Weight Loss

[MikeK]

I had an oesophagectomy 18 months ago. During the period from initial diagnosis to chemotherapy to post op I lost around 2 stone. Although I eat reasonably well and have a good mixed diet I just cannot put on any weigh and over the past 6 months or so I have lost a further half a stone and I am now struggling to stay over 10 stone. In all other respects I feel pretty good although like many patients do get tired at times. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[DaddyPig]

Hi Mike,

When I had my reconstruction, following the loss of my stomach and oesophagus, my medical team told me that I would be in the strange position of being able to eat many things that would be classed as a bad diet for other people. Although it wasn't ideal, I was told that pork fat, which I really love, was good. Basically, if it has the fat or sugar content that allowed me to maintain weight, so much the better. Having no stomach, my situation might be slightly different, but I went from 16 stone down to around 11 1/2 stones. I've since managed to get up to around 12 stones, but have not, since my four operations in 2012, got past 12 stones 5 pounds. Having said that, eating a high calorie/fat/sugar diet (on the basis that it's little and often), has meant that I have not gone back down to the mid-eleven stone position that I started from, and which I was told would require me to go back into hospital.

Best wishes for the future.

[MikeK in reply to DaddyPig]

Many thanks for that - I think you are right as I am being encouraged to eat bacon sandwiches, creamy deserts and drink full fat milk. Its a funny old world!!

[DaddyPig in reply to MikeK]

Hi Mike

There's got to be some plus to what we've had done to us. For me I see it as being the ability to eat lots of fatty and sugary things whenever I want, without putting too much weight on. Not too bad really! (: - )

[alexLS14]

Hi MikeK, I had the same surgery on 1st October 2012. I lost 3 stones and down to just over 10 stone (maintained 64.4 kg for many months now - lost about 1.5 kg recently but I put that down to eating less potatoes and bread as these still make me feel uncomfortable afterwards).

I feel fit and have an active lifestyle - so it's not a problem. I have a bowl of chocolates in the lounge that I keep passing and sampling - much to my wife's envy!

I wouldn't worry as long as you maintain your weight.

[MikeK in reply to alexLS14]

Many thanks

Mike

[Hidden]

It might be worth getting your vitamin / mineral levels checked as vitamin D can get low, along with other things that your new digestion system may no longer be able to absorb so easily. Personally, I would advise a little bit of caution about eating too much sugary food because that can lead to 'dumping' problems.

If you have problems, try Slimfast. It is designed to help people lose weight, and therefore it sounds a peculiar tip, but it avoids some of the food content that might give you trouble. But lots of people do settle down to a new, lighter normal weight, and if you feel OK, do not try and eat simply for the purpose of putting on weight because your new system won't be able to cope. Perhaps squeeze in an extra couple of small snacks during the day?

[MikeK in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks Alan

[Buzzboy]

Hi Mike,

I agree with all the other comments - my operation was just over five years ago and life is good! With the op and the Chemo I lost a third of my body weight - went from 16 stone to 11. Putting weight on and then keeping it is always a problem. I'm now fairly stable at 13 stone. For the first couple of years (when I had zero appetite and everything tasted like cardboard!) a simple reminder gadget helped - a truck driver's 'Tacho Timer' - which was set to sound every two hours - 'Time to Eat'! I still forget to eat sometimes.... and/or overindulge on sugary things - and suffer the consequences.

So - tuck in to those choccies, bacon sandwiches, crumpets with melted cheese etc etc - not all at the same time and VERY small portions!!

[MikeK in reply to Buzzboy]

Many thanks

Mike

[haward]

Hi Mike. I had the full frontal Mercedes star plus sharkbite 15 months ago. I lost over 2 stone and it was nearly a year before I started putting weight on. I've been able to eat plenty but my body has not wanted to use the fuel for weight gain. I'm now just trying to keep weoght gain under control by doing more exercise but keeping up eating and drinking.

[MikeK in reply to haward]

Many thanks

Mike

[westhamwhit]

Hi Mike

I had my op 2 years ago and at 6ft 3 weight 9st 7lbs and am struggling to put on any weight . To worsen matters I have an intolerance to both Gluten and Milk which makes matters difficult in eating high fatty foods! The only positive is that I feel good. Can run out of energy though. I tried a protein shake until I found out it was made of Whey and hence made me feel awful after drinking it.

Any help anyone has would be great. Doctors aren't great. Dieticians bless them aren't much help either!

Michael