Worried about getting too thin?

[AJW 18]

OK, never thought this would be an issue but here it is. I'm 114.2 pounds today. That's a loss of 132 pounds from where I started, and I'm 5'-7.5" tall. I have no butt and my pubic bone is protruding. I've lost the fat pads in my face and look gaunt. It's not that attractive on an older woman, trust me. I've had a stomach bug the last 4 or 5 days, so have not been able to eat and will lose a pound a day if I can't eat. This isn't good. My skinny pants are getting lose and I'm a size 26 in pants now. I can't eat junk because it makes me ill, so I have to eat good stuff only. It's an interesting place to be. My friends are saying I look TOO THIN; people think I'm ill. Wonder if any of you share this perspective yourselves? Let me know if you're considered by friends and family as too thin. Thanks

[BlackBerryJuice 349]

Obviously don't have that problem yet at a BMI of 26, but I'm thinking, what about using healthy foods for weight gain? Drinking whole milk and juice instead of Water or sugar-free drinks comes to mind. You could easily add 300-400 calories a day with that - even more if you felt the need to. 114 lbs at your height is very low and below healthy BMI, but it sounds like you already know that, anyway. You might have heard about higher mortality in underweight people before - this is because underweight people don't have as many reserves to get them through a bout with serious illness. So it's definitely important to do something to try and bring your weight up into a healthy range.

[Tiffykins 672]

When I kept dropping weight I added a few healthy fatty foods and 100% juice to my daily intake. I drank grape juice on a daily basis, and would eat 2-3 avocados per week. I tanked up on Peanut Butter, and started eating white carbs(not in huge quantities, mainly potatoes, and tortillas). It's honestly the only way I've been able to maintain. If I cut these foods out, I lose weight again. Have you had any labs pulled lately, especially a full thyroid panel? I know when I saw my surgeon at my 12 yr f/u he was concerned that was struggling to maintain, and still losing. Of course, my labs were perfect, but my thyroid levels had changed from what they were pre-op. But, maybe getting some labs pulled would be a good place to start.

[pumpkin07 32]

Hmmm...this is one thing my primary doctor does NOT like about the sleeve - that it is irreversible in that way. He says it is not uncommon for people to not be able to maintain a good weight. I didn't ask his opinion before the surgery. But because of his concern I have tried to start leveling off before I get to my goal weight. I even thought of changing my goal for that reason, to leave a cushion.

So why can you not eat much...just no appetite or bc of the virus? What is your plan? I wonder why some people lose and can't stop losing? Is it bc sleeve is too small, appetite is too small, or maybe some other health reason? I have no advise, it is obvious that you need some really great advice and attention from someone who can help you day by day to get your weight back up again. I am really worried about you, that is just too thin.

It would be a shame to lose a lot of health risks only to gain another risk. I'm sure with a lot of work you can regain the weight. But you gotta be able to eat to make that happen, right?

Best wishes to you. I certainly wish I could help. It is a scarey risk that is hard to comprehend when you are overweight. Can't imagine not being able to eat, not having an appetite, etc. But now it is a little clearer. I get worried when people lose their weight so darn fast. But not many people post with this complaint. BUt obviously my doctor has read about the problem so it must be in the record books as a problem for other patients.

I bet your hubby is kinda worried too. Take care of you!

[feedyoureye 3,087]

This is just a thought from someone who has not had this problem (yet...)

You know how almost everyone who gets the sleeve needs to really concentrate in the beginning on getting in their 64oz of Water and 60-80 grams of Protein? Perhaps you need to concentrate just like that again... fitting in your ozs of Protein Drink, food and water every 15 minutes until you have had what you need to achieve optimum health. You really need your medicine right now. Food and nutrition is the medicine you need for your life. Do you still take a PPI? If so, perhaps going off would help your appetite... is your appetite even the problem? If so, perhaps medical marijuana might help... just a thought....Best of luck solving this very unlikely problem... who would have thought!? I hope I don't sound stupid here... I'm sure you have tried many things already.

