Weight loss with out an explanation

Hi @badnana1. Welcome to Connect! We are so glad you've joined our community. I certainly understand your concern; that does seem like quite a lot of weight loss. Here is some information from Mayo Clinic about unexplained weight loss: http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/unexplained-weight-loss/basics/definition/sym-20050700.

That kind of weight loss can be indicative of something deeper going on. And that amount of weight loss in such a short period of time can cause other issues that you may need to be cautious of. Have you shared your concern with her doctors? If she will allow you, you may need to attend an appointment with her to act as an advocate. Have you tried protein shakes or something that maybe she would be able to get down that would give her the nutrients her body needs? Are there any foods that she does like? At this point getting her to eat anything would be a success 🙂

I have tried all the above. I take care of her so I take her to her appts, I'm in there with her. I have mentioned this all to her primary Dr and he says he doesn't want to do anything at this time. Why, I ask. What are you waiting for. She is literally wasting away to nothing.

Those are all good questions. If you don't feel like you are getting the answers you need, have you considered looking into a new doctor? These days second opinions are very common.

Yes, I believe in second opinions (and even third opinions if warranted).  Try to find a large medical center that specializes in the problem.  You can "Google" the problem, unexplained weight loss, and perhaps find a doctor or health care system that specializes in that problem.  Let us know what you find out.  Teresa

Good morning @badnana1. Unintentional weight loss is common among older adults. May I ask how old is your mom? You mention her doctors are not concerned about the weight loss. Did they explain why not?

Hun I would so get a second opinion , and pray god will direct you to the right Doctor I so agree that should be a Big concern , Hang in there do not give up .....

I've started having unexplained weight loss since May 2023. I eat every 2 hours almost 18 hours a day since I have insomnia. But I don't gain weight. I don't each junk food because of all the bad stuff in them and nothing with high fructose in it. But the most that happens is I get constipation or diarrhea. I'm drinking unflavored organic coconut milk. And that is better for my GI tract than the lactose free milk I was drinking. But it's still hard to deal with how I look now. I don't feel attractive anymore, my husband is sweet and says I look fine. But when I look in the mirror I have to remind myself to say" I love how I look" why? Because I believe that God knows what is happening to me and he doesn't want me to be discouraged. That he will always be with me no matter what I'm facing. My body is just a temporary thing. Eternity is what I'm looking for. To be with God and have a new and better body. I hope no one is offended by my religious beliefs. They sustain me as I get encouragement from reading the Psalms and seeing what they struggled with and God saw them through all their problems. May be not the way they wanted because God deals with us individually in the manner we live our lives.

Hi Lildiva4jc,
I'm so sorry to hear of your unexplained weight loss. Have you seen your doctor regarding it? It could be serious.
I became incontinent and had unexplained weight loss. The incontinence was actually causing it. The doctor did stop my water pill and that helped. I ate a lot of ice cream and cheesecake along with good quality beef steaks and lots of bread and avocados. I finally started gaining a little weight back. So my clothes finally fit a little better after 4 months! I don't like the way I look either. My husband says I look fine too! Aren't husbands sweet?

You are so right to believe in God and know that life will get better when we are all up in Heaven with God and Jesus and all the angels! Until then, we just have to have faith and keep praying and reading the Bible. My husband and I read the Bible every morning. It starts the day out right. You mentioned you liked Psalms. My favorite is the 23 Psalm.

I hope things work out for you. I'll remember you in my prayers.
PML

Has anyone suggested reversal of the gastric bypass surgery?
If the reason for the weight loss is problems with your liver maybe it would not help anyway?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27387697/
I'm so glad that your faith lends you the comfort and strength you need to get through this difficult time!

You should go to the doctor and do tests to see what could be causing the weight loss. You should do blood tests, and you may need to do a colonoscopy and other tests. I suggest you try to take (timed-release) melatonin before going to sleep, to try to sleep more. Sleep is important for your health. Best of luck.