VITAL Elemental Formula Diet

[ClaireBear7]

I am new to the Crohn's forum. I thought it would be a good idea to join for some support from people who know what it's like to live with Crohn's.

I have a mild case, but with stress from college, among other things, my disease has become more active. Currently I am receiving Remicade infusions every 6 weeks, but I am the type of person who hates to take medicine and admit there is actually a problem with my health.
A new doctor I have been seeing proposed the elemental diet. I was on the diet for 3 weeks and I felt great, but I lost about 10 pounds. Slowly I started eating more real food and I stopped the elemental diet completely.
I have a problem putting the NG tube down, so the entire time I was drinking 6 cans of the thick, gross tasting formula. I am trying to do the elemental diet again, but I am cheating and eating real food.

Does anyone have ideas of what I can do to the formula to make it taste better? Any suggestions at all??

I really just need some encouragement. I don't want to give up on this diet because I think it has the potential to allow me to treat my Crohn's through my diet and not take medicine that has bad side effects.

 

[Jane]

I pour vital over ice. It helps.

 

[my little penguin]

the only way to treat IBD with diet means no food at all-
only EEN ( formula only).
PEN ( partial elemental nutrition ) does not work for maintenance.
YOU will probably need more than 6 cans a day in order to maintain your weight and stay healthy.
freezing or heating the formula will destroy the nutrients.

Straws help a lot for my son.
if you google you tube video ng tube there should be more than a few to help you put it in right.

 

[SarahBear]

Hi, Claire! Just wanted to check in and see how you're doing with the diet now. Did you find anything to help with the taste? :hug:

 

[Spooky1]

If you need the naso gastric tube then the trick to putting it up the nose is to put 3 fingers right under the intended nostril, push hard and then pull those fingers down over the teeth. With other hand, or help from someone put the tube up the said nostril and it won't hit the sensitive bit that makes water come from the eyes. you can lube the tube so to speak.

I'm on Vital too. good luck, and by the way, A VERY BIG WELCOME. It's great here.