Losing Too Much Weight

Hello All,

I am writing to get some help. Mom went through transhiatal esophagectomy surgery this past summer. The surgery was successful and she is recovering well except she keeps losing weight. She is doing almost everything the nutritionist recommended but still she is dropping pounds every week. Are there any additional supplements she should be taking? I am scared she may be fading away...

 thank you

 S

Dear S,

I had the same surgery in 04 on April 2nd.  I continued to lose weight through October of that year. I realized what was happening and forced myself to eat.  I started eating anything high calories and protein.  I started by eating a bite or two every hour.  I was never hungry and it was an effort.  Sometimes just the smell of food made me sick.  I also was "dumping" so much I knew I wasn't keeping enough calories in me.  I lost a total of 37 lbs before I leveled off at 106 lbs.  (I have never been a big woman, I was 65 at the time I am now 68) I am now at 114 and seem to gain a pound ever couple of months.  I have learned how to eat and what suits my system best.  Although I still have acid reflux and once in a while diahrea hits me, I know this is the new norm for me.  As long as I am cancer free, I can live with the aftermath. If I think something sounds good to eat I get it.  I might not eat but three bites, but then again I might eat twenty.  I do not consider it a waste if I can't eat it all.  I am eating to live, I do not live to eat. I will remember your Mom and you in my prayers.  I know this is hard on you.  God Bless you both.

Gerri     

Hi S!  Like you I lost a heap of weight -- total 50kg.  With no appetite for 3 months and after being 'peg' fed, I was placed in hospice.  With the support of my wonderful husband, who encouraged me to eat every time I woke up, I managed one bite at a time, one sip at a time.  Many times I lost it - vomit/diah., but he persevered, and SO DID I -- especially when even the smell/sight of food made me ill. This went on for months, but gradually I regained about 20kg.  I am certain that I am alive because I had the weight to lose, and my husband is so fixed on this idea that he continues to help me to maintain my weight as an insurance to the next hurdle.  As I have a so called 'terminal' cancer, Multiple Myeloma, I too feel that it is important to maintain my weight and eat as healthily as possible.  Try to stay as healthy as possible -- in body, mind and spirit, and seize the day!!  Best wishes, Cath