Low appetite after bowel resection?

Hello. I had about ten inches of my terminal ileum removed nine days ago. I'm doing well painwise, etc, and they say they got almost all of the bad stuff out, but my appetite is pretty low. This is even more pronounced as I have been on steroids for the past six months and so had a very high appetite at times leading up to the surgery.

I'm on five mg of Prednisone now and my appetite is back to less than what it was before my flare, which is low. I should say I always had a low appetite but I attributed this to my Crohn's. I didn't expect to be eating a lot so soon, but I'm at the point where I don't want to think about food, although I can face it.

Can anyone give me an idea of what their appetite was like after similar surgery?

Thanks Gail... your constant stream of useful information here is sincerely appreciated!

I agree also. Best to go slow until your healed some more and your body knows that and is supressing your appetite for a good reason. Trust your body, when you do get hungry go easy.

I had a huge appetite after all 3 bowel resections, but I learned to introduce foods slowly. When I gave in to a steak dinner, I paid for it. After living on soft foods prior to surgery, the trauma of surgery, and the anesthesia, your body isn't ready to dive back into full meals, so your low appetite is your body telling you to take it easy. Don't worry. It will come back.

I had a resection 6 weeks ago and have only recently regained my normal appetite. Healing takes time, don't rush into things.

some things that really helped me:

-jello, popsicles, pudding, plain broth---always had them around and still do
-having a relative/friend prepare food and sit with me when I ate it
-small snacks (a very few baked chips, saltines and peanut butter, homemade mini muffins) very often
-juice and something small for breakfast, a bigger protein breakfast, a snack, lunch, a snack, dinner, a snack
-staying hydrated (with dehydration, my appetite disappears and I get extremely nauseated)

sending healing vibes!