Struggling to Gain Weight After Gastric Bypass and Ileostomy

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Jojo322
Feb 02, 2017 2:55 am

Been reading loads of great info but I can't seem to find the info I'm looking for.  I had a gastric bypass 15 years ago with no problems. That is until now. July of 2016 was my first lap surgery for removal of adhesions.  All seemed fine until November 2016 when my small bowel got itself into a know forcing removal of about 10".  Two weeks later that repair essentially disintegrated and another 6-10" were removed and I was given my ileostomy pouch. In July of 2016 I weighed 125 lbs and currently struggle between 90 and 100 lbs. my doc won't consider reversal until I gain 20.  Not to mention that I need to get out of this malnourished state. I try and eat every couple of hours loads of carbs and proteins. I have been told that my ileostomy is considered high output and I eat bananas peanut butter milkshakes anything fatty I can think of.  Waffles pancakes cookies cake etc.  I tried boost but it doesn't seem to help. I drink a lot of pedialyte to replace fluids too. The only good thing is that I have been able to figure out the leakage and skin problems through much trial and error and u fortunately found this fab site after!  But any help in this diet area would be much appreciated. I was almost wondering if I would benefit from a feeding tube?  

NJ Bain
Feb 02, 2017 2:41 pm

Jojo322,

 

  Sounds like you've been through the ringer.  It also sounds like your body may still be adjusting to all the surgeries.  Shortly after my surgery when I could eat, the doc ordered 1 ensure protein drink with every meal I ate.  I know boost tastes better but it seemed to help.  Even better in a milk shake.  I would also consider mixing in some whey protein with your shakes.  And I don't know if you work out but it probably isn't a bad idea because you want to gain healthy weight like muscle and not fat.

  As far as output goes, you can try to slow it down with marshmallows, graham crackers or pretzels.  And I would say no on the feeding tube.  Don't give up on the pleasure of eating food unless you REALLY have to.

 

Bain

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Mrs.A
Feb 04, 2017 10:37 pm

Hi Jojo,

I agree with Bain, don't give up on food! There are so many delicious things to taste. I believe the best way is to eat more small meals and eat more calories than you are burning.

Protein forms the building blocks of your muscles. Eating sufficient protein is required to gain muscle weight instead of just fat.

Adelaide
Feb 09, 2017 6:54 pm

I hear you!   It was the opposite for me, I was trying to loose some weight!  anyway, what put on mega weight for me, was a product called   RESOURCE  2.0  It is similar to Boost and  Ensure... but not only does it taste MUCH BETTER, it definitely put on the weight for me.  Hope this helps...

NotDeadYet
Feb 22, 2017 4:19 pm

I was always thin, and then lost 35 lbs right after my surgery.  As I had a blocked colon, they actually attached an IV that dripped FAT! (My sister offered to be a donor. hah!)

Once home from the hospital, to gain weight I would get up in the middle of the night and eat. . . baby food! Baby rice cereal mixed with formula! 

After a few months my body started to gain weight just with normal eating. 

 

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