Loss of appetite

[Mary]

Does anyone have any ideas or recommendations as to how to stimulate my appetite. I have completely lost all interest in food and, as someone who enjoys their food, am finding it very difficult to deal with this aspect. In addition, I can ill afford to lose weight. Any advice would be welcome.

[spanishanna]

Hi Mary,

It is a very difficult one this, I too love my food but have lost all interest due to the treatment I have been on, thankfully this is changing on Wed, so fingers crossed the next lot is better. Is it the treatment that you are on that is causing this problem ? If so are you taking your anti nausea tablets, because if you are feeling sick you won't want to eat.

So many if us struggle to eat, I am presently like that and have lost so much weight. My Dr always says eat little and often but I can't do that, I have to have my set 3 meals a day. I have also been put on daily steroid injections for 5 days to boost the appetite, it worked, but now off them I am back to square one again. But I do always try and eat even if the appetite isn't there. I always also cook what I fancy, even if it is only fish fingers lol. It is better to get some food down you than none.

One thing I have bought and you will be able to get it through your GP on prescription in the UK is called ENSURE PLUS. It is literally a meal in a bottle and I try and have one a day to help try and get the weight up.

As hubby and I are retired we always eat out a couple of times a week and I always eat more than if I cook myself.

If anyone else has any other suggestions I too would be happy to hear them.

Love Anna xx

[BusyLizzie]

Hi Mary,

It is distressing to see your body start to behave differently, I know this from experience as my muscles seem to be wasting. I think it is more because I have not been getting the nutrition out of the food, rather than the lack of it through loss of appetite, but like you I am slim and can ill afford to lose weight.

For loss of appetite I also was told about the 'budy bulking' drinks which can help, if you see your GP as Anna says, they will prescribe them for you.

Have you tried a glass of wine with your meals? That is even suggested on some of the cancer nutritiion sites as a way of boosting appetite.

I would also say some of what you fancy does you good. For me treats are:- Apple Pie and Cream, Thorntons Continental Chocolates, The odd Pizza, Leicester Cream on Crackers. None of which is 'good for you' but when you need a boost is excellent. I find boiled eggs for breakfast (protein) with a nice wholemeal toast (carbs) starts me well for the day. An easy healthy few meals are a chicken stew too, make it once and it can last a few days. Tasty, lots of juice and nutritious. I was very good with diet last year and my CA125 kept climbing even on chemo. This year when I had given into the envitable, I relaxed my regime with some of the above, and lo and behold chemo seems to have kicked in for a while!

I wish you well Mary and hope you can rekindle the fun of food. Please let us know how you get on, and what does the trick for you.

Love Lizzie

X

[sarah1963]

Dear Mary

I know exactly how you feel. I usually really enjoy my food but because of the treatment it is just a case of putting it in my mouth. Half way through a meal I just lose interest and struggle. Stupid as it sounds I find this really miserable. Keeping the weight up is difficult. l start the day with peanut butter as I know it is very fattening and high in protein. I also nibble on dark chocolate when I need a lift. I too have resorted to the Ensure drinks but try nowadays to sit down with the family. Have you tried eating in front of the TV? You sometimes find that if you are watching something interesting - the food has gone from the plate without you realising it. That might be the dog!

Good luck. Keep at it.

Love Sarah

[Jan76]

Hi there Mary ,

My appitite has been pretty good on the carbo /taxol ..first few days after treatment might have a bit of indigestion and sometimes don't feel like eating a lot ..

Melon is nice and fresh and easy to eat but thats if you like it , yogurt with fresh raspberries ..I have soup when I don't feel like to much or fish and a jacket potatoe .Ginger biscuits ..swear by them .... even in the middle of the night ..they help ...do hope you start to enjoy your food soon ..

I am a three meals a day girl and I always start the day with a good breakfast .

Take care now ..

Love Janet xx

[Hidden]

Dear Mary

I lost two stone after being diagnosed and had to start thinking about finding tempting things to eat. For some reason my tastes changed completely during chemotherapy and I liked strong or spicy foods. For some reason Branston Pickle became a favourite - and I know I absolutely hate the stuff!!!

I really enjoyed Ken Hom's cook book. His recipes are really quick and simple to prepare and I liked the strong sweet and sour flavours that seemed to stimulate the appetite. I also invested in a proper juicer and absolutely love fresh pineapple juice or kiwi fruit and fresh ginger juice.

Good luck with your search for tasty food. There are plenty of ideas above this message.

xx Annie

[BusyLizzie]

Another suggestion...talk to your GP about some steriods - these can boost appetitie.

Love Lizzie

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