New to the forum.

[veganshaun]

My name is Shaun, I'm 30 years old, and was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in late March. Since November 2009, I've lost 35 pounds, my sense of appetite has plummeted, I've had to omit some of my favorite kinds of foods, and it's a daily struggle to get through my meals--due to decreased interest in food. I've been a vegan for 12 years, and had no prior issues with appetite. I ate like a beast, to be honest, and my weight was 215 prior to the onset of the symptoms that would later be diagnosed as CD. At this point, I'm very concerned about all of the weight I've lost and the inherent loss of nutrients due to this.

I'm on a new medication [Apriso], which seems to be doing well for me. But, it's too early to tell. In any event, I'm glad there's a support system like this out there, and I hope it can be helpful.

 

[Jenny06xx]

Wecome to the forum !!

 

[crazycanuck]

Hey there welcome to the forums and glad your findinf a drug working so far. If the drug is starting to work everything else should follow suit and the weight will start to come back. Good luck and again welcome.

 

[Nica]

Hi! Welcome to the forums!

Have you tried boost and or Ensure to help with calories? If that does not follow with your diet maybe carnation instant breakfasts with soy milk? It is very hard to want to do anything when you can't get your essential vitamins, nutrients and calories in.

When in a flare up I try to stay with mushy, bland food. Comfort food is good for me. I make jokes about what is normally "healthy" will kill me. Bread (white) is another I eat a lot of when I am really down. Another idea is the BRAT diet. Bananna, applesauce, Rice and toast. Try to nibble when you can instead of a "meal".

I lost quite a bit of weight with my first flare up as well. Now 12 years later I need to go on a diet. So it does get better.

 

[veganshaun]

Thanks, Nica. Neither Boost, nor Ensure are vegan-friendly. But, I intend to purchase a blender and get back into making shakes. Soy protein powder worked well for me a few years ago when I was into weight training and such. At the very least, I think it could be helpful in easily increasing my caloric intake. My appetite has noticeably improved since starting on the new medication. So, I'm hoping it will continue to benefit me.

The BRAT diet is a great idea, and one that I will definitely try to implement. Thank you very much. :thumleft:

 

[Nica]

Sure thing! I am trying to help everyone here with my 12 years of Crohns so you are very welcome!

I know fiber of any sort messes with me.. badly.. So you might want to think about low-residue foods for now as well.

I used to do a vegetarian diet, well I did it for a year, I have thought about going that way again but with no-fiber in my life I am not sure how I would even think about it. Also no nuts, seeds, beans. Is it even possible to do vegetarian with those kinds of restrictions?

 

[veganshaun]

I was vegetarian for 13 months before becoming a vegan, over 12 years ago. Throughout this time, I experienced no digestive-oriented issues. As I'm sure the case is for many, I had no idea as to where these symptoms came from. But, I will have to choose my spots. I've omitted some of the ethnic food I loved, due to its effects on me. However, things such as beans will have to remain within my diet. Fortunately, I haven't experienced any issues related to beans. As for nuts and seeds, I've never really eaten much of either. I do monitor my fiber and have noticed that foods rich in fiber, bring forth havoc.

 

[Nica]

It sounds like you have a pretty clear idea of how to stay on your diet and manage Crohn's. I really can't do beans so I think that ends my idea of going back to veg.

I will say, once you get into a full remission you may be able to eat the ethnic foods you like so much. Maybe not, but you might. There are times when I can eat almost a normal diet for a bit.