I'm not eating

[Soberpanda]

Hi all,

It's been about 3 weeks since my surgery and I'm feeling really worried. I'm barely eating at all. Maybe once every 2 days, I'll eat a greek yogurt, an egg, or something. Other than that, I just drink (water, crystal light, diet snapple, sometimes juice). I just ... I dunno.. feel kind of sick all the time, to the point where it makes me even more sick just thinking about eating something.

Protein shakes are the exact same way. Its probably been about a week since I've had one. I'm getting in, on average, about 10 grams of protein a day, and I know that's not good. I don't know what to do about it though. I can't seem to force myself to drink one. I've tried many different ones too. Some I can *barely* stand, others are absolutely undrinkable.

I also feel tired all the time, but I'm unable to sleep. I can lay in bed for hours and I *might* doze off, but then I wake up 1-2 hours later. I've tried taking Tylenol PMs to help, but they don't even faze me. Once, I even took a muscle relaxant, thinking that I could finally get some much needed sleep. I went to sleep easily enough with that, but only for about 3 hours. I think I'm losing my mind.

Does anyone have any tips that might help me?

Thanks.

[christine53]

I would think you need to call your doctor and lay off anything with sugar in it.

[oncebanded]

call the Dr.
why are you even questioning this?

[Mrssimpson]

Try the Isolate protein drink. Gmc has it. 40 grams of protein with 20 oz fluid. I like the grape mist. Tastes a bit like Gatorade g2 grape.

[valdonlon]

Ok a call to your doc is a good idea. BUT>>>>> Go to the store and buy the New Whey Protein shots....They have 26 grams of protein OR 45 grams...There's 2 different kinds. This is why you're tired. Not enough protein or anything for your body to burn for energy. Everything will be ok. You HAVE to take care of yourself better than this honey. Try harder. And call the Doctor tomorrow please. Let us know what happens, we care

[Kelli D]

You need to call your doctor asap. You are seriously compromised right now and need to find a way to get your protein and liquids. You are so tired because of these deficiencies. I really hope you start feeling better soon! Please keep us posted!!

[vickybeads]

That's why you're having trouble sleeping too. Call your doctor before you end up in the hospital.

[jpatches7]

I am three weeks out as well and feel the same way, just not as bad as you. I use the protein shots to get at least 20-30 grams of protein in a day, but it is not easy. I never feel like eating or drinking and I am tired all of the time. I am doing my best to get it all in, but I totally feel your pain. Oh, one thing that I have found that I can drink is chicken broth the warm liquid seems to go down easier, maybe try that. I hope you feel better soon. Keep us posted

[Soberpanda]

Thanks for the replies. I'll make an appointment to see my family doctor tomorrow morning and I'll probably give a call to my nutritionist too.

And protein shots probably are the best way to go for me I think. When I was in the hospital, they had these little sunkist protein shots that had 26g of protein in them each. It was about as much liquid as is in a 5-hour energy shot. Back then, it took me 2 hours just to drink one, sipping it, which made it unbearable because of how concentrated they were. Now though... I might be able to down them in maybe 3 quick gulps. Its an option at least; I'll ask my nutritionist.

EDIT: I'm really glad I joined this site! This community is so supportive and its amazing to have so many people understand what I'm going through.

[Zetagirl66]

You need to eat or drink your protein shakes !! that's IMPERATIVE for your recovery and weight loss. If you are not eating your putting your body in starvation mode. If you can't eat go to your doctor to find out why. When I was 3 weeks out I couldn't eat a lot but I could get some food down.

[Michellelynn]

I couldn't stomach the packaged protein shakes in little cans. They made me want to barf, just the smell made me nauseous. My dietician recommended unflavored whey protein powder. I make my own shakes that taste SO much better than the canned crap. Other than that, the first couple of weeks, once I was off liquids and could have pureed, I only ate what sounded good (hopefully something sounds good), for a few days I ate poached eggs mashed with bit of skim milk or refried beans again thinned with skim milk or water. There are a ton of pretty bland cream soups you could try.

[DAbrego]

I am 5 wks post op and had been dealing with nausea alot. As my protein dropped so did my energy and like you I couldn't sleep. It messed with my mind. Go to the ER. They can give you something for the nausea and will give it to you. Take a protein drink with you too. After I got the anti nausea shot ,30 minutes later I wAs eating cheese. Warm drinks go down much easier. 8oz chicken broth and 1 scoop protein powder and blend and drink. Stay with it. Any time you drop below a certain amount of protein and water for more than 1 or 2 days go to the ER. Good Luck. I love my anti nausea meds now. I take them every morning and am doing much better.

[yankegal]

Contact your dr ASAP! you must get in some protein, you have no energy because you lack the protein your body needs! there are many other sources of protein drinks, I had a hard time myself the first few weeks. there is a site on this forum for idea's on how to make tasty drinks! everyone can tolorate different things to eat or drink. Please take care of yourself we all care about you!

[DS75]

But when do we ever get over this "not wanting to eat or drink anything because it make us sick" feeling?

[vickybeads]

Get an unflavored protein powder (most people on this group say Unjury is good) and mix it with everything you drink!

If you can tolerate bananas, here's something you can try (from "It's all Good" by Gwyneth Paltrow and Julis Turshen (Amazon.com: It's All Good: Delicious, Easy Recipes that Will Make You Look Good and Feel Great eBook: Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Turshen: Books)
except for the protein powder addition:

4 bananas - sliced thin and frozen
1/2 cup unflavored almond milk
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 scoop unflavored protein powder

Throw all above into a good, strong blender/food processor and pulse until the mixture is the texture of soft serve ice cream, scraping down the sides as needed.

Topping:

1/4 cup finely chopped almonds
2 tsp maple syrup
a pinch of course sea salt

In a small bowl combine the almonds with the syrup and the sea salt. Put a spoonful on top of the banana "soft serve" and enjoy.

You CAN DO THIS! BUT, you need/must get your protein and vitamins in........