How Can I Explain Reduced Appetite?

[JoGee]

Two weeks on nothing but water in the hospital. When I finally got food,it was in very small amounts.
As I left, this one doctor said, "get milk shakes, hamburgers, whatever you want, just get food through your body! E took this to heart.

I cannot finish a small milk shake, or half a hamburger (small).
I cannot finish a frozen entree (I might leave 2-3 bites in the dish.
I finish only half a whole frozen dinner.

When I've eaten, a couple of things happen. My stomach feels like it's had enough, and any more gives me discomfort. He says it's not my stomach that had the surgery.

Also, antibiotics make my mouth sour.

I figure in time, as my body heals, eating might not be so difficult. But for now.....
I still have 20 # of water weight to shed, I hurt to some degree in most areas, and I don't need this hassle. But he doubts me in this.

[Nalani]

Probably best to have many many small meals per day. Get a big shake and sip it down ever so often, until it's gone.. I had gotten a gadget that made shakes which I had gotten for Buddy. Think I found it at Amazon. Maybe Ellis can get one of those for you. Maybe make cheesy sort of mashed potatoes, put in fridge and heat up a small portion ever so often. That sort of thing. Thick soups the same way.

[ladyebug]

(((((Jo)))

[BarbCA108]

Hi, Jo. I'm sure if you keep nibbling you will soon be able to eat a full meal. Seems that maybe your stomach has shrunk from 2 weeks of not eating. Hang in there. (((Jo)))

[Mayebarnes]

the above advice sounds great! here's another idea.. ... become an all day nibbler.. plan the food you want to consume for the day..... ( on a piece of paper).. then proceed to nibble at it in any order you wish......like have a smallish dish of jello.. dish of applesauce. some sort of protein, like hard boiled egg.. a slice of bread.open a can of sliced pearsone of my favorites for nibbling on... A milkshake setting in fridge..... etc etc.. and when you have eaten some . mark it on your paper. to show Ellis you are eating.. He will have to feed himself his full meal.. ....

[determined]

Jo, all I can say is the above advice is good. That long without food your stomach just can't handle much at a time.I'm sure that Ellis is just worried about you not getting the nutrients that you need. Are you taking any viatimins? I can understand things from Ellis's side of things and I'm sure that there are others here that can also. I've been through it with both parents. Can remember asking them "What do you feel like eating and trying to fix their favorite treats to at least get something in their stomachs. And I know that I haven't been through what you have but when pregnant with both of my daughters for the first 5 months I could eat hardly anything. I actually lost #50 with both of them. Can remember my mom trying to get me to eat. One of my Aunts would bring me chocolate milk shakes from Dairy Queen. I just couldn't keep anything down, nothing tasted good. I like Maye's idea of you writing down what you eat each day to show Ellis that you are eating just not so much at one time. I know that a lot of people don't like the taste of ensure but we had a Dr. tell us years ago to get the carnations instant breakfast and add some extra sugar or to make it into a shake by adding ice cream.

[maxie]

Sounds like good advice from all above...(((Jo)))

[Paula A]

Is there a support group to ask this same question?
And the small bites of a variety of things to help your taste buds and stomach get back to regular food.

[Paula A]

Pat, do you have any ideas?

[JoGee]

I'll have to look for a support group, I guess. Nobody has mentioned one.

Small meals or bites throughout the day sounds good to me.

Darla, he's not worried about vitamins. I have senior vitamins.

Maye, your idea might work for me too. Need to find another notebook.

Nalani, I have a great blender for shakes.

Thanks!

[Pat B]

I faced the same problems, Jo. I had to MAKE myself eat - especially when my feeding tube came out (yes, it FELL out and could not be re-inserted). The doctor told me I would just have to eat. So I started small: sipping broth off of soups and eating a few bites of the veggies when I could. Everyone is right when they say for you to graze all day. And be SURE to concentrate on protein as it speeds up the healing process.

Also - when you feel full, STOP. I know if I don't, I will get sick. One sure sign that I am full is that I still get the hiccups You will learn to listen to your body more closely.

I'm thinking of you daily. {{{{{Jo}}}}}

[boffler]

Like Pat said, protein is very important...get some protein powder to make your shakes do more for you. Small grazing daily, slice of turkey, one oz.. cheese, reduced fat wheat thins, get some Lunchables to keep in the fridge, small and convenient..use smaller plates so it doesn't look so overwhelming...Lots of water or protein water helps to get rid of fluid, reduce sodium intake for sure. I love Lean Cuisines, sometimes can't eat it all, but try and eat the protein portion...thinking of you. Love all the suggestions.

[JoGee]

Pat, I can relate. I know I feel full quickly, but try to pick at what's left later on.
Grazing sounds like the best bet for me.

Sodium has been one of my problems for years.
Yesterday the doc said to concentrate on veggies and protein.

I thank you all for your great suggestions. Lots of good ideas here.
Yesterday I had E pick out the frozen dinners with more veggies. I'm also trying to teach him sauces, gravies, and breaded meats aren't so good for us. Me, anyway.
Doc says No processed foods or meats, either.