Weight loss

[Graham39]

I had the op. for oesophageal cancer nine years ago, following which my weight reduced from 13 stone to ten stone and stabilised at that level. In the last three months I have gone down to 9st 4lbs. I have had thorough tests discounting cancer and various blood tests which have proved nothing detrimental. My diet has not altered. I wondered if my body is not absorbing minerals and vitamins correctly. Has anyone else experienced this? I don't feel unwell.

[hunsdon]

Hi graham I had my Ivor Lewis 7 years ago and like you lost weight but now I weight back to what I was, so my loss was 3 stone and know your making wonder if my body is holding on too good thing from my diet !!! But still have some of the side affects from the operation but I am alive xx wish you well x

[Janashlin]

Love reading 9 years and 7 years on updates.

[sallym]

Enjoy your life, all the side effects will come and go and your still here. Nobody knows what round the corner, never ever did

[sallym in reply to sallym]

sorry didn't reach the end now starting my 26th year post op ( suffering with the ability now of being able to press the wrong buttons age related) Good luck sally

[MFH28]

Hi Graham

Like you, I too seem to be experiencing the same issue. My weight came down from 14.5 Stone and has levelled at 10.5. Although I have not had any examinations, I do wonder how some correspondents on this forum seem to be able to return to their former weight whilst others, like us, seem to have a problem.

For me, it has begun to be quite frustrating as I know I look too thin. It’s all very well to hear comments relating to “Still being here” but I, for one, would like to have the ability to increase my weight despite eating six or seven small meals/snacks a day. If anyone has some practical advice I am sure we would welcome it.

[Lara5]

Fantastic you are 9 years post op! It’s amazing to be able to have the Ivor Lewis operation but it is life changing but gives us life. Weight loss has been a serious problem for me as I am petite and was under 8 stone to begin with so struggle to maintain 6 and a bit stone. Any cold or illness brings problems as well as fatigue but I have other conditions too. What maybe helpful for you is having a supplement drink, I get mine prescribed and they are full of vitamins and minerals. You may need to check first whether you have any deficiencies. Another possibility is taking Creon which I tool as had so much Dumping and that slowed it down and helped me gain a couple of pounds which was vital at the time but I have regular pyloric dilatations as need stretching . I follow a lactose free diet which has also helped reduce Dumping and maintain weight as its the sugars that cause problems including obviously refined sugars. Do you have Dumping problems?I hope that you can maintain your weight as I know it’s a worry loosing it but sometimes it becomes our new weight if it stays the same for a while. Good luck.

[kiddy]

Hi I get my bloods done every 3months. . I take multibontics vitamins which has prebiotics in.I have gone up a few pounds in last 6months . Maybe because I am on Creon and eat crisps, cheese . Full fat milk and high fat brings on dumping for me and high sugar.

Best Wishes

Debbie

[tallbear]

Hi Graham I have exactly the same problem and I think the same as you. I think my body has forgotten how to absorb the nutrients and minerals etc. I think it's something to do with cutting the Vegas nerve.

I had the Ivor Lewis just over four years ago and my weight dropped from ten and a half stone to seven and a half.

In the past year it has dropped down to six and a half stone and I have had so many tests, but unfortunately I keep getting weaker and weaker. I was referred to a chest and lung specialist because my breathing was becoming difficult and he thought it was probably as a result of reflux during or after the operation. I feel frustrated and worried because try as they will they can't seem to find a reason for my decline.

I do take supplements every day and was prescribed Calogen all of which I think help me to keep above six stone but I like you wish I could put some weight back on all I do is lose it!

Well good luck to you, I hope you can find a reason for it and start putting a bit of weight back on.

Regards