Weight

K

kallaart

New member
Hello all,
I've recently lost about 30lbs in the past 7, or so, months. I went from 107 to 75. Now, keep in mind, this is 4 1/5 years post double lung transplant.
Before my transplant, I was 4'10", and weighed 85lbs. I couldn't gain weight at all before transplant. After transplant I gained well over 40 lbs and got up to 130lbs but got told by my doctors to lose some weight so I wasn't overweight for my height.
In October 2011, my health changed drastically, and with my lungs working much harder and having my digestive system how it has always been(you all know what I'm talking about), I lost weight FAST! What are some ideas about gaining my weight back?
I'm getting scared of my weight because now I'm 5' and 75lbs, I look like a skeloton(at least, I think so.). I've tried eating more than my stomach tells me I can, but it gets to irritated. Some of the options I've recieved are to try eating "special" brownies.. I wasn't to fond about that option, I'm not for it. Especially if I would have to get them illegally as I was told.
Do you have any other options to try and gain weight back? I've tried eating food with high calories and such. I'm just not seeing any results, mostly because I don't eat as often or as much as I used to before.. Could it be because my lungs are working hard again? I hate going through this. I constantly hear comments about how much I eat, or how skinny I am. I want to be at a healthy weight again so these comments stop.
Please help!!
Katie
 
K

kallaart

New member
Hello all,
I've recently lost about 30lbs in the past 7, or so, months. I went from 107 to 75. Now, keep in mind, this is 4 1/5 years post double lung transplant.
Before my transplant, I was 4'10", and weighed 85lbs. I couldn't gain weight at all before transplant. After transplant I gained well over 40 lbs and got up to 130lbs but got told by my doctors to lose some weight so I wasn't overweight for my height.
In October 2011, my health changed drastically, and with my lungs working much harder and having my digestive system how it has always been(you all know what I'm talking about), I lost weight FAST! What are some ideas about gaining my weight back?
I'm getting scared of my weight because now I'm 5' and 75lbs, I look like a skeloton(at least, I think so.). I've tried eating more than my stomach tells me I can, but it gets to irritated. Some of the options I've recieved are to try eating "special" brownies.. I wasn't to fond about that option, I'm not for it. Especially if I would have to get them illegally as I was told.
Do you have any other options to try and gain weight back? I've tried eating food with high calories and such. I'm just not seeing any results, mostly because I don't eat as often or as much as I used to before.. Could it be because my lungs are working hard again? I hate going through this. I constantly hear comments about how much I eat, or how skinny I am. I want to be at a healthy weight again so these comments stop.
Please help!!
Katie
 
K

kayers3

New member
Hmmm I'm not sure what all you have tried...Do you already take supplements? If you can, add those - even if you can't finish an entire can, it would still be beneficial. I've also mixed in powders (like carnation instant breakfast type of things) into puddings, mashed potatoes, cereal milk, etc. That adds a little more. Flaxseed oil is another good thing to add to foods. It has about 120 calories per Tbs. You can just take a spoonful of it, but I had trouble stomaching that. Do you eat all day? You could make "snack bags" with trail mix type of things and just kinda snack all day in between meals. I found that doing all day eating helps me more than doing like 3 meals and 2/3 snacks per day. I still have a breakfast, lunch, and dinner but they are smaller. Other random things that have sometimes helped me: Try loading up before bed. When I eat heavier at night I am able to hold weight better (b/c I don't burn it all off throughout the day I guess?). Also eat fast. I think it is supposed to take your stomach about 20 minutes to realize it is full, so the faster you eat the more you can pack in before you realize you are full. I don't know how legit this is. But I find if I eat fast, I finish more of my meal than if I take my time....Granted you may end up uncomfortably full a few times, but maybe that'll help stretch your stomach? <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Good luck!
 
K

kayers3

New member
Hmmm I'm not sure what all you have tried...Do you already take supplements? If you can, add those - even if you can't finish an entire can, it would still be beneficial. I've also mixed in powders (like carnation instant breakfast type of things) into puddings, mashed potatoes, cereal milk, etc. That adds a little more. Flaxseed oil is another good thing to add to foods. It has about 120 calories per Tbs. You can just take a spoonful of it, but I had trouble stomaching that. Do you eat all day? You could make "snack bags" with trail mix type of things and just kinda snack all day in between meals. I found that doing all day eating helps me more than doing like 3 meals and 2/3 snacks per day. I still have a breakfast, lunch, and dinner but they are smaller. Other random things that have sometimes helped me: Try loading up before bed. When I eat heavier at night I am able to hold weight better (b/c I don't burn it all off throughout the day I guess?). Also eat fast. I think it is supposed to take your stomach about 20 minutes to realize it is full, so the faster you eat the more you can pack in before you realize you are full. I don't know how legit this is. But I find if I eat fast, I finish more of my meal than if I take my time....Granted you may end up uncomfortably full a few times, but maybe that'll help stretch your stomach? <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Good luck!
 
