Following tongue resection, I have no appetite. Is this normal?

I had a tumor removed from base of tongue along with a little of my tongue in the area. Also all lymph nodes removed from right side of the neck in April 2023. I had 30 rounds of radiation which ended July 2023.
As of today I have no appetite at all and very little taste. I eat by the clock as I know I need to maintain my weight. However, I can eat and swallow pretty much whatever I want and I thank God for that. I never had a feeding tube. I have heard it can take a year for taste buds to recover and I imagine your appetite would be tied into that.

Hi @doug85254 and welcome. It can take a while for an appetite to come back however it is important to keep your nutrition up, even if you feel full or dislike the taste of things, which is a common side effect. Is it that you are just never feeling hungry? How long ago since your surgery and did you have radiation or chemo as well?

Surgery was 3weeks ago no chemo or radiation. I’ve been on milkshakes for 3 months. Still hurts a little to eat, no appetite

Hi
Thank you for your input. I did not have radiation, but I have had four surgeries total. I do not have an appetite; I have lost my sense of taste, and I am having swallowing issues. The last surgery was September 18–about a month ago.
Again, thank you

Hello,
As for appetite, I was prescribed marinol to increase my appetite.
It did seem to work but I didn’t continue using it because of what it was.

MOJO

I never feel hungry. Also, no radiation or chemo

@doug58, have you considered working with an oncology dietitian? They may be able to offer appetite stimulants or other suggestions.

I’m working with a Mayo Doctor on that.

Hi Doug,
I worked with a speech pathologist who forced me to bring food to the clinic and eat it in front of her each week for a few months. Her theory is that the buds need to be stimulated to "wake up." Eventually, I did get my taste back, mostly. Now, after 14 months, I still get most of my calories from Boost, but I have learned to enjoy cooking and eating very small portions. I am still down about 30 lbs. but I guess this is the new me.
I carry stir sticks in my pocket
https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Silicone-Reusable-Sticks-Stirring/dp/B08CV89P3Z/ref=sxin_16_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.fc48733d-66f8-4b9b-aacf-cfa5b264e791%3Aamzn1.sym.fc48733d-66f8-4b9b-aacf-cfa5b264e791&cv_ct_cx=epoxy+stir+stick&keywords=epoxy+stir+stick&pd_rd_i=B08CV89P3Z&pd_rd_r=b659f127-17cf-4a36-ad08-b90a83d653f6&pd_rd_w=NSNqT&pd_rd_wg=gx3XK&pf_rd_p=fc48733d-66f8-4b9b-aacf-cfa5b264e791&pf_rd_r=KSBRVV6R3JQ04JGZXZSF&qid=1697745475&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sr=1-1-2b34d040-5c83-4b7f-ba01-15975dfb8828-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1
to move the food around in my mouth and I use lots of water to swallow the food. I used to love hot peppers and beer, but now find they burn my mouth. However, Guinness seems to work for me on occasion.
Good luck, hang in there!