To think it's not normal to go from a size 16 to an 8?

[sammyfaye]

Within 3 months?

3 months ago I was healthy and okay overweight, but otherwise fine.

I had keyhole surgery and from then on, I've been unable to eat much, regularly suffering with nausea

My body is craving healthy, vitamin filled foods which is great, but I have next to no appetite at all, nauseous a lot of the time and now I'm a size 8 after going into surgery as a size 16.

I've been to the GP who prescribed Cyclezine. It does help - I can eat something at least on it. But I'm still nauseous and not got an appetite

I also have pelvic pain almost constantly. GP has referred to Gynae after me insisting but the waiting time is long, my appointment isn't until December

AIBU to think this much weight loss isn't normal or healthy? I look gaunt.

I am constantly tired and feel weak toon

Have you had any other symptoms? Increased urination?

I hate to sound negative but I would be insisting they check for cancer.

especially as the appendix seemed fine when they removed them.

Slight increase in uti infections but otherwise fine day to day

I’d insist on a CA125 blood test. Have you looked up the symptoms for ovarian cancer? BEAT is the acronym (but not all symptoms occur for everyone) Not to worry you, but ovarian cancer is one of the most overlooked cancers and most HCP put the symptoms down to other things and brush you off - I know, I had to fight for my symptoms to be taken seriously and when they did start looking properly, I was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. Good news is that I’m still here to tell the tale a decade later so it’s not all doom and gloom. And don’t let them fob you with age (typically diagnosed in post menopausal women), I was 31 and know of people in their 20’s.

I'd specifically ask for a bowel cancer test. It probably isn't that but unexplained weight loss, discomfort when eating, and stomach pain are symptoms and it's one of those cancers that often doesn't show more definite symptoms for a long time. Hope you get some answers soon.

I'm so sorry you were not taken seriously. Glad you are better

I think I can safely rule it out though? As they checked my ovaries before taking the appendix out - they were normal looking

I think you should have full bloods, thyroid, cancer markers, inflammation etc. done now. The only bloods you had done was in the hospital. I am sorry to say it but the GP should be onto this like a house on fire.

Three months is a very short time to lose such an amount of weight, and as others have said it is a huge red flag, well not to YOUR gp it seems.

I had a similar issue, but not post op. Turns out I had a slow gastric bleed due to H Pylori infection which led to it. I could not eat, I felt sick, I could not swallow food and felt terribly frightened. I also lost a lot of weight but thankfully it was not cancer related, so it doesn't have to be but the cause needs to be investigated asap.

I hope you will be alright, but you do need to advocate for yourself, you know your body and please, please, refuse to be gaslighted. A lot of women can be, and are.

My friend had similar issues and was brushed off by doctors who just thought she was at first a hypochondriac and then that it was IBS. She wasn't so lucky though and died 7years ago.

Definitely keep pushing op. Hopefully it's nothing sinister.

I don't think anyone wants to scare you but having just lost a parent to pancreatic cancer and his main symptom was weight loss because all food made him feel nauseous, please please check it and PUSH the doctors until you have a proper answer.

Any chance it could be a hernia(s)?
I hope you get an answer soon op so you can get on the road to recovery asap.

I lost a lot of weight a few years ago, it turned out I was anemic folate deficient which knocked outy appetite completely. Might be worth a blood test.

This is horrendously sexist but do you have a male friend or relative you can take to the GP with you? You shouldn’t have to but unfortunately it’s well documented they are listened to more than women.

I get so angry reading about people who attend GP and get fobbed off. My friend was diagnosed with cancer just before Christmas after visiting GP several times. She’s had life changing surgery and now faces a very different life. Insist on 2ww diagnostic tests and scans

This GP needs shooting. How can he say you’re trying to lose weight when you’ve told him you CANT eat? I don’t think a man would be dismissed this way. Was there any post op review, can you get back to the consultant about still having pain?

I think failure to refer for these symptoms warrants a complaint

After I had my appendix out, it was about 2 months before I could eat anything much. But as I was the same post C-section, I thought (rightly) that it would just gradually correct itself. I did lose a lot of weight which I couldn't afford to lose but - importantly - I didn't have any pain other than post-op pain.

You absolutely should be pushing for this to be investigated further. I'm really surprised that the GP isn't taking it more seriously. Is there anyone else you could take with you to an appt? It can help to have someone else who's prepared to be a bit bolshy if it doesn't come naturally to you.

Have you had a recent smear test?

OP can you explain a bit more about why they were looking at your ovaries and ended up taking your appendix out in the first place? Were there pre-existing symptoms then?

This amount of weight loss definitely does not sound right, agree with others you should be pushing to see a specialist urgently. I'd think perhaps an endoscopy and/or a scan to investigate your digestive system could be warranted. Tricky to say without more info about possible causes but some kind of issue with your digestive system would seem the most likely cause if you've had surgery done to remove your appendix and a previous gall bladder removal.

I would be suffering from anxiety, yes - as would anyone who has been through what you have, battling those symptoms and the GP dismissing all concerns. What a tosser.

I really hope you get answers OP. I think you're right to push for a second opinion, a 16 to an 8 in this timeframe isn't normal or healthy.

Unexplained weight loss (as in when you’re not trying) is a symptom of lots of conditions. Push your GP for more including full blood test to start with. So sorry you’re having a rough time, hope you get some answers soon.

Can you see another GP? Xx

Well op, thats a weight loss of about 3lbs per week for 12 weeks. That sounds about right if you've stopped eating as much and are in a calorie deficit. If you've had bloods dome and doctors watching you, then I wouldn't worry about something sinister.

Peoples appetite increase and decrease for all sorts of reasons. Eating less = weight loss.

If you are looking to put weight on, try smoothies with protein and extra calories like nut butters etc when you do feel like eating.

Can you speak directly to the surgeon who did keyhole surgery for you? Contact their secretary and explain the symptoms you've had since the surgery and weight loss and ask for a review ASAP

If this has happened since the surgery it may be linked and they need to investigate. Good luck OP.

That’s a lot of weight to lose in 3 months. Definitely see your GP. Any rapid and unplanned weight loss is a cause for concern. When I visited the GP for a routine appointment after losing 5.5 stone (over a year), the first thing he asked me was whether I had intended to lose so much weight and the time frame I did it in.

A quick google shows that loss of appetite can happen after surgery and can last for a few months.

If your GP did not listen to you and you have continual abdominal pain and quite drastic unplanned weight loss in a short period of time, I would present at A&E rather than wait to see another GP and then wait for bloods in the community etc. I would also take someone to A&E with you to help advocate for how unwell you have been feeling for the past few months