T

TreasureGoddess

Member
Do you drink whole milk? You can add in powdered dry milk too and it really increases calories without your stomach feeling more full. Good point on eating right before bed, something high caloric, but only if your stomach issues don't cause unrest.

Feeding tube really does take care of the issues, you build up nutrition, weight and health at night and can eat whatever you feel like during the day. My son's putting off the feed tube as long as possible, but the few times in the hospital when he had one placed temporarily he truly packed on enough weight that his body could maintain once we went home (off the tube).
 
T

TreasureGoddess

Member
Do you drink whole milk? You can add in powdered dry milk too and it really increases calories without your stomach feeling more full. Good point on eating right before bed, something high caloric, but only if your stomach issues don't cause unrest.

Feeding tube really does take care of the issues, you build up nutrition, weight and health at night and can eat whatever you feel like during the day. My son's putting off the feed tube as long as possible, but the few times in the hospital when he had one placed temporarily he truly packed on enough weight that his body could maintain once we went home (off the tube).
 
S

StraitLife

New member
My son is a 19 yo with CF. He got a feeding tube when he was 10.
At the time, I was reluctant to do it. I gave him every supplement I could think of and kept hoping they would help. But his little body was working so hard to maintain the basics, that he just couldn't pull up out of it.
Looking back, I see now that it was the best decision we ever made. It was a simple procedure. He started gaining immediately and has done very well since then.
I would highly recommend it for anyone struggling with weight issues. :)
 
S

StraitLife

New member
My son is a 19 yo with CF. He got a feeding tube when he was 10.
At the time, I was reluctant to do it. I gave him every supplement I could think of and kept hoping they would help. But his little body was working so hard to maintain the basics, that he just couldn't pull up out of it.
Looking back, I see now that it was the best decision we ever made. It was a simple procedure. He started gaining immediately and has done very well since then.
I would highly recommend it for anyone struggling with weight issues. :)
 
K

kallaart

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>kayers3</b></i> Hmmm I'm not sure what all you have tried...Do you already take supplements? If you can, add those - even if you can't finish an entire can, it would still be beneficial. I've also mixed in powders (like carnation instant breakfast type of things) into puddings, mashed potatoes, cereal milk, etc. That adds a little more. Flaxseed oil is another good thing to add to foods. It has about 120 calories per Tbs. You can just take a spoonful of it, but I had trouble stomaching that. Do you eat all day? You could make "snack bags" with trail mix type of things and just kinda snack all day in between meals. I found that doing all day eating helps me more than doing like 3 meals and 2/3 snacks per day. I still have a breakfast, lunch, and dinner but they are smaller. Other random things that have sometimes helped me: Try loading up before bed. When I eat heavier at night I am able to hold weight better (b/c I don't burn it all off throughout the day I guess?). Also eat fast. I think it is supposed to take your stomach about 20 minutes to realize it is full, so the faster you eat the more you can pack in before you realize you are full. I don't know how legit this is. But I find if I eat fast, I finish more of my meal than if I take my time....Granted you may end up uncomfortably full a few times, but maybe that'll help stretch your stomach? <img src=""> Good luck!</end quote>

Thank you! I'll definetely try all that!
 
K

kallaart

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>kayers3</b></i> Hmmm I'm not sure what all you have tried...Do you already take supplements? If you can, add those - even if you can't finish an entire can, it would still be beneficial. I've also mixed in powders (like carnation instant breakfast type of things) into puddings, mashed potatoes, cereal milk, etc. That adds a little more. Flaxseed oil is another good thing to add to foods. It has about 120 calories per Tbs. You can just take a spoonful of it, but I had trouble stomaching that. Do you eat all day? You could make "snack bags" with trail mix type of things and just kinda snack all day in between meals. I found that doing all day eating helps me more than doing like 3 meals and 2/3 snacks per day. I still have a breakfast, lunch, and dinner but they are smaller. Other random things that have sometimes helped me: Try loading up before bed. When I eat heavier at night I am able to hold weight better (b/c I don't burn it all off throughout the day I guess?). Also eat fast. I think it is supposed to take your stomach about 20 minutes to realize it is full, so the faster you eat the more you can pack in before you realize you are full. I don't know how legit this is. But I find if I eat fast, I finish more of my meal than if I take my time....Granted you may end up uncomfortably full a few times, but maybe that'll help stretch your stomach? <img src=""> Good luck!</end quote>

Thank you! I'll definetely try all that!
 
K

kallaart

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Incomudrox</b></i> Get a feeding tube.</end quote>
I had one before transplant, but it didnt seem to help me gain weight pre-transplant, so I'm not sure my doctors would consider it now.
 
K

kallaart

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>Incomudrox</b></i> Get a feeding tube.</end quote>
I had one before transplant, but it didnt seem to help me gain weight pre-transplant, so I'm not sure my doctors would consider it now.
 