[AJW 18]

Thanks you guys. I don't take a PPI, and haven't since about 6 weeks out. Whatever happened to my stomach - bug or whatever - has left me 4 pounds down from where I was, and at this weight (today 113) I just feel weak and unsteady. I had a Protein drink this AM, with over 300 cal. in it, so if I can keep that down that will help. I ate some turkey and potatoes last night, very small amt., and was stuffed. I later tried a small piece of pumpkin pie and could only eat 1/2. I haven't had much appetite since getting this bug thing, if that's what it is, and am facing a lot of stress with an upcoming move. The stress of the move has me stressing just sitting here, and we're moving to a colder climate which I can't tolerate as well now as I could with fat on me. I honestly don't know how I'm going to handle all this. Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts. Thank you.

[pumpkin07 32]

I think you have gotten some great suggestions. You have been on my mind all night, bc I keep thinking you are gonna have to eat regularly. If the move is too stressful, maybe don't do it. I think your health is the most important thing right now, right? I bet your husband is very worried. I am praying for your weight gain.

Do you think they made the sleeve too small? Since you are tall I would think it would be longer that some of us shorties. But perhaps you can't get enough food down or you don't eat often enough.

You need to find some fatty foods, some kind of balance. Seem like TIff got the hang of it with her small sleeve. But hopefully you are getting medical care.

Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you and hoping/praying you'll get some fat on those bones soon.

[chilo1 62]

Thanks you guys. I don't take a PPI, and haven't since about 6 weeks out. Whatever happened to my stomach - bug or whatever - has left me 4 pounds down from where I was, and at this weight (today 113) I just feel weak and unsteady. I had a Protein drink this AM, with over 300 cal. in it, so if I can keep that down that will help. I ate some turkey and potatoes last night, very small amt., and was stuffed. I later tried a small piece of pumpkin pie and could only eat 1/2. I haven't had much appetite since getting this bug thing, if that's what it is, and am facing a lot of stress with an upcoming move. The stress of the move has me stressing just sitting here, and we're moving to a colder climate which I can't tolerate as well now as I could with fat on me. I honestly don't know how I'm going to handle all this. Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts. Thank you.

I did worry about this at some point but I don't anymore, as my weight loss has slowed down because I'm eating near 1000 cal a day. I would suggest you eat more high calorie foods that aren't that "heavy" on you tummy, like fruit smoothies add a bit of ice cream (sorbet), full fat milk as tiiffy suggested, and little higher calorie Snacks, like granola bars, avocado (again as Tiff suggested) have you ever tried avocado withbrown sugar or honey and lemon,makes a really nice sweet treat. Rice pudding with full fat milk and a bit of cream and cinammon also makes a nice little treat. In the past I've helped patients who struggled with keeping their weight up so feel free to ask for any other suggestions, will keep you in my prayers

[Oregondaisy 2,019]

Eating healthy fats is a good way to stabilize weight loss. Nuts are often suggested by doctors as healthy Snacks. As Tiff suggested, Peanut Butter is another healthy fat. You can eat it on crackers. I like to smear it on apples. You can eat more fruit too. You may have to concentrate on eating small amounts more often.

[BobBayCityMI 111]

I am now 5 pounds under my original goal, and I will probably go further. It is not bad for me as it is a reasonable loss encouraged by a solid work out program. My only concern is that I usually average under 1200 calories per day simply because I am not hungry and do not find much food to be desirable. I agree about the PB as it is something that goes down easily and burps up nice. I continue to have some days of better eating than others, and my acid problem flares up on occasion. But, you know, compared to how miserable and disgusting I felt 150+ pounds ago, I will take this problem any day!

[NtvTxn 1,262]

OK, never thought this would be an issue but here it is. I'm 114.2 pounds today. That's a loss of 132 pounds from where I started, and I'm 5'-7.5" tall. I have no butt and my pubic bone is protruding. I've lost the fat pads in my face and look gaunt. It's not that attractive on an older woman, trust me. I've had a stomach bug the last 4 or 5 days, so have not been able to eat and will lose a pound a day if I can't eat. This isn't good. My skinny pants are getting lose and I'm a size 26 in pants now. I can't eat junk because it makes me ill, so I have to eat good stuff only. It's an interesting place to be. My friends are saying I look TOO THIN; people think I'm ill. Wonder if any of you share this perspective yourselves? Let me know if you're considered by friends and family as too thin. Thanks

