Can't Keep Weight On...

[TwinkleToes]

Hi All -

So, for the past few months, I've noticed that every attempt that I've taken to try and put on weight has failed. I'm 5'8 and currently at 134.5 as of this morning.

As for my history, I recently had my gallbladder out three months ago, and recently saw my GI who prescribed Pentasa for when my symptoms get bad. This past weekend with the holiday, my Crohn's definitely flared and i've been dealing with pain, abdominal cramping, and frequent BM's on Saturday and Sunday.

I still eat three meals a day, and I feel hungry. But, for some reason I just can't put weight on. I do work out, but not enough to drop this much weight. I get scared, because the last time I started randomly losing weight was when I had my last bad flare, which lasted for 6 months and put me completely out of work.

Does anyone have any suggestions on ways that I can keep up my weight and not lose anymore? Does anyone take anything throughout the day that helps them? I want to think it's part stress...and I make sure I take all of my vitamins to counteract getting sick. Just concerned...

Thanks!

 

[Bond007]

I know how you feel. I would drive myself crazy wondering if I am flaring, because I would lose weight while eating decent. This is the reason I started calorie counting years ago. I've gotten to the point where I don't need to write anything down. However that is the only way to really be sure that your weight is coming from malabsorption. You start knowing where your maintenance calorie zone is and if you should be losing or not

Things I would do if I were you - I would go on an elemental liquid diet. You can either go full liquid diet and eliminate food all together for 4-6 weeks. This would be the best choice crohn's wise as it would not only get you more calories but give your stomach time to heal (elemental is pre digested). Or you can use the liquid drinks to supplement with food. This would give you the extra calories you need, but wouldn't address the inflammation. Depending on how bad or how sure you are that you are in a flare, you would probably want to get on some medication - catch it quick is always key.

Good luck

 

[SarahBear]

Just to clarify, are you taking anything other than Pentasa, and are you taking it regularly?

 

[TwinkleToes]

I'm not takin Pentasa at all. My Crohn's rarely flares, and is considered "mild" by my GI Doctor. She said to only take it when my symptoms flare, but to be honest I'm scared to take it. I read about the side effects being worse than the "relief" and would like to try and heal it holistically first, if possible.

I think the Thanksgiving Holiday and tons of food really screwed up my system, because I eat well and exercise. Just frustrated that I lose weight rather than gain.

 

[SarahBear]

Pentasa is usually safe. It's one of the most gentle medications to treat Crohn's. When my GI prescribed it, he told me it can take up to three months to start working. I'm not positive on this; I'll look it up when I get home and see if I can come up with anything! I wouldn't expect it to work if it isn't being taken regularly, though.

I don't really have any advice for you, unfortunately. I've been in a similar situation, but it righted itself when I began treatment. I've heard that medical marijuana can help with this (reduces inflammation and pain, while also increasing appetite), if that's something you're not opposed to and have access to.

 

[rygon]

I rather snack than have 3 3meals a day as it seems easier on my stomach, but like you I find it hard to put any weight on, with only exercising to build my muscles up working for me.

Have you thought about juicing and as a snack between meals. If you make some veg juice it will give you extra nutrients whilst being kinder to your stomach.

Maybe a food diet might help to see how many calories you really are taking

 

[Hobbes650]

Hi TwinkleToes! Losing wieght unexpectedly could certainly be a sign a flare up is starting. SB is right that Pentasa is one of the more harmless meds, but it also may be one of the least effective drugs. So, your doc says to only take meds when you have a flare up? That goes against the trend. Nowadays, even when people have no sypmtoms and their intestine looks good, they still take something. I went over 20 years without taking anything after my surgery for UC, but after being diagnosed with Crohns this May I'll be on something the rest of my life. Problems can develop that you don't feel until they get real bad so I find it strange you're not taking anything, even though yours is "mild". I was mild when Dx as well.

You mentioned you'd like to try other approaches- I think it's a good thing as well. I added a tumeric supplement as it's a great anti-inflammatory. There are probably lots of threads on other forms of treatment somewhere around here.

As for your qeustion on weight gain, I found high calorie protein shakes are a very good way to gain weight. Low residue so it shouldn't harm your gut. You can mix these with water instead of milk if needed. LOTS of choices out there.

I'm not takin Pentasa at all. My Crohn's rarely flares, and is considered "mild" by my GI Doctor. She said to only take it when my symptoms flare, but to be honest I'm scared to take it. I read about the side effects being worse than the "relief" and would like to try and heal it holistically first, if possible.

I think the Thanksgiving Holiday and tons of food really screwed up my system, because I eat well and exercise. Just frustrated that I lose weight rather than gain.

 

[TwinkleToes]

Hi Sarah - Yes, i've thought about the medical marijuana thing. But, that would honestly be a last resort.

Rygon - You make a good point that I tend to forget. I forget about eating smaller meals throughout the day, as opposed to three big meals. With my work schedule it can get a little difficult to maintain those meals, but I will definitely try that.

Hobbes - Yes, I agree that it's a symptom. When I spoke with my GI, I emphasized that I would like to try and treat thing holistically before I take the medication route. I've taken Prednisone in the past (which I see you're on...and i'm sorry to hear that), and it gave me the worst symptoms ever. My GI Doc said she would never put me on that. She did suggest Remicade for my fistulas; however, after talking for about 30 minutes she suggested the Pentasa. Yes, I know that most people take it regularly to prevent the flares, but my flares are few and far between. As for your vitamin suggestions, I actually do take Turmeric. I also take a multi, Iron (since i'm anemic), Aloe Vera, Zinc, Vitamin C, and now Ginger. I also actively take probiotics, and did that today when I couldn't stomach a regular meal. I purchased a smoothie with active probiotics in it. But, I think I may just do what you suggested and switch back to the protein shakes. Back when I was really stressed out, that seemed to be the only thing I could stomach.

I did end up going home from work early today with Nausea, Diarrhea, Dizziness and a 101.6 fever. I've been taking it easy all evening (chicken noodle soup, ginger ale, etc.) Fingers crossed it goes away soon, but I appreciate everyone taking the time to respond.

 

[TwinkleToes]

Hi Bond -

Thanks for your time. In all honesty, I would lose my mind on a liquid diet. I do, however, actively juice. So, I may go ahead and incorporate that a little more.

I know how you feel. I would drive myself crazy wondering if I am flaring, because I would lose weight while eating decent. This is the reason I started calorie counting years ago. I've gotten to the point where I don't need to write anything down. However that is the only way to really be sure that your weight is coming from malabsorption. You start knowing where your maintenance calorie zone is and if you should be losing or not

Things I would do if I were you - I would go on an elemental liquid diet. You can either go full liquid diet and eliminate food all together for 4-6 weeks. This would be the best choice crohn's wise as it would not only get you more calories but give your stomach time to heal (elemental is pre digested). Or you can use the liquid drinks to supplement with food. This would give you the extra calories you need, but wouldn't address the inflammation. Depending on how bad or how sure you are that you are in a flare, you would probably want to get on some medication - catch it quick is always key.

Good luck