Need to Gain Weight, Been in Hospital

Hi, When I needed to gain some weight I would put one tablespoon of canola or olive oil on my food at each meal. Canola and olive oil are healthy oils with pleasant tastes. I would put it on salads, stir it in my oatmeal, put it on a slice of bread, or wherever else I could think of. This really helped me. Good luck!

there are snack packs that are quick and easy to eat. ( pudding cups, jello cups, individual gold fish bags.) You can also eat more carbs, potatoes, corn, rice, carrots, bread. Also try Boost. If it were me I would look up healthy ways to gain weight on the internet. Also eat often, breakfast, mid morning snack, lunch, mid afternoon snack, dinner. Also ask you doctor for a meal plan. Best of luck to you.

Afternoon D.;

There is no secret to gaining weight!!
The fastest things to bring you weight back are:
Ice Cream Milk Shakes with banannas and chocolate
Enchiladas----Cheese

Both of these are easy to fix:
The enchiladas, hey, have hubby stop by any Mexican food
store and bring them home, make sure they have refried beans and rice!
Good Luck!
B. C.

Drinking your calories is a great way to gain weight, especially if your appetite is low. I would however suggest that you don't just go drinking milkshakes and sodas all day long as what you consume also affects things like your energy and overall health. Please consider making smoothies with fruit (i like to freeze bananas and use them instead of ice, making my smoothies creamy and adding around 100 calories), you can even use peanut butter (great source of healthy fat and protein) and add some sort of protein powder (i prefer to use whey protein powder).

If you live near HEB, they have a very tasty drink called Mootopia Chocolate Milk which is latose free but has 50% less sugar than conventional milk and 50% more protein. Protein is important for keeping your blood sugar levels steady (which will help steady y our energy levels) as well as rebuilding the muscle mass you're sure to have lost during your hospital stay.

You may also consider juicing as you can mix together various fruits and veggies (carrot juice is very very good for you, if may sound gross but when mixed with other fruit juices is excellent) and gain all the health benefits of several servings of fruit or veg in one glass. I believe V-8 makes some things along these lines, but you'll want to watch out for extra sugar and preservatives. Sure, the sugar will help you gain weight, but it may also adversely affect your energy levels and over all health.

I hope this is beneficial. Also, you should be able to share how you're feeling with your Dr. and they should be able to give you suggestions for healthy weight gain and/or refer you to a specialist.

Oh, and you can check out Spark People (http://www.sparkpeople.com) for a free, online community dedicated to helping a person reach their health goals. You can put that you are wanting to gain weight and SP will even give you meal plans if you prefer something so specific. HOwever, the meal plans won't take into account your lack of appetite so I'd still consider drinking as many of your calories as you can until your appetite returns. Best wishes to you!

Being 51 you do not want to gain weight eating the wrong foods because heart problems on top of COPD would be bad. You need to gain muscle mass as well as a small layer of protective fat (in case you are sick again.) The smoothie idea is great as well as the bars. SoyJoy is a good one. Eat lots of cereal (healthy, with bran) with 2% milk. Have some ice cream. You can find a stationary bike at goodwill for cheap. Put it near a TV and just start out slow. Use TV shows to mark your time. Slow peddle, not alot of resistance. You want to just move in the beginning. You will have more energy just not at first. Work your way up from a 30 minute sitcom every other day to a full hour show every day. This will help you build your muscles (good for your heart and lungs)along with high protein in chicken, lean beef and pork, any dried bean (pinto, black, navy, etc.) peanut butter and eggs. Eat 5 small meals a day. Do not eat late at night before you go to bed as it can aggravate your COPD with acid reflux. No good. May God bless to you on your recovery.

D., I hope I can help you. What concerned me most about your posting is not that you weigh too little, but that you have no energy to eat. I suspect that your nutritional needs are not being met. I strongly recommend nutritional supplementation. It's good for everybody, but especially those who have dealt with illness.

The thing about nutritional supplements, is that there are so many options and price ranges that it can be confusing. The most importnat thing is that the nutritional supplements that you take are recognized as food by your body. This is necessary for them to be digested and absorbed properly. A natural, food-based nutritional supplement can make all the difference.

As for weight gain, it's simple math. You have to consume more calories than your body burns. The key there is to consume healthy calories instead of empty calories. You want to gain healthy weight, not just get fat. One simple way to do this is to add healthy, meal-replacement shakes to your diet. Just don't replace the meals with them, add them to your diet.

