastric bypass surgery are to meet your daily Protein, Fluid and Vitamin requirements. food is secondary because your body is converting your stored fat into the energy that drives your body. Thus you lose weight.

Weight loss is achieved after RNY gastric bypass surgery through volume control. You begin at 2 ounces (1/4 cup) per meal and gradually over the next year and a half increase the volume to 1 cup per meal. With this minuscule amount of food, it is next to impossible to meet your Protein daily requirements by food alone, so therefore you need to rely on supplements such as Protein shakes.

So I am less concerned about your eating than about the fact that you are not getting in the required protein and fluids. So three things pop into my mind. The transition to solid foods can be rough. I found that softer foods (such as chili and soups) went down much easier. I am 3 years post-op RNY gastric bypass and I still rely on these. They are my mainstay. I have included some recipes at the end of the following article. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf

When you said "my food is stuck a few times and since then I haven't wanted to eat anything". I experience this. It is at the edge of dumping syndrome. So it is possible that if you steer away from harder foods such as steak towards softer foot such as Soups and chili, it may help.

Another thought is that you may have developed a stricture.

Another thought is that you might have a stomach flu. I encountered one a year ago. It lasted for a week and I completely lost my appetite and was constantly visiting the restroom.

[Shi-Shi80 73]

James Marusek, thanks for including the link. I am scheduled for RNY surgery August 23 and this article is great. The recipes sound good as well and I'm going to try a few now.

[DeletedMember 715]

You might very well have a stricture, definitely talk to your doc about it. You are at right about the time a stricture could appear.

And as James said, focus on you Protein and fluids. Drink your Protein. If you have hard times keeping down fluids as well as food get to the doctor immediately.

Again, to echo James, food is secondary, don't stress about it. I've been dealing with a stricture for about the last 3 months (mine came on about 4-5 weeks). I ate a lot of cottage cheese and cheese sticks. And drank a lot of protein.

You can always have a stricture dilated if you have one. I chose to ride it out. I am now a little over 4 months out and it has just been starting to get better.

[healthier&happier4life 86]

Thank you all. I have a follow up appt with my surgeon tomorrow and look forward to hearing what he says about this.