Losing weight

[alfredo]

I’ve been trying to wean myself from my feeding tube. It isn’t going as I hoped. I still have a hard time with bread and milk products.

The foods I can tolerate are low calorie. I can eat hummus and baba Ganoush. I can eat a bit of Feta cheese.

I can eat toasted pita and rice crackers.

Any suggestions?

[GentryDixon]

1. I got down to 93 pounds from

CMV virus from my kidney transplant. I was on a chemo type infusion for months, and what I used was the Premier protein drinks from Costco. 30 grams of protein. I also ate a corn muffin each morning to help with the oral meds I was taking. That was 1 1/2 years ago. I have now regained all of my weight.

I hope you find something that works for you.

[we can do it]

5. Wow. How common is CMV after kidney transplant?

My mom had it. She just wouldn’t eat some days. She was on chemo for a while to get rid of it.

Wishing you good health!

[Laffy Kat]

7. When I used to give blood, they told me that they couldn't transfuse my blood,...

Into an immune-compromised person because I had antibodies for CMV. It's so common up to 80% of the U.S. population is CMV-positive. That was years ago. Wonder why they would transplant a CMV-positive kidney? Maybe because there are so few matching organs? Just curious. I want to learn more about this, but feel free to tell me to butt out.

I sure hope you recover quickly, GentryDixon. I'm wondering if you should keep trying the carbohydrates, as they are usually easier to digest and feel better on a queasy tummy. What does the dietitian suggest?
Hugs and positive thoughts to you!!!

[alfredo]

8. I made Baba Ganoush and baked some pita chips.

That gave me a complete protein.

A bunch of Brie with wheat crackers.

Fried two Johnny cakes in butter. I should have used oil.

I have difficulty with bread and milk and some cheeses. I can handle Feta cheese.

Meat is an ordeal once i’ve Chewed out the flavor.

Some veggies are just fine.

[TEB]

2. Would beef broth and crackers help

[alfredo]

9. I made some stock two days ago.

Tomorrow I am making Prostitute Pasta and cucumber and yogurt. The pasta I will use is couscous.

I haven’t decided what to make with the beef stock, maybe French onion soup.

I usually make peanut butter soup with chicken sauce, but maybe it is time to try something different.

[applegrove]

3. Guacamole?

[alfredo]

10. I will have to try that.

[applegrove]

14. I saw a dietitian who said if I only eat one avocado it is good food. I add

a bit of lemon juice, chopped garlic and salt and pepper. Yummy.

[PennyK]

4. Hearty soups?

I've made some for my husband using various beans and lentils, usually with carrots and diced tomatoes. I feel so guilty...I've just about gotten over my chemo aversions (except for Thai food).

[applegrove]

6. You can get freshly made soups in the deli section these days. Don't taste

like canned at all. You have to keep them in the fridge and eat them pretty quick but they taste wonderful with a dab of sour cream.

[alfredo]

12. Thanks. I tried some about a year ago.

Maybe some tomato bisque.

[applegrove]

13. Tomato soup is notoriously full of sugar. Not good if you are trying to

lose weight.

[alfredo]

15. Im trying to gain weight.

My nutritionist wants me on a high fat and protein diet. My physical therapist has me exercising, and my GP wants me to walk an hour every day. When I have time, I cook and clean. Eating is wedged in there between all that.

[applegrove]

16. Sorry. I read your whole OP, went away for a while, forgot it, came back

and saw only your title. My bad. Have at the tomato soup. It is really healthy for you if gaining weight is what you want. Add some milk too. My dad is a tomato soup fan and his favourite canned tomato soup is Aylmers'. Don't know if you get it in the US. He's 88 and he certainly put on weight having tomato soup every day for lunch after he retired.

[alfredo]

17. I'm really pumped about trying tomato soup.

If I can handle it, this looks like a good recipe.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/best-tomato-soup-ever-2138619

[applegrove]

18. Oh that looks yummy.

[alfredo]

19. I ended up eating Baba Ganoush and later some roasted Chestnuts

I might still heat up some tomato soup.

[alfredo]

11. Bean soup with a ham hock sounds good.

[alfredo]

23. I had Brats and sauerkraut a couple nights ago. Yes!

Sauerkraut was the revelation. I drained and rinsed it to take the salty vinegar edge off. A bit of sugar completed the sweet sour duo.

[Solly Mack]

20. Can you up the caloric intake via your tube to stave off the weight loss

while exploring more foods and preparation methods?

