APPETITE

Mike

When I started eating again it took time before I could eat a full meal. What I did was to eat a little all day long so I could get the calories I needed and before long I was eating like everyone else just a lot slower, first man at the table and last to leave.

All the best to you
Hondo

MarkN_CT said:

Appetite
Mike, I had the same problem when I started eating again. I would have a protein drink in the morning(250 calories), and a couple of Ensures / Boosts (700 calories total) during the day, and eat whatever I could get down. It wasn't much, but It was enough to stabilize my weight so that I could get the tube out, which was my goal. Soups and stews were a favorite of mine during that time, as was any kind of Chinese food. Most dishes have a sauce that makes them easy to swallow, and I stuck to mostly bland stuff so as not to irritate my mouth too much. Also, it was suggested by my nutritionist to not focus on three meals a day. More like 4, 5, or 6 snacks throughout the day - so it doesn't feel like you fill up as much.

Good luck, Mike. Hope this helps.

yep, sounds normal.
I had the same problem. I could only eat about two tbs full of food and then felt sick when I frist started to eat. Of course I didn't eat anything by mouth for like 8 months, so I am sure my stomach shrunk. My food pump had to deliver my food super slowly or it wouldn't stay down.

Also, it was so hard for me to swallow that two table spoons of food that I would need to drink two cups of milk to get two tbs. of food down. You just have to keep working on it, it takes time. You need to keep eating small meals throughout the day. I often joke and say all I feel like I do is eat and brush my teeth all day. And cook. It's pretty much true.

Now, I can finally eat a decent plate of food lo these many months later. It takes me an hour, but I get it down. Sometimes, depending on what I eat, and if it's something that takes a really long time, like the other night I was trying to get down a piece of fish and some veggies, it took me an hour and a half, and it tooks so slow I never even felt full. My belly wanted more, but my mouth an tongue were hurting too much. And I was too tired.

I eat about 6 times a day. not full meals, mind you, but like staggerd stuff through out the day. they say its better to eat that way anyway. i used to only eat twice a day, sometimes three if i only worked an 8 hr day and not a 13.

Megace (Megestrol)
This stuff worked wonders for me. I had no appetite and started taking this (my oncologist prescribed it) and it really works. It wasnt really a problem of the getting the food down, i just wasnt hungry. I lost 35lbs through treatment (last treatment dec 24th 2009) and I am back to my normal weight. Ask your doctor about it. I hope this helps.

luv4lacrosse said:

MEGASTROL
Thanks so much for the information. I will run this by my Doc.

BEST!!

Mike

Megace
Type in the word Megace in the above search coloum.I believe Pattyanny was on it for a bit.
She may be able to help you.