If you'll go to my website, www.nikken.com/brendaramsey, then click on the box labeled, "Lifestyle Solutions", you'll find a fantastic line of natural, food-based, nutritional supplements. I recommend that you start with the Jade Greenzymes, a young barley grass product that is considered nature's perfect food. Nikken's Jade Greenzymes are harvested at the peak of nutritional content, and cold-processed so that the enzymes stay alive.

Next, I recommend you try the Kenzen CIAGA juice. It is a blend of noni, pomegranate, aloe vera and goji berry juices, along with cherry, blueberry, grape and pear juices — and the combination creates synergy that multiplies the effects of the individual ingredients. Ciaga’s 21 fruit, herb and organic extracts confer the benefits in its name: cardiovascular, immune, antioxidant, gastrointestinal and adaptogenic. It has double the antioxidant levels of ordinary health drinks, contains no added water or preservatives, is all natural, and tastes good. Just one ounce per day is all you need.

Third, the Kenzen Mega Daily 4 multivitamin for women will complete the core nutrition you need. Again, it is all-natural, food-based nutrition that your body will recognize, absorb, and digest properly for optimum benefit. For weight gain, you can add Kenzen Creamy Protein Shakes. These provide healthy, balanced nutrition, and are high in protein, vitamins and minerals. If you'll consume these shakes along with eating a healthy diet, you should gain beneficial weight.

I know this has been long, but I hope this helps. I do need to let you know that I am not a health care professional, but I have learned a great deal about nutrition since becoming a NIKKEN Consultant. Please feel free to contact me for more information.

Hi D.,
My father had copd and lost alot of weight also.Talk to your dr he can order something to help you gain your appetite. I gave my Dad 2 pills a day, they really do help.
Also he liked peanut butter cups(healthy yet will help put weight on) He ate a couple a day, 2 ensure a day. Bananas-all the foods that would stick and it helped.(pastas-shakes-breads sweets ect.)
Of corse he didn't have much of an appetite either- so i made little meals and lots of snacks.
The appetite pills do wonders and good vitamins every day. I know you will get lots of advice- I wish you all the best.Please do get the pills and vitamins!!!You will feel so much better.
(We also did gardening-It's good healthy exercise)

high fat but nutrient rich foods like avacado, nuts and full fat yogurt and cheese.
Brown rice is easy on the digestive system, so add that to every meal. You can make a large pot and reheat what you want several times a day. Bless you!

Hi D.,

If you can get a juicer, and juice 16 oz of carrot juice, add one piece of celery and one granny smith green apple. That combination will booste your natural immune system.

IF you are interested in learning about natural healing please visit this site and read and understand the theory page of this site www.creeksideherbhouse.com

There is suggestions on what to take out of the diet and what to put into the diet to get the body health again and maintain that health. On the reading page is a list of books you can get at any library or find them on line.

All my contact information is on the website.

Hope this helps
Blessings
J. M

V8 has some drinks that are made from fruits and veggies that work wonders. Drink a bottle of this a day. You can either get V8 tomato, or go straight to the delicious V8 VFusion that is fruits and vegetables like Strawberries and bananas. Drink Sprite. Sprite has everything you need to survive, Salt, Sugar and Water, plus it has no caffeine. Sprite works very well for those that are ill. Get Saltine Crackers and eat with Sprite. They will keep you going, and keep your weight going in the right direction. With any luck at all, it will increase your apetite too. Good luck.

I dont know if anyone has mentioned it but I think peanut butter will do the trick. I love to make it on toast or spread on bananas and crackers. It is high in fat and low in calories. Also add nuts to your meals such almonds in salads, on frozen waffles, etc. Avacados are another good source of high fat. They are great mashed up to make guacamole; sliced on a sandwich, salad, or wrap; or just eaten by themselves.

The other things that I've read and agree on are extra virgin olive oil, whole milk, whole milk cottage cheese, ice cream, breads, pastas, potatos and other starches, and get some nice steaks or corn beef or other fatty meats. Enjoy the good food with your husband!

Hi D.,
I worked for the nutrition store, GNC, for many years. We had lots of customers in your situation. There are protein drinks that are full of other vitamin and nutrients as well. There are lots of different flavors and varieties to choose from, so I'm certain you'll find one to your liking.
Good luck!

