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Suggestions For Gaining Weight
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Suggestions For Gaining Weight

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Suggestions For Gaining Weight

  • Post
    • April 21, 2018 at 9:57 pm
    jennunicorn
    Participant

      Hi friends! 

      I am asking for my mom who just underwent D&C surgery and we're waiting pathology results. But, for the past 6 months she continues to lose weight, she is down to about 100lbs. So, I am trying to get some ideas of ways to help her gain some weight. She has an appetite, so the weight loss is a mystery right now and she is open to trying any easy meals or snacks that could help her put on a few pounds.

      I told her to get ensure shakes, which she has been drinking but is getting tired of them.

      Was hoping if anyone here has dealt with a similar issue you might have some good suggestions.

       

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    • Replies
        • April 22, 2018 at 1:29 am
        AshleyS
        Participant

          Hi Jenn,

          I just hopped on the board after not checking in for awhile and I thought I’d reach out. I’m sorry to hear about your mom and I hope you’re well. 

          When I did chemo, I lived on whole milk cottage cheese and peanut butter ice cream shakes. I also added butter to everything. I didn’t find a protein shake/powder I could get down. 

          Best wishes,

          Ashley

            • April 22, 2018 at 4:05 am
            jennunicorn
            Participant

              Thanks for the tips Ashley! I am doing great, hope you are as well 🙂

            • April 22, 2018 at 7:48 am
            Spl25
            Participant

              Your hospital should have a nutritionist, although their weight gain recommendations arent always great because they have to worry about cholesterol etc. more than a patient might really care. milkshakes are easy on the stomach, never get old because there are so many combinations of flavors, aren't that bad for you (if you get natural ice cream and milk) and best of al TASTE GREAT. 

              Cheeses (like the "fancy" ones) can have a lot of fat and calories in a small package.

              Outside of dairy, egs with double the yolks will put on pounds and isn't hard to eat, as can anything with lots of peaunt buttter. 

              Obviously, don't go crazy with this off the bat. 

                • April 22, 2018 at 3:57 pm
                jennunicorn
                Participant

                  She loves ice cream, so I think I'll compile a list of good milkshake recipes for her to make, thank you. She just got a bunch of baby chicks, so in about 6 weeks she will have super fresh eggs, so I know there will be lots of egg related foods in the near future.

                  I will also ask her to bring up getting a referral to a nutritionist if her doctor hasn't already mentioned it. I live many states away from her so it's been hard trying to help her out long distance.

                • April 22, 2018 at 2:01 pm
                SABKLYN
                Participant

                  Could be hyperthyroidism, diabetes or other endocrine related disorder, in which case best to get on top f the underlying issues.  

                    • April 22, 2018 at 3:59 pm
                    jennunicorn
                    Participant

                      Blood tests for thyroid and other hormones are normal. She has mild anemia but that's not new. The D&C procedure is part of getting to this mystery and whether it is cancer related. Depending on the results of the pathology, she will also be getting an overdue colonoscopy soon to see if there are any clues there as well. For now, hopefully she can get some extra fats in her body to gain a few pounds.

                      • April 22, 2018 at 9:52 pm
                      SABKLYN
                      Participant

                        Hope it all goes well, Jen!

                      • April 23, 2018 at 2:33 pm
                      Hukill
                      Participant

                        Blue Bell ice cream. I gain weight just thinking about, crap, my pants just got tighter.

                          • April 23, 2018 at 4:58 pm
                          jennunicorn
                          Participant

                            Haha thanks for the laugh and the tip!

                          • April 23, 2018 at 7:12 pm
                          marta010
                          Participant

                            Hi Jennie – my husband liked the Unjury medical quality protein product better than Ensure.  It does come in a ready to drink bottle but we used the powder form.  It mixes very well in milk, water, coffee, etc. or whatever food your mom can eat.  It comes in a variety of flavors – the Strawberry Sorbet can be added to water and is very tasty – like koolaid or crystal light.  Also have chicken soup flavor that you can eat warm and unflavored which can be mixed in with yogurt, pudding, ice cream etc.  1 scoop has 21 grams of protein.  

                            Ann

                              • April 23, 2018 at 7:15 pm
                              jennunicorn
                              Participant

                                Thank you for that, haven't heard of those before, will definitely be checking it out!

                                • April 24, 2018 at 2:50 am
                                Threefitty
                                Participant

                                  Premier Protein (Costco) Chocolate also tastes better than Ensure. It's more protein and not calorie oriented, but sometimes it is hard to get enough protein, so they help. Also pre-mixed boxes just taste better than home mixed protein (IMO). Sold warm, good cold.

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