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What You Eat in Private, You Wear in Public
Hello, I have an obscure disease that has resulted in having zero appetite, which has resulted in a 40 percent loss of my body weight, which has obviously been very revealing to my community. I may have mentioned that many in my community began shunning and shaming me once I began losing weight, actually being told that I look like a Holocaust victim and should wear make up so I look less gaunt. For what it is worth, the person who said that was once someone I thought was a friend, but is no longer. I have finally been able to deflect this behavior, because I have gotten used to being "thin." I never struggled with a weight problem, my usual weight being around 125 lbs, and now it is hovering around 95 lbs at best.
I literally have to remind myself to eat, and then when I do eat, I have to be careful because I have ulcerative colitis. I am now making a list of those foods which create problems in this regard. I have seen a nutritionist who has given me some very good ideas, but I did have to admit to her that I did not see myself eating the requisite 2000 calories per day. I have tried eating small meals throughout the day, but often "forget" to eat, and then when I do remember it is difficult to do so. I do not have celiac disease. While I have gotten used to this androgynous body, I am still uncomfortable about my appearance, just as I always have been. I have overcome the insensitivity of those I run into during my walks, but there have been times when a person comments, "Why are you so thin," or "You look better wearing make up, keep it up." I hold my tongue when I want to fire back and say, "Why are you obese?"
Does anyone have any ideas about how I can increase my calorie intake without trying to eat a lot at once. I eat a lot of those Perfect Bar protein bars, thinking that the 20 calories they provide are at least enough for one day, but I am getting worried about further weight loss, just as one might get concerned about weight gain. My brain does not tell me to eat unless I force it to. Does anyone have any suggestions in terms of protein bars and things of that nature that I can make myself, as the Perfect Bars are quite expensive. I am getting to the point where I feel, "well, maybe I should just give up eating all together," and this is a scary thought. I am starting to tell myself that no one will ever want me for the sake of my weight. Not that I am looking for a "mate" but it would be nice to hear a compliment once in a while. I wear nice clothes, always look "put together" and things of that nature, but now that I am beginning to lose more weight, I am getting a bit concerned.
Thank you.
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Have you discussed your concerns with your primary care - and are you seeing a nutritionisr?
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4 Reactionsin reply to @pb50 Yes, I have seen and will see the nutritionist again soon. She has suggested adding flax meal to my food for the added protein since I am both malnourished and protein deficient. However, the flax meal is not only expensive, but the amount of protein is minimal in the grand scheme of things. My PCP as well as all of my providers are aware of my eating issue, and only advise me not to lose more weight; however, I have noticed I am dropping a a pound here and there, so am going to step off the scale for a while because it is too upsetting. I imagine a person with the reverse issue might feel the same way. What makes this so difficult is that I really have zero appetite and have to remind myself to eat. Yesterday I "forgot" to eat, and ended up eating yogurt, fruit and granola at 0130 this morning because I tend to get hungry at the weirdest hours. Sigh. Thank you for your response
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2 ReactionsWhat about protein shakes with fruit added? I buy the brand in the pic I attach. It has 20grams of protein and after I ask fruit to it in a blender I get enough for breakfast and lunch. I get cold brew coffee flavor but there’s cookies ‘n cream and dark chocolate and others.
Just a thought. It’s not a lot of calories (180) but protein may prevent muscle wasting.
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3 Reactionsin reply to @pb50. Now this is doable. Thank you! When I began losing weight, I started lifting weights so I would not lose muscle mass, and this has made a huge difference in terms of my appearance and overall mindset. Wow, you are just great!
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4 ReactionsIt’s a bit pricey. About $3 a bottle
But like I said if you add ice or add milk and pour over ice, you get two tall glasses and they are really filling - so I use it for breakfast and lunch. I get it 12 bottles At a time on Amazon but you can buy it individually at some grocery stores in supplements section.
Good luck!
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3 ReactionsHi Frances, I hope you are able to find some solutions. I can't make recommendations about what to eat - my diet is currently a mess - but if you are having trouble remembering to eat, do you think it would help to get a watch with a little alarm that you can set to chime when you want to eat next? I have one on my watch and I use it a lot to remind myself to do stuff. Just a thought.
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2 ReactionsHi there, have you had testing for other abdominal issue besides UC? It might be a good idea to check with your gastro Dr - request some further testing.
Fairlife protein. Shakes, Ensure & boost have been recommended to me by several drs. You can make them into your own homemade smoothies by adding Greek yogurt, fruits, peanut butter ect..... a yummy way to increase calorie intake & necessary vitamins. Best wishes
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3 Reactions@aah - great input! I’m a big Fairlife milk fan because it lasts in the fridge a loooong time and single girls just don’t drink milk that fast. I will have to try their protein products. I’m fond of the cold brew flavor I drink now but I will look for them!
I suggest you study ways to manage the disease itself, in order to stop the weight loss. And have your GP do blood tests and other tests to make sure you don't have anything additional that could also be a cause (hopefully it's "just" the UC).
I suggest having peanut butter and eating nuts, dried fruit... (if that doesn't interfere with the UC). For example, if you eat yoghurt, have a tablespoon of peanut butter with it and 10 nuts.
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3 ReactionsThat’s fascinating! I assumed seeds and nuts were to be avoided. I have microscopic colitis and although no one told me to, I’ve been avoiding nuts and seeds. Love roasted pecans and would love To add them back to my diet