K

kallaart

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>TreasureGoddess</b></i> Do you drink whole milk? You can add in powdered dry milk too and it really increases calories without your stomach feeling more full. Good point on eating right before bed, something high caloric, but only if your stomach issues don't cause unrest. Feeding tube really does take care of the issues, you build up nutrition, weight and health at night and can eat whatever you feel like during the day. My son's putting off the feed tube as long as possible, but the few times in the hospital when he had one placed temporarily he truly packed on enough weight that his body could maintain once we went home (off the tube).</end quote>
I just recently started drinking whole milk again to try gaining weight. As for the feeding tube, I'd be up for getting it, but I'm just not sure how well it would work for me. Pre-transplant, it didnt help me gain weight whatsoever, so I'm not totally sure how it would work now.
 
K

kallaart

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>TreasureGoddess</b></i> Do you drink whole milk? You can add in powdered dry milk too and it really increases calories without your stomach feeling more full. Good point on eating right before bed, something high caloric, but only if your stomach issues don't cause unrest. Feeding tube really does take care of the issues, you build up nutrition, weight and health at night and can eat whatever you feel like during the day. My son's putting off the feed tube as long as possible, but the few times in the hospital when he had one placed temporarily he truly packed on enough weight that his body could maintain once we went home (off the tube).</end quote>
I just recently started drinking whole milk again to try gaining weight. As for the feeding tube, I'd be up for getting it, but I'm just not sure how well it would work for me. Pre-transplant, it didnt help me gain weight whatsoever, so I'm not totally sure how it would work now.
 
K

kallaart

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>StraitLife</b></i> My son is a 19 yo with CF. He got a feeding tube when he was 10. At the time, I was reluctant to do it. I gave him every supplement I could think of and kept hoping they would help. But his little body was working so hard to maintain the basics, that he just couldn't pull up out of it. Looking back, I see now that it was the best decision we ever made. It was a simple procedure. He started gaining immediately and has done very well since then. I would highly recommend it for anyone struggling with weight issues. :)</end quote>

I had a feeding tube from I think 5 years old to 16 years when they removed it post-transplant. The only problem is, the feeding tube didnt seem to help me gain weight, just kept it stable. My weight now is stable, it's staying 75lbs, but I'm not sure a feeding tube would help me. My doctors aren't CF doctors, perse, they just handle transplant things. I havent seen a doctor for CF since the day before my transplant. I'm going to ask my doctor on Monday if they think a feeding tube would help.. But who knows with my doctors.
 
K

kallaart

New member
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>StraitLife</b></i> My son is a 19 yo with CF. He got a feeding tube when he was 10. At the time, I was reluctant to do it. I gave him every supplement I could think of and kept hoping they would help. But his little body was working so hard to maintain the basics, that he just couldn't pull up out of it. Looking back, I see now that it was the best decision we ever made. It was a simple procedure. He started gaining immediately and has done very well since then. I would highly recommend it for anyone struggling with weight issues. :)</end quote>

I had a feeding tube from I think 5 years old to 16 years when they removed it post-transplant. The only problem is, the feeding tube didnt seem to help me gain weight, just kept it stable. My weight now is stable, it's staying 75lbs, but I'm not sure a feeding tube would help me. My doctors aren't CF doctors, perse, they just handle transplant things. I havent seen a doctor for CF since the day before my transplant. I'm going to ask my doctor on Monday if they think a feeding tube would help.. But who knows with my doctors.
 
M

missT

Member
Hi Katie, Im in the same boat as you. I recently lost 15 lbs off a skinny body and I am trying everything to gain it back. I have gained back 10 lbs but it took me about 8 months. People were commenting daily about my weight loss--so I know how you feel. I did a few things to help gain it back...I eat as much bread and pasta as I can. someone on this site suggested peanut butter (as much as you can handle). I also found a cereal that I like and I eat bowls of it when I can (Special K red berry). I dont fill up on junk food and massive amounts of sugar but I do try to eat dessert when I have a meal. I tried hi cal energy bars and drinks but they tasted like chemical crap to me. I also weigh myself daily and it makes me feel better to see the weight going back on. I think when my lungs got a little better then my body started putting the weight back on---also, I was stressed out and that didnt help. good luck!
 
M

missT

Member
Hi Katie, Im in the same boat as you. I recently lost 15 lbs off a skinny body and I am trying everything to gain it back. I have gained back 10 lbs but it took me about 8 months. People were commenting daily about my weight loss--so I know how you feel. I did a few things to help gain it back...I eat as much bread and pasta as I can. someone on this site suggested peanut butter (as much as you can handle). I also found a cereal that I like and I eat bowls of it when I can (Special K red berry). I dont fill up on junk food and massive amounts of sugar but I do try to eat dessert when I have a meal. I tried hi cal energy bars and drinks but they tasted like chemical crap to me. I also weigh myself daily and it makes me feel better to see the weight going back on. I think when my lungs got a little better then my body started putting the weight back on---also, I was stressed out and that didnt help. good luck!
 
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