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Loss of appetite, how to manage

LillyBear09 profile image
6 Replies

I have met the criteria to get the transplant as my BMI is below the required measure. However my surgeon still believes it would be best for me to lose 20 pounds before the surgery in order to have a better outcome.

I know loss of appetite is one of the symptoms when it comes to ESRD however, it has been very much noticeable. I know 20 pounds is the goal but the feeling of not wanting to eat and not being hungry at all is very alarming. It has come to a point to where I am not hungry l and I eat once a day only because I have to not because I want to. I went to the grocery yesterday and got very few items because I didn't feel hungry and thinking about food makes me nauseated sometimes. With my kidneys declining, I feel as I if I have an eating disorder. 

Has anyone experienced this? and if so, how do you manage? So far I have been eating healthy and clean but not conumsing as much calories. I would say im averaging about 500 to at 800 calories a day. Most I can go is 1000 a day but if I consume that much, I start to feel nauseated. Yes this can probably help with the loosing weight lol, but on a serious note, it is quite scary and alarming.

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LillyBear09
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suzell56 profile image
suzell56

Lillybear ... I too lost my appetite shortly before my diagnosis of CKD. I talked to nephrologist about it and was told it was normal. Some it is the stress on the body. You need to talk with your dr more about that than losing the weight. Good Luck on the transplant, keep us posted. God Bless.

LillyBear09 profile image
LillyBear09 in reply tosuzell56

I know stress on the body is inevitable, it also taints the mental health as well. I will bring it up with my nephrologist and hopefully she has a better insight other than "its part of the symptoms". I will keep on monitoring my health and eating clean, hopefully as time goes by I will be able to tolerate food. Thank you for sharing.

For me, the loss of appetite came after I found out my kidneys aren't playing nice.All of a sudden, I had to change my diet. I don't care for salad, but I started eating it a couple of times a week.No more bacon, but Al Fresco™ chicken bacon is the next best thing. And...no more salt...bummer. Now I eat a good breakfast and little snacks here and there the rest of the day. No appetite for dinner.

Can you check w/ your doctor about taking an appetite stimulant? Also, are you able to work with a dietician?

Wishing you all the best in your path to good health.

LillyBear09 profile image
LillyBear09 in reply toMotherofSchnauzers

Yes I have been working with a nutrition, all of those things you mentioned above pretty much sums the diet. I haven't thought about an appetite stimulant, didnt even know there was such thing. For now, the main thing I am watching is my protein intake. As long as I am under 50-55 grams per day, then thats all that matter (of course with watching the sodium as well). Thank you for sharing.

cadg profile image
cadg

Taking ondansetron can really help with the nausea. I had the opposite probably (I had to gain weight to be healthy enough for surgery), so I was given marinol (spelling?) to help stimulate appetite. Maybe ask your doctor about those 2 options? My nausea was very extreme and it took time to control… but it worked out. Hope you find something that works!

LillyBear09 profile image
LillyBear09

Do you take the nausea medication and appetite stimulant as needed? or do you do implement them on a daily basis with your medications? Im already on so many meds, I dont want to add more pills to my daily intake. I will ask my nephrologist about it and see what she recommends. Hopefully Ill find some answers! thank you for sharing

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