My husband is just over 5 months post op and all things considered he is doing well. His biggest problem, like you all, is eating enough to maintain and even gain weight! He as lost just over 2 stone since his op. We keep a Food diary, try to choose high protein foods but it is nigh on impossible to get much more than 1800 calories in each day. If he eats too much he’s in danger of dumping, or feeling full and nauseaus.
He is also still very fatigued, but When he is out with friends he picks up considerably which makes me feel that some of his issues are related to his psychological state. I know he is not making things up, but when he doesn’t feel so good, then naturally it makes him feel ‘down’, then it’s difficult for him to lift his spirits. He has seen his GP and is now on an anti-depressant which we hope will help.
Any tips on how to maintain your weight and lift his spirits will be gratefully received. Thank you everyone for your posts, they are of great comfort, it’s good to know we are not alone!
One of the biggest problems we face is worrying about losing weight and how much to eat. Your body will tell you what you can eat, little and often is the secret, loads of snacking. Do not force food into your system, guaranteed to make you ill. Do not eat in the evenings. I like breakfast time and graze quite a lot, one weetabix followed by toast and cheeses fruit juice and tea. All taken over about a two hour period. I like a small beer at lunchtime which helps to give me an appetite but remembering that my stomach is so much smaller now.
Exercise is so important, once again it helps with appetite, digestion and keeping regular. I lost over 3 stones and am only just beginning to gain weight after 18 months. OK, I needed to lose the weight so it wasn't such a problem. Having a dog to take for walks is a bonus, just getting out cheers me up, To put on weight you need to improve muscle tone, hence exercise. Good luck.
Thanks for your tips, we went to the gym together this morning, he did well and is def going again. Your breakfast sounds good, variety of texture and flavours. We are going on holiday soon so will give it a try! Thanks again, and good luck with your continued recovery.