Stomach cancer? Very worried

I am very inclinced to worry about my health so as you can imagine. I am very scared.

I am a 32 year old male, 5'11" tall.  At the end of April 2004 I weighed 315lbs. I decided to go on a diet, Weight Watchers. I first went to my doctor for a check up and complete blood tests.  All were normal.  At the beginning of July I had already lost 30lbs for a total weight of 285.  Most people would be happy.  Well not me.  I was and am scared to death.  I revisited my doctor and he told me that for someone my size, it was not unusual at all to lose this much weight.  He was not concerned at all. Well, I have decided to go off of the diet to make sure I can gain weight. My first week off of the diet I gained 2 pounds but I have been off for about 3 weeks now.  I am eating fast foods and junk foods in an attempt to gain weight.  I just weighed myself tonight and I actually lost 2 more pounds!!!!  Now I am at 284lbs.

What's going on here?  I symptomed searched on the internet and found that unexplained weight loss is very serious and could be stomach cancer.

I just don't understand after 3 weeks of eating junk, I should have gained some weight by now.  I am planning on going back on the diet as soon as I find out if I am dying or not.

Please answer quickly as I am eagerly awaiting your reply.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are many things that can cause unexplained weight loss.  Given your age, stomach cancer would be less likely.  Typically, stomach cancer would also present with nausea, abdominal pain, or early satiety.  The best way to evaluate for this would be an upper endoscopy.  You can also consider an upper GI series.  These tests can be considered if this is suspected by your personal physician.

Of course, there are many other things that can cause weight loss - including infection, hormone disorders, malabsorption, or other malignancy.  At the very least, some blood work, including blood count, a liver panel, sedimentation rate (to evaluate for inflammation), thyroid tests, and testosterone level should be obtained.  Various imaging tests (i.e. CT scans looking for lymphoma), as well as TB tests should be considered at the discretion of your physician.  

I would discuss these options with your personal physician.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Biskie2]

Weight Watchers is a very good diet to go on, and people will lose about 10 lbs a month (2 lbs. a week), and men will probably lose more during that time.  Why would you want to resume eating junk food and gain weight back? Do you have any other symptoms (pain, etc.) that would make you think of stomach cancer?

[yoshi]

junk food is addictive.

[tessa0825]

I agree with biskie that weight watchers is very good..I have been a life member for years. When i was overweight and first joined back in the 70s I was in the 160s range and lost an average of 2 lbs a week for awhile. If you need to lose alot then you seem to lose more to begin with (water weight). The purpose of going there is to learn new eating habits. You have become your own worst enemy by going back to your old habits. I think you should get back to WW and give up the junk food again...Best of luck,
Tessa

[Shadowmage]

A related discussion, Do I need an endoscopy? was started.