Health issue and can barely eat at BMR--how long can/should I do this?

lightenup2016

I have another post describing this sudden stomach pain and loss of appetite I’ve had for two weeks now. The pain and full feeling I get upon eating has made it difficult for me to eat up to my goal calories of 1550-1700 (for a loss of 1 lb/week). My TDEE is about 2100 calories. My BMR is around 1250. I’ve averaged about 1160 per day for the past 2 weeks.

I could only get an appt with a gastroenterologist for 3/18—one month out from now. My GP knows I'm losing extra weight from this, and suggested Prilosec until I can get into the gastro doc. I've begun the Prilosec but it hasn't changed much. Should I continue eating like this for that long (I’m about 10-15 lbs from goal)? Should I really try to force eating more and feeling worse? Or should I push my doctor to try to get me in sooner? I actually have tried the latter, and I’m still waiting to hear back. I called another gastro office on my own and they also said mid-March.

Thanks for any thoughts. I’ve never had any kind of stomach/GI issue, so this is very new and strange for me. I want to lose a little more weight, but the healthy way!

cmriverside

Up to you, I would push for an emergency appointment if you think it's an emergency. Otherwise, at least you're getting closer to 1200 now. Have you tried foods that are commonly prescribed for stomach problems? White rice, white bread, ginger ale, saltines, toast, canned vegetables or well cooked vegetables, fruit juice, cottage cheese. I would eat whatever I could keep down. Root beer floats come to mind, they always help when I'm sick.

kshama2001

Are you still having pain after bland foods like crackers? Is there anything you can tolerate? Rice? Bananas?

https://prilosecotc.com/en-us/article/faqs-about-prilosec-otc

Does Prilosec OTC work right away?

Prilosec OTC starts to work on the very first day of treatment, but may take 1 to 4 days for full effect (although some people get complete relief within 24 hours). Even though you may feel heartburn relief in the first few days, make sure to take the entire 14 days of dosing to treat your frequent heartburn. Prilosec OTC is not meant for immediate relief. Taking Prilosec OTC every day for 14 days helps to ensure that acid production is consistently controlled.

kshama2001

For context, here is the OP's other thread: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10784528/stomach-pain-after-eating

kshama2001

Bland food diet info:

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000068.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/bland-diet

If you're dealing with gastrointestinal distress, eating a bland diet may help relieve heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. A bland diet can also be an effective way to treat peptic ulcers, especially when coupled with certain lifestyle changes, such as lessening stress.

To fit the bill, bland foods are typically soft in texture, lower in fiber, higher in pH, and mildly seasoned. These factors help prevent an increase in acid production, reflux, or other irritation to your digestive tract.

Despite its name, eating a bland diet can be as tasty as it is comforting to the gut. The best dietary approach for digestive symptoms is one that targets the root cause of your symptoms, so recommendations may vary from person to person. But generally, here’s what you should eat, and what you should avoid.

snickerscharlie

lightenup2016 wrote: »

I have another post describing this sudden stomach pain and loss of appetite I’ve had for two weeks now. The pain and full feeling I get upon eating has made it difficult for me to eat up to my goal calories of 1550-1700 (for a loss of 1 lb/week). My TDEE is about 2100 calories. My BMR is around 1250. I’ve averaged about 1160 per day for the past 2 weeks.

I could only get an appt with a gastroenterologist for 3/18—one month out from now. My GP knows I'm losing extra weight from this, and suggested Prilosec until I can get into the gastro doc. I've begun the Prilosec but it hasn't changed much. Should I continue eating like this for that long (I’m about 10-15 lbs from goal)? Should I really try to force eating more and feeling worse? Or should I push my doctor to try to get me in sooner? I actually have tried the latter, and I’m still waiting to hear back. I called another gastro office on my own and they also said mid-March.

Thanks for any thoughts. I’ve never had any kind of stomach/GI issue, so this is very new and strange for me. I want to lose a little more weight, but the healthy way!

Have you told the gastroenterologist's office that you're available to come in on short notice if someone else has to cancel their appointment? That's always worked well for me.

Also, why not just update the current thread you have going on this very subject? Having two is confusing.

lightenup2016

cmriverside wrote: »

Up to you, I would push for an emergency appointment if you think it's an emergency. Otherwise, at least you're getting closer to 1200 now. Have you tried foods that are commonly prescribed for stomach problems? White rice, white bread, ginger ale, saltines, toast, canned vegetables or well cooked vegetables, fruit juice, cottage cheese. I would eat whatever I could keep down. Root beer floats come to mind, they always help when I'm sick.

I’ve definitely gone with blander food. I usually love spicy foods, and that doesn’t sound good now. Crackers did still hurt, and pasta as well. I’m going to try white rice tonight. Some of the other suggestions are off the table because I already think they’re gross, lol (ginger ale, cottage cheese, root beer).