Boil some eggs. Eggs are the wonder food.... Hard boiled eggs can last 7-10 days in the refrigerator and do not require any prep time to cook them. Depending on the size of your pot, you can do days worth in advance. (If you haven't boiled eggs in a while, its 20-25 minutes boiling time. I don't mean to sound demeaning to say that... When I started boiling eggs again, I had to get out the cookbook to double check the boiling time).

Mash them up with a fork, mix in mayo, salt... you've got high protein, high calorie egg salad.

Mash them up, microwave a little Cheddar or American cheese into them, eat it on top of a toasted bagel.

Whole milk yogurt, whole milk cottage cheese, ice cream (ICE CREAM, ICE CREAM!)... All those items can be bought pre-made and require no preparation.

When my daughter's pediatrician told me that I needed to boost her weight, I made Kraft Mac & cheese with half & half and creme fraise instead of butter. (OMG! YUMMY!) Central Market sells creme fraise... (its the portion of the cream that is more fatty that the portion used for butter!).

Another idea is to get the pre-made Alfredo pasta sauce (I think most grocery stores sell Bultolli brand), and some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese (which has more calories than parmasean cheese). Heat it up, melt the cheese into it and eat it over pasta or tortellini. Again, only prep time is boiling the pasta/tortellini and heating the sauce and cheese.

And of course, my favorite... French bread and butter or french bread and brie cheese. YUM! (and french bread with jam & peanut butter is a good option also... high calorie & high protein).

Good luck!

Hi D.
Bless you.
If this seems real quick- it is- am on my way out the door but I know of a program where you can accomplish your goals and I would like to share it with you- but you need to PM me so we can talk privately. I don;t want to seem like I am selling anything because I amn ot- but I think this program can help you in many, many ways with your current issues- and I would love to share it with you.
My e mail is ____@____.com
blessings

D.,
My prayers for your healing from the Great Physician. May He guide you and lead you to a complete recovery.
In your quest to gain weight, it may seem like a good idea to eat fatty foods, full of sugar and devoid of nutrients. These foods may do that, but at a detriment to your health. Improving your health is a top priority, the weight gain will come. I lost a lot of weight after chemotherapy over 10 years ago. Committing to good healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle not only helped me get to a healthy weight, but improved my health tremendously.
Eliminate all dairy products--you don't want to produce mucous. Avoid sugar - turns off immune system. Consider fresh veggie/fruit juices, use a blender. Consume whole grains, and use plenty of fresh garlic & onions--very healing to the immune system. Eat organic meats and fish. Eat only fish with low mercury levels. Increase essential fats intake. Concerning your environment avoid all smoke. Clean up your indoor air quality; eliminate all commercial brand cleaners, laundry and personal care products, replace with safe, non-toxic products. Here is where some close-minded people would be turned off, I market some of the products listed above. I am not ashamed. We have the best, safest, clinically proven products in the market. Products to help protect and repair your cells, and increase immunity, and non-toxic cleaners that are so concentrated they will save you money. If dealing with a company of integrity interests you, take a look at my listing in Member Perks, M. Saffell, Shaklee Independent Dist. I owe my health to my lifestyle change. That came after much prayer. I could not do it on my own and would be prideful if I did not say it was God's own hand that healed me, protected me, and gave me wisdom to follow the right path to healing. I know what it feels like to have no energy, and not be in good health, for that reason I am starting a support group at our church for the afflicted. Faithful support is essential. Bless You. M.

Diet Gourmet delivers very nutritious meals - don't let the name "diet" fool you, you can get 2000 calorie meals which for your size would be HUGE... take a look at their website and see if they deliver to your area. They deliver meals 2 times per week that last you until the next delivery. You keep the meals in the fridge and heat them as instructed. My husband and I used to order the meals when our schedules were crazy so that we would have healthy meals instead of eating junk food.

Good luck.
blessings,
stacy

Hi D.,
Due to the lack of desire for food preparation, I would recommend food bars/ protein bars/ and or a good organic base vitamin (for easier absorption)
Here are some examples;
http://cwarren6.qhealthbeauty.com/Products/Thumbnail.aspx...

For your age & joints/ mobility I would also recommend: Nutrilite® Glucosamine-7
http://cwarren6.qhealthbeauty.com/products/product.aspx?i...

