Stomach burns after hernia repair
Q: Dear Donovan,
I recently did surgery to close up a hernia, but since then I either have no appetite or get stomach burns when I eat. I also weigh 246 pounds and I’m 5 feet, seven inches tall. My goal is to lose at least 86 pounds before next summer. I’m prepared and up for the task but what I didn’t mention is that most of what I eat burns my stomach. I don’t eat spicy foods. I have tried drinking my vegetables and it’s soothing, but when it comes to solid foods it burns. As for exercise, that has been a challenge but I get in 20 minutes per day. So far I haven’t recorded any weight loss and I believe it’s mainly because of my dietary issues — being afraid to eat (because of the stomach burns) thus affecting my leptin resistance. Can you advise me how to tailor my diet, bearing in mind what I’ve told you, in order to achieve my personal weight loss goal?
A: It is quite normal for most people to lose their appetite after surgery. Post-operative appetite loss may last for a few days or a few months. The loss of appetite is usually caused by stress surrounding surgery, the medication, and even the anaesthesia used.
You also mentioned that you are having stomach burns after eating solid foods. It is very important that you get this checked out. It should be under control to ensure that you do not develop a stomach ulcer. In your case, I am very surprised that you have not lost any weight given that you have lost your appetite and are having stomach burns. This means that you would have been eating less and your calorie intake would be reduced. I hope your scale is working.
However, it is important that you eat healthy and consume enough calories to keep you strong. The fact that you want to lose weight and you are having stomach issues means that your diet will have to be adjusted. As you have found out, vegetable juices, especially green juice, is very soothing to the stomach and it will also help with your weight loss. Overall, it is easier to drink than to eat. Therefore, your diet should consist mainly of soups, yogurt, shakes, juices, smoothies and soft fruits.
You should watch your calorie intake. The good thing that works in your favour is that you do not have much of an appetite. Therefore, I would suggest that you have smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. In addition, try drinking five to eight glasses of water daily. Exercising is also important to reduce calories and stress. Also, this will help with your weight loss process.
Try to do at least 15 minutes more exercise per day. It is better to do more cardiovascular exercises instead of muscle-building types. Overall, I hope you are not taking any medication which will slow your weight loss results. Good luck!
We will answer your weight-related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, Suite 16, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Send your questions to clarkep@ jamaicaobserver.com.