It seems to be more of an issue with volume, but I will concentrate more on bland food. Protein seems to be worse, maybe because it’s filling? Anyway, thx!

lightenup2016

snickerscharlie wrote: »

lightenup2016 wrote: »

I have another post describing this sudden stomach pain and loss of appetite I’ve had for two weeks now. The pain and full feeling I get upon eating has made it difficult for me to eat up to my goal calories of 1550-1700 (for a loss of 1 lb/week). My TDEE is about 2100 calories. My BMR is around 1250. I’ve averaged about 1160 per day for the past 2 weeks.

I could only get an appt with a gastroenterologist for 3/18—one month out from now. My GP knows I'm losing extra weight from this, and suggested Prilosec until I can get into the gastro doc. I've begun the Prilosec but it hasn't changed much. Should I continue eating like this for that long (I’m about 10-15 lbs from goal)? Should I really try to force eating more and feeling worse? Or should I push my doctor to try to get me in sooner? I actually have tried the latter, and I’m still waiting to hear back. I called another gastro office on my own and they also said mid-March.

Thanks for any thoughts. I’ve never had any kind of stomach/GI issue, so this is very new and strange for me. I want to lose a little more weight, but the healthy way!

Have you told the gastroenterologist's office that you're available to come in on short notice if someone else has to cancel their appointment? That's always worked well for me.

Also, why not just update the current thread you have going on this very subject? Having two is confusing.

Yes I did ask to be on the waitlist for a cancellation.

I guess I figured this is more about calories and rapid weight loss, while the other was a question of what the heck could this be? I’m sorry to confuse, I can go back to the other thread. Like I said, I’ve never had an issue like this before! Thank you!

cmriverside

You're fine, this new thread is a different topic.

lightenup2016

cmriverside wrote: »

You're fine, this new thread is a different topic.

Too late!! 🤪 Lol

fdlewenstein

lightenup2016 wrote: »

I have another post describing this sudden stomach pain and loss of appetite I’ve had for two weeks now. The pain and full feeling I get upon eating has made it difficult for me to eat up to my goal calories of 1550-1700 (for a loss of 1 lb/week). My TDEE is about 2100 calories. My BMR is around 1250. I’ve averaged about 1160 per day for the past 2 weeks.

I could only get an appt with a gastroenterologist for 3/18—one month out from now. My GP knows I'm losing extra weight from this, and suggested Prilosec until I can get into the gastro doc. I've begun the Prilosec but it hasn't changed much. Should I continue eating like this for that long (I’m about 10-15 lbs from goal)? Should I really try to force eating more and feeling worse? Or should I push my doctor to try to get me in sooner? I actually have tried the latter, and I’m still waiting to hear back. I called another gastro office on my own and they also said mid-March.

Thanks for any thoughts. I’ve never had any kind of stomach/GI issue, so this is very new and strange for me. I want to lose a little more weight, but the healthy way!

Try pushing to see the doctor sooner. Personally, I never think it is a good idea to force yourself to eat. Try to eat healthy and get as many nutrients as possible. If you determine a particular food makes the pain worse (or better) record it and don't eat it. Be patient it may take time to determine the cause.

Luke_rabbit

Have you tried avocado? That's something I was able to eat during the worse of my GERD and it really packs in the calories. I would just eat it plain with a spoon.

Also I found smoothies to be okay. Yogurt, milk, frozen banana, nut butter, avocado (frozen or not). This however was further along in my treatment.

I ate really low calorie for months when my stomach was at its worse without any obvious negative results other than weight loss, which wasn't even that fast, but I think I was extremely sedentary due to low intake and pain. This was before joining MFP.

Good luck.

I haven't read the other thread, but I guess you are aware that both gallbladder and stomach acid (GERD, etc) can cause pain and loss of appetite. Also, if you are female, even though it seems odd cause those parts are further away, a few gyne issues also cause these symptoms. I'm sure there are plenty of other causes that I'm not aware of.

kshama2001

lightenup2016 wrote: »

cmriverside wrote: »

Up to you, I would push for an emergency appointment if you think it's an emergency. Otherwise, at least you're getting closer to 1200 now. Have you tried foods that are commonly prescribed for stomach problems? White rice, white bread, ginger ale, saltines, toast, canned vegetables or well cooked vegetables, fruit juice, cottage cheese. I would eat whatever I could keep down. Root beer floats come to mind, they always help when I'm sick.

I’ve definitely gone with blander food. I usually love spicy foods, and that doesn’t sound good now. Crackers did still hurt, and pasta as well. I’m going to try white rice tonight. Some of the other suggestions are off the table because I already think they’re gross, lol (ginger ale, cottage cheese, root beer).

It seems to be more of an issue with volume, but I will concentrate more on bland food. Protein seems to be worse, maybe because it’s filling? Anyway, thx!

I don't like carbonation so would skip the sodas anyway, but I do like ginger tea, which I make myself from ginger root or buy Yogi Ginger Tea.

charlottemilton

It might be a case of gastritis. I was diagnosed last week and symptoms sound similar. I did have to wait until I was the gastroenterologist for a diagnosis. I am now on a low fat, low to no dairy, limited red meat, high fiber, LOTS of vegies (6 servings minimum a day), diet and some medication that I take before eating to help my stomach heal. My case was probably caused by taking NAIDs for too long but lots of other things can cause it.

