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Suggest Treatment For Loss Of Appetite In A 62 Year Old

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Posted on Sat, 24 Dec 2016
Question: How long can a 62 year old active male go with out eating solid food but still drink liquids every day?
Do to multiple sinus operations I have lost taste, smell, and an appetite .
Eating is no longer a daily activity, I force myself to eat to stay healthy and not lose any more bone mass.
I use to weight close to 185 now 142 and continue to lose weight. Height is 5'5
My last sinus operation was in 2009. No more are planned.
Any sugestions?
Thank you for any help you can provide. XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
See next

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.

This is complex problem but solution must be found since on short time, such starving may cause significant difficulties, not just weight loss, but also hypovitaminosis, osteoporosis, hormonal imbalance and many other.

You should find adequate liquid foods with nutrients and suplements such as Ensure or Prosure, protein shakes etc. In extreme cases , naso-gastric tube can be place for feeding or you can get nutrients intravenously. But it would be optimal to have 2500kcal daily intake to prevent rapid weight loss. otherwise, it will lead to serious issues sooner or later.

Feel free to ask if you've any further queries regarding

Wish you good health.
Regards


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (22 hours later)
In the 1980's before my father started chemo he was prescribe pills that gave him a very good appetite every day. I would think a daily pill to give someone an appetite would help me in getting my normal food life back? is there such a pill out there to normalize a persons daily appetite? It really is no fun when everyone around you is hungry and eating and I have no appetite and don't even want to look at food.
Thank you XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (25 hours later)
Brief Answer:
hi

Detailed Answer:
There are certain medications such as Megastrol, oxandrolone or Zync supplements which are used for apetite increase however, in your case there is unusual cause of it and loss of apteite is caused by loss of taste and smell,so these medications may have limited success. It would be good to do MRI scan and neurologic testing of olfactory and hyoglossus nerve. there may be compression or damage during surgery and it may necessiate new surgical repair.
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13888 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Loss Of Appetite In A 62 Year Old

Brief Answer: See next Detailed Answer: Hi and welcome. This is complex problem but solution must be found since on short time, such starving may cause significant difficulties, not just weight loss, but also hypovitaminosis, osteoporosis, hormonal imbalance and many other. You should find adequate liquid foods with nutrients and suplements such as Ensure or Prosure, protein shakes etc. In extreme cases , naso-gastric tube can be place for feeding or you can get nutrients intravenously. But it would be optimal to have 2500kcal daily intake to prevent rapid weight loss. otherwise, it will lead to serious issues sooner or later. Feel free to ask if you've any further queries regarding Wish you good health. Regards