Stress Center Peer Support

I am hoping I am not the only one here with this problem. I have lost about 35lbs since February and am getting comments about how bad I look. My hip bones and ribs are sticking out and if you saw my collar bone area it is just gross and bony. I try to eat but the thought of food just makes me sick and I know the more I do not eat the worse I am going to feel. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can start eating again and start to feel better. Thank you for any help you can offer.....Pam

Where are you in the program? Have you gone to the doctor about this? I lose some weight from stress and anxiety from time to time but never as much as you are saying. Also I can eat at home, mostly by myself but not always in public or in front of people. If anything start drinking ensure shakes to try to get some nutrients in you.

Hi Heather, yea I have been to the doctor and he told me not to worry about it right now. He also suggested Ensure and I have not tried that yet. I am supposed to go back to him in about 1 month and he said he will see how I am doing then and make more suggestions for me.

Thanks for caring.........Pam

No problem. There was one summer where I practically lived on blueberry muffins, frozen yogurt and soup cause those were the only things that ever sounded good. Looking back now it was the relationship I was in causing alot of the stress. So glad I didn't marry him. Anyhow, maybe try to figure out what is bothering you. I'm guessing food isn't the real issue just easier to control.

Hi. Emmatophobia has a good suggestion, just try to nibble throughout the day. I was exactly like you 6 years ago. I lost over 30 pounds and was down to 110 lbs. Everyone thought I was starving myself on purpose or that I was bulemic, funny because I fear throwing up, and I wasn't doing either of those things! It was my anxiety and phobia that kept me from eating. I could hardly eat, sticking food in my mouth made me sick and very panicky. I eventually did get over it just with time, but I also decided that I needed food and I forced food down my throat, I am now at 128 pounds and feel much better, but I was like that for over a year. It isn't fun though because you know you should be eating and you want to want to eat. I would agree to try and nibble whenever you can or get the chance to. Only eat what sounds good to you for now. If your stomach is upset by the thought of food and you eat something that is just there and doesn't sound too good it can make it worse. Make sure to take vitamins so you can still get some nutrients that your body needs. Try to eat what you can for now and calm yourself down before you eat, while you eat, and after you eat. Just talk positively to yourself, and maybe that will help you build up your hunger or help you eat something. Your body does need food though, hopefully you can start eating a little more or hopefully the doctor will do more for you than tell you to drink ensure...

I had a similar problem going thru a divorce at one time. I lost about 20 lbs, and at the time I could not afford to lose that much. I just could not get myself to eat anything. A visit to the DDS cured me though when he told me my gums were showing anemia and symptoms of malnutrition. Well that scared the heck out of me and I forced myself to start eating. Why I needed someone to scare me into it I don't know, but it worked. I agree with Emma - try small amounts at a time several times a day and try the Ensure drinks.

I thought i was the only one going through this until i found this message board! my doctor gave me prilosec to help calm my stomach down so i could eat something. it helped calm down the nauseua when i thought of food. then i could at least eat some saltines and cheerios. The other post was right just nibble through the day. I haven't heard of the ensure drinks so i will have to try them. Thank you everyone for your advice

Hi Mary Wargo. I had malnutrition too when I wasn't eating, that did help scare me into eating more as well, my teeth weren't getting enough nutrients for so long that I had a lot of problems and a lot of dental work down the road. Ensure does have a lot of nutrients and is good for you body, that might be good if you can get that down or if it sounds good at all, but again just eat what sounds good to you. You will need more than ensure sooner or later.. Good luck.

Hi Medgrl:

I've lost 30 lbs since January and I know when I'm feeling better because my appitite is back. What I have done is eat in front of the TV, that way the TV is distracting me and I'm able to swallow the food. I agree with everyone .... eat smaller amounts...it is way too overwhelming to look at a huge plate of food. But for me,,,distraction, vitamins and ensure is a good thing. Good luck...this stage passes also. You won't be feeling like this for much longer. As your body calms down, your belly will also and your appitite will improve. You're going to be OK and don't sweat that you aren't getting enough in...try to eat good high calorie foods like breads, whole milk, puddings, chicken salad, things that have hidden fat and calories in them.

This is a wonderful place to come for support and I want to thank each and everyone of you for answering my post.

Hope everyone has a great evening.....Pam