My concern is that when a person loses too much weight they are actually losing their muscles as well as fat. The American Hear Association has a calculator that can determine the ideal calorie consumption for you and your activity level. If you fall below that, you will continue to lose weight. My ex mother inlaw ended up requiring a feeding tube, not a pleasant experience - So it is my hope that you you find the will to eat enough, even when the desire is not there.
Your in my prayers!

I would suggest crock pot cooking. All you have to do is throw in the ingredients.

Since you have no energy, I would do ones that you do not have to cut up anything.

Here is one.
Throw chicken breast (right out of the wrapper), 2 cans of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom, and a large bag of frozen veggies. Let cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Serve over rice or just eat as is.

Once you get some energy, there is a great recipe for red, beans and rice. You just have to cut up the veggies, everything else you toss in the pot.
http://myweb.cableone.net/howle/page/REDBEAN.HTM

While you are trying to gain weight, I would do it in a healthy manner.

Once you start getting your energy from food, I suggest taking a nice stroll 3 to 4 times a week. This will help increase your energy plus it will help you walk off any stress or emotions you have.

If you want to eventually get into running, look online for a beginners running program.

Dear D.:

I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I'm not a psychologist, but I think that the root of your problem is the "hurt that never goes away." I would suggest you get involved in a support group, get counseling, get with a Bible-believing church that has small fellowship groups. You need to get help from your husband and 16-year-old (if he's responsible, have him drive you to these places). If you can afford it, get a personal chef to prepare high-fat meals for you, or have your husband do that if he can/will. Your problem is not so much the specific food (ah-unlimited chocolate-I could go for that!) but the fact that you need to muster the resources to live life. God bless you!
-D.

My husband used to work with monkeys and when they needed them to gain weight, they would feed them peanut butter. If you do not like it by itself, you can put it on crackers and add a little honey to it. Or put it on a piece of toasted bread with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. yummy! Or even on celery with raisins on top. There are several different ways to use peanut butter! For a snack - mix choc. chips and pb and add a little vanilla, pour it over chex mix and shake in a bag with powdered sugar. It's called Puppy Chow - yum! Hope you gain the weight you want. Wish I could give you some of mine! :)

Omega-3 helpful in COPD
Japanese researchers at Kagoshima University Hospital found that supplements of omega-3 fatty acids appeared to improve patients' breathing difficulties -- possibly by countering the airway inflammation seen in the disease. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are found largely in oily fish, and to a lesser extent in flaxseed, walnuts, soybeans and canola oil. Half of the 64 patients drank a liquid supplement rich in omega-3 fats each day; the other half drank a supplement containing omega-6 fats, another type of polyunsaturated fat found in many foods, including vegetable oils and meat. After two years, patients in the omega-3 supplement group showed an overall improvement on tests that measured their breathing during a short bout of exercise

you can go to www.shaklee.net/healthydesire to get pharmaceutical grade Omega Guard

best of luck

Hi D.,

Hang in there! The ice cream is a good idea. Some fattening stuff is:

Extra butter popcorn
cakes
pies
cookies
Pasta
candy

Eat more than usual of anything. Eat late at night to gain weight. Snack in between meals with the above. Eat a lot of meat, potatoes, starches, etc. Be sure to take your vitamins though. Your doctor could prescribe something maybe to gain weight. Most people would love to have your problem. I lost a lot of weight recently due to diabetes, but am at a good weight now because I was too heavy. Takes time to lose or gain weight. Even you don't have the energy, still try to do some exercise. Walking a little at a time to start out and gradually increase it. Exercise will give you energy. You will get there with perserverance. J. in Katy

OK--Since you need daily intake try Insure--actually my friend lived on this for 2 years during cancer treatments. It contains your vit. and nutrients per day (3 times a day) now to put some meaat on the bones 1 to 2 of those meals blend in ice cream. With your health problem there is an issue of appitate--I know my Mom and 2 of my neighbors--same thing. I really believe it has more to do with the effort it takes to breath while taking a bit of food--while drinking is not so labor intensive.

God bless you

Hi, D.. I'm sorry that you have been sick. It takes time to gain the weight back, but you can do it. And I can help. I've been in your position countless times because of GI problems and know how to pack it on.

Three hardboiled eggs for breakfast. Ensure plus (chocolate is the best flavor in my humble opinion). Fig newtons. And of course Haagen Dazs.

Hang in there. You will overcome this.