This is something that my husband has worried about since before surgery. How do I stop losing! Here we are three days after Thanksgiving and I'm down 1.5 lbs since Thanksgiving day. I reached goal earlier this month, just under five months and I'm feeling my way through this maintaining business. I'm about six lbs under as of today....I don't want to find myself in your situation. I am "snacking". My dietitian...and Tiffykins have made suggestions. I just have to find that fine line, a balance. I have almonds that I have weighed and have in snack bags, a half oz each. I just bought some sunflower seeds that are already shelled. I like Peanut Butter, so I'll have a half a half sandwich and I'll even put a tiny bit of jelly on it. I've already gone up to 1% milk....do I dare go up to 2%?? Have you considered doing that, or even whole milk??!! The dietitian suggested allowing myself some gravies or sauces on the side to up my calories a little - so I'm doing that when we go out. It is weird back tracking, I feel like I'm undoing my way of thinking. sauces and GRAVIES??!!! Yikes, she even said to use full fat cheese rather than the 2% that I use. I have not done that yet! What changes have you made to increase your calories? Other than pumpkin bread at Star Bucks....a few little bites....I am not into sweets either, that is not where I'll get my calories. I have not been told that I am TOO thin, but I have been called thin and skinny....and several have said "whoa, you've lost enough" - "when are you stopping" or words to that affect.

Good luck!!!

[emilygrace 5]

Definitely see a doctor to rule out various things such as thyroid as Tiffy suggested. That can make your metabolism work too fast.

If you can't tolerate solids right now, can you go back to liquids/protein shakes/meal replacements? That should enable you to get in a lot more calories than you're eating, at least while you're ill.

[Jolanda 23]

I still have foods I can only eat a little of, and chicken/turkey is one. Also bread makes me feel nauseous very easily. I have had no trouble maintaining: I stopped eating light foods, mostly, added some good carbs like müsli and also added chocolate and nuts in my diet. I could still gain weight eating Cookies and cake, so those things I avoid. Salmon is good: lots of good fat and at least for me I can eat "a lot" (for me!) of it.

If it helps you in any way, this is what I ate yesterday:

breakfast: full fat yoghurt, spoonful of strawberry jam, Alpen müsli (3-4 spoonfuls), flax seeds, sunflower seeds

mid-morning: a latte

lunch: homemade lasagna (about 200 grams), some red pepper and green salad

mid-afternoon: two handfuls of cashew nuts

dinner: a piece of salmon, a little fresh Pasta, some creamy sauce

- this added up to about 1600 calories, which seems to be what I maintain on nowadays.

[NtvTxn 1,262]

How are you feeling? What does your surgeon suggest? I can see how this could happen. So far I am able to maintain. I'm getting the hang of it, I've been at goal for about six weeks, but it seems like I eat all the time just to get the additional calories in to do so. I can't possibly eat extra food at meal times because of the restriction, so I have to eat a little here and there throughout the day. I'm not complaining, I LOVE my sleeve, but it is a whole different way to think now....and this is the new normal. Can you drink milk? If so, are you drinking 2% or full fat? How about milk shakes, they don't really seem like junk food, and should give you calories. I'm trying to think of things that are not just pure junk, and since they are milk based and have loads of calories, it seems like a win/win thing! I know they told me to eat meat that was was higher in fat I.E. Ribeye steak and not to be afraid to have gravies or sauces on the side occasionally to add some calories in. Are these things you've tried? Good luck!!!

Thanks you guys. I don't take a PPI, and haven't since about 6 weeks out. Whatever happened to my stomach - bug or whatever - has left me 4 pounds down from where I was, and at this weight (today 113) I just feel weak and unsteady. I had a Protein drink this AM, with over 300 cal. in it, so if I can keep that down that will help. I ate some turkey and potatoes last night, very small amt., and was stuffed. I later tried a small piece of pumpkin pie and could only eat 1/2. I haven't had much appetite since getting this bug thing, if that's what it is, and am facing a lot of stress with an upcoming move. The stress of the move has me stressing just sitting here, and we're moving to a colder climate which I can't tolerate as well now as I could with fat on me. I honestly don't know how I'm going to handle all this. Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts. Thank you.

[Oregondaisy 2,019]

ALJ, how are you doing now?

It's been a month since you posted that you were having trouble maintaining. I hope you will post and tell us if you've found a balance yet.