Poor appetite and weight loss

After surgery, you may have a poor appetite caused by changes to your digestive system. Your stomach will be smaller (or completely removed) and you will feel full more quickly. You may not feel like eating or you may have lost your sense of taste. It is important to maintain your weight. Even a small drop in your weight (e.g. 3–4 kg), particularly over a short period of time, may put you at risk of malnutrition and affect your recovery.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also affect your appetite, due to nausea, irritation to the oesophagus or a sore mouth. If your oesophagus is very sore from radiation therapy, talk to your doctor about pain-relieving medicines and a referral to a dietitian.

Listen to our podcast on Appetite Loss and Nausea

How to prevent unplanned weight loss

• Snack during the day – eat 5–6 small meals rather than three large ones each day.
• Keep a selection of snacks handy, e.g. in your bag or car.
• Make the most of the times you feel hungry or crave certain foods. Eat slowly and stop and rest when you are full.
• Ensure you have room for nourishing food – avoid filling up on liquids at mealtimes, unless it’s a hearty soup.
• Prevent dehydration by drinking between meals (30–60 minutes before or after meals).
• Test your ability to eat different foods. Your taste and tolerance for some foods may change.
• Ask your dietitian how you can increase your energy and protein intake.
• Don’t eat late at night. It may make you uncomfortable, bring on reflux and disturb your sleep.