Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

The flu and wanting carbs or to eat more calories HELP



Recommended Posts

So, it's been almost a year since surgery. I am down 135lbs. However I just got the flu. I feel like trash I am craving carbs which i havent done. Last three days I've been eating 1400 calories when I nornally do 1100. I've been eating low fat wheat thins, and some other crackers/low calorie toast. I have about 100 carbs a day, but last 3 days have been about 200grams maybe 250 grams. I havent lost anything which is okay. I had the diarrhea for 3 days straight and have been eating pepto chews so I'm sure I'm backed up till Christmas at that rate. I talked to my surgeon since we can call whenever. She said just breath and take care of myself my body is craving carbs for most likely a health and need reason not a binge reason. I've been taking dayquil since this morning and I've been sleeping a lot. Which I feel I desperately need but am reluctant to sleep in. (Old depression with sleeping till 3pm while obese I dont want seasonal depression this year.) Besides this cold I've been doing amazing. I am 15lbs ahead of schedule from what they wanted in a year. I just dont want this cold to become a common binge of carbs so it scares the hell out of me. Anyone else go through the flu and ate more carbs than normal? I need some other peoples stories to help me realize I'm not failing I'm just trying to survive the fly. Love you all by the way ❤️

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The best thing for you right now would be some really good Bone Broth, make a nice Soup. I've made my own bone broth using turkey bones. But you can get bone broth Soups these days too. Kettle & fire makes a high quality bone broth. Maybe mix in a little pumpkin purée to thicken it. I understand craving toast and crackers when sick. There are some low carb options with Protein in them like great low carb bread company. I think it's more about finding something to settle your stomach than a craving, and needing that salt for the electrolytes balance. Dealing with lifelong chronic illness I've had to find other ways to cope without the carbs. Because I've got metabolic disorders and can't exercise. Although you can get protein crisps and bars that might be easier on your stomach without extra carbs or sugar. I eat a Protein Bar with tea for Breakfast for that reason.

I know we tell ourselves to allow certain habits back in because we are sick. I can't tell you what is right or wrong only what I do myself. As long as you are aware and take care and learn healthy habits for when you get sick things will be fine. Some people do ok with some carbs sometimes. I didn't allow leeway until I was in maintenance. Every persons journey is different. I learned the hard way that for me personally every time I had surgery or got sick I'd fall into a carb addiction. Because my stomach and body just wanted bland saltine crackers and chicken noodle soup. Now I just approach it differently.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I say if a few carbs helps you get better go for it - Being Not sick is better the being sick without carbs! ok guys I coined the phrase so you all can not use it without paying royalties

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I kind of had to learn by trial and error what works for me and what doesn't. I learned that I can have chicken noodle Soup and it does still make me feel better when I'm sick. But crackers are not a good idea for me because I'll eat the whole bag, LOL. I can eat some rice when I'm feeling sick, but bread is a no-go. I typically eat more fruit than normal when I have the flu (I don't know why but cold fruit is so good when I'm sick). Sure that pushes my carbs up a bit but I'm okay with that temporarily. I think over time you'll figure out what you can do to feel better without kicking off massive cravings.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had COVID last week and all I could eat without getting sick to my stomach were carbs. I managed to drink one Protein Shake and one Protein bar every day, but anytime I tried to eat something normal with meat or a vegetable, I could eat maybe a bite or two before I felt sick. I did manage to keep down some crackers and a few chips or some things I wouldn't otherwise want to eat. Fortunately, the total quantity was still pretty low and I still lost weight (actually dropped 5 lbs last week).

I'm trying not to stress about it, but I certainly don't want this to be a habit when my appetite returns to normal.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

When I am sick I like the noodle Soup in chicken broth that Lipton makes- red box. As long as you dont have salt restrictions and are able to get fluids in, then I would allow a little extra carb wise when sick. Hope you are feeling better!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 12/04/2020 at 16:38, Maryalice717 said:



So, it's been almost a year since surgery. I am down 135lbs. However I just got the flu. I feel like trash I am craving carbs which i havent done. Last three days I've been eating 1400 calories when I nornally do 1100. I've been eating low fat wheat thins, and some other crackers/low calorie toast. I have about 100 carbs a day, but last 3 days have been about 200grams maybe 250 grams. I havent lost anything which is okay. I had the diarrhea for 3 days straight and have been eating pepto chews so I'm sure I'm backed up till Christmas at that rate. I talked to my surgeon since we can call whenever. She said just breath and take care of myself my body is craving carbs for most likely a health and need reason not a binge reason. I've been taking dayquil since this morning and I've been sleeping a lot. Which I feel I desperately need but am reluctant to sleep in. (Old depression with sleeping till 3pm while obese I dont want seasonal depression this year.) Besides this cold I've been doing amazing. I am 15lbs ahead of schedule from what they wanted in a year. I just dont want this cold to become a common binge of carbs so it scares the hell out of me. Anyone else go through the flu and ate more carbs than normal? I need some other peoples stories to help me realize I'm not failing I'm just trying to survive the fly. Love you all by the way ❤️


If your sick and craving carbs, I’d put a serving size (4-5) whole wheat or whole grain crackers in a Soup. If you have someone to help you, I’d be asking for home made chicken/veggie soup. If you want an instapot recipe I make my own, I just don’t know if I’d feel like making my own if sick. Also cottage cheese and triple 0 Greek yogurts help me when I feel like I NEED carbs. I wouldn’t stress about being perfect while recovering. Get some Gatorade zero, add some yummy crackers, diet cranberry juice and Netflix until better. Hope your feeling better soon 💕

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I recently had a hernia repair surgery and I was so sick those first few days and could only stomach bland carbs like crackers and toast. It’s not the flu but I know what you mean with wanting the carbs to feel better.

Especially with the diarrhea it might be good to stick with the BRAT diet until it gets better just try adding some Protein Powder in to stay up on Protein. Maybe try some of the old standbys from the purée and soft food stages like ricotta bake or refried Beans.

Hope you feel better soon.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×