I am still having trouble reaching my calorie goal even with the meds because you can only get so many calories from vegetables (I have a list of acceptable ones.) I am not very hungry to start and get full quickly from the sheer quantity of vegies I am supposed to eat.

Good luck with getting in to see the gastro doctor. Hopefully, he/she will be helpful without taking time for too many tests.

CupcakeCrusoe

This was me for a while, everything hurt. It turned out my gallbladder was leaking bile into my stomach. I would try to see your GI sooner, if you can.

PAV8888

See your gi sooner than later.

This is defined by me as unwanted and uncontrolled weight loss due to a health issue.

Because you happen to be on the correct side of the divide today and wanting to lose an extra 10lbs, it doesn't mean that tomorrow it will be an equally good idea

You have a health issue to manage and that should take precedence and be thought off independentently of whether the results align with secondary goals

Also you mention being able to eat at your BMR.

What is so special about managing to eat at BMR... but simultaneously excluding eating at BMR x 1.25? Or BMR*1.33? I.e. why willing to make the effort you're willing to make to eat to BMR; but not beyond?

What if you see your gi and then learn it's going to be another 3 months before you feel well?

So no.

The concervative advice would be to resist unwanted weight loss just like you would be trying to resist if you were already at goal.

Any problems associated by larger deficits won't go away because the deficit was imposed by an external health issue.

You don't have a diagnosis and you don't know whether and how soon you will feel better or worse.

Under the conditions I would be worried about potentially overshooting and would consider dipping into nutritional aids such as boost or ensure for calories and protein, assuming such can be tolerated

Reduction in activity could also potentially reduce caloric requirements.

I hope you feel better soon!!!

eryn0x

No, you should not force yourself to eat and feel worse. And actually, that could cause you to eat less. Try to eat something at least 3 times a day. Agree with going bland, whatever you can stomach but don’t make yourself uncomfortable.

lightenup2016

PAV8888 wrote: »

See your gi sooner than later.

This is defined by me as unwanted and uncontrolled weight loss due to a health issue.

Because you happen to be on the correct side of the divide today and wanting to lose an extra 10lbs, it doesn't mean that tomorrow it will be an equally good idea

You have a health issue that should take precedence over your weight goals for the time being.

Also you mention being able to eat at your BMR.

What is so special about managing to eat at BMR... but simultaneously excluding eating at BMR x 1.25? Or BMR*1.33? I.e. why willing to make the effort to BMR but not beyond?

What if you see your gi and then learn it's going to be another 3 months before you feel well?

So no.

The concervative advice would be to resist unwanted weight loss just like you would be trying to do if you were already at goal.

Any problems associated by larger deficits won't go away because the deficit was imposed by an external health issue.

You don't have a diagnosis and you don't know whether and how soon you will feel better or worse.

Under the conditions I would be worried about potentially overshooting and would consider dipping into nutritional aids such as boost or ensure for calories and protein, assuming such can be tolerated

Reduction in activity could also potentially reduce caloric requirements

I only mentioned BMR because the amount of food I was able to make myself eat happened to be right at that amount. Coincidence only. At one point after starting Prilosec I was feeling better, and was able to go up to 1450-1700 for 3 days, and then up to 2000 calories for another 3 days. So I thought the Prilosec was helping, but now the past two days (and today) have been bad again, and I'm back down in calories.

My GP got me another referral to a different GI specialist, but they can only get me in on 3/13. In the meantime, I'm on my last day of the 14-day treatment with Prilosec. I have a question in to my GP as to whether or not to start a new 14-day treatment, since the box says not to for another 4 months (!).

Thanks!

ETA: I feel better about getting in almost a week of pretty normal calorie amounts. Now I only have about two weeks before I see the GI doc.

TooDamnSweet

You may want to try is to go on a clear liquid diet for a day or two, then a full liquid diet, then bland/soft foods and work your way back to your normal eating. Keep notes as to how you feel at each stage to review with your GI doctor.

Another option to try a food elimination diet to see if you have developed a food allergy or intolerance.
https://greatist.com/grow/easy-elimination-diet-for-food-intolerance

quiksylver296

TooDamnSweet wrote: »

You may want to try is to go on a clear liquid diet for a day or two, then a full liquid diet, then bland/soft foods and work your way back to your normal eating. Keep notes as to how you feel at each stage to review with your GI doctor.

Another option to try a food elimination diet to see if you have developed a food allergy or intolerance.
https://greatist.com/grow/easy-elimination-diet-for-food-intolerance

Sounds like something you should do after you talk with your doctor, not before.

TooDamnSweet

quiksylver296 wrote: »

TooDamnSweet wrote: »

You may want to try is to go on a clear liquid diet for a day or two, then a full liquid diet, then bland/soft foods and work your way back to your normal eating. Keep notes as to how you feel at each stage to review with your GI doctor.

Another option to try a food elimination diet to see if you have developed a food allergy or intolerance.
https://greatist.com/grow/easy-elimination-diet-for-food-intolerance

Sounds like something you should do after you talk with your doctor, not before.

Neither of these suggestions are harmful or extreme and may provide her with some pain relief as well as anecdotal information for her doctor.