How's the swallowing?

Do you practice swallowing when not eating or drinking?

Is excessive mucus build up a problem in your throat, causing a gag reflex? It's caused by radiation treatments and it is not uncommon. It can interrupt the ability to swallow.

Prepare any dish you can tolerate with the fattiest ingredients possible instead of any low cal choices.

Try eating 5 small meals throughout the day. Set a calorie intake number for gaining weight and work both the tube and solid food around reaching that number. At this stage simply try and maintain your weight.

Can you get an appointment with a nutritionist? I had one when I almost died from the inability to eat once treatment was over.

A Vitamin K shot hurts like you wouldn't believe. You don't want to reach that point. But not eating or not eating enough can result in your blood to stop clotting. Mine did.

You are starting to worry me.

[alfredo]

21. I saw the nutritionist, and she gave me the go ahead to eat fatty foods and high protein.

The Mucus is a problem, but keeping hydrated seems to help. I'm counting calories and making comfort foods daily. I had a slice of pizza, and snack foods today. I eat a lot of hummus and Baba Ganoush with toasted Pita.

I've gained a half pound since my meeting with the nutritionist.

Hpe you are doing well.

[alfredo]

22. I've gained back over a pound.

Cheese and crackers helped, and just eating anything I can shove down my throat.

[Nac Mac Feegle]

24. Rice and beans

comprise a complete protein. Can you that?
Either make your own beans, or buy canned refrieds from the Hispanic Foods section.
They might have enough fat to help you.
If you can tolerate the spices, they do come in various levels.

Would ground meats be do-able? The variety of sausages is truly amazing.

When I couldn't eat, I lived on pureed soups and protein smoothies. Almond milk protein powder, peanut butter, frozen fruits, and a few ice cubes.
It was about the consistency of a milk shake, and I could sip on it leisurely.

[alfredo]

25. Since the OP, I have been consulted by the VA nutritionist.

Tonight I made home fries and a poached egg.

I am going to try puréed meat. I will make make chili, try to eat it, if not I will purée some.

I’ve been doing chili beans, poached eggs, sour cream, scallions, and salsa. I fried to crisp some corn tortilla, and crumbled them over the beans. I burned out on brown rice, I guess I should revisit them.

The VA has put me on a high cal/High protein diet.

I am also eating a lot of toasted pita and fried corn tortillas

[lunasun]

28. You already have the tortillas . Have you a taste for re fried beans made with lard and

Spanish rice fried in oil before cooking?
Made with lard re fried beans at home or restaurant versions that have more fat may contain about 120 calories in just one-third of a cup.
Spanish-style rice made from a package may contain about 200 calories per cup, while more-authentic homemade varieties fry in oil first could contain about 250 calories in the same serving. In total, your plate of Spanish rice and beans could range from 290 calories to 370 calories for only 1&1/3 cups of food . Add a tortilla or two fried over 500 probably

For me this is the reason I can't have this good stuff =too many calories / fat and I'd still be hungry with the portions and I don't want to go over or it will result in overweight so just the opposite .
Too bad dairy is upsetting to you that too for me is another way to gain - ice cream milkshakes whip cream butter cheese etc
Any Seeds or nut butter . Pure coconut oil has about 120 calories a teaspoon I believe and add it to anything including hot drinks
Or eat with a spoon it's solid at room temp here.
Fat is a must and good for everyone but for me just enough then mostly to my low cal fiber veggies that fill me up and lean protein is best for me.
Good luck to you on your gain

[alfredo]

30. I find melted cheese easier to swallow. I can tolerate hot cocoa. It still makes me cough.

My wife is trying to lose weight, so my diet is her mortal enemy.

An egg McMuffin is edible. I could make my own. Peanut butter soup is good too. It's Chicken stock, onions, S/P and peanut butter.

[MLAA]

27. Baked sweet potato.

Bake it until soft and then mash it up a bit with your fork. If you can stand it, I sometimes add vegan margarine.

For a change try green pea hummus:
Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add peas; cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Drain; run under cold water.
In food processor, pulse peas, cilantro, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin 30 to 40 seconds. Season with salt.

Saltines and Bush’s vegetarian baked beans. Right out of the can room temp or even chilled out of the fridge. Lots of good nutrition but eating them room temp or cool seems to make them a ‘lighter meal than eating them hot. Or put them on a backed potato.

Salsa on a baked potato.

Apple sauce.

Elbow macaroni with just a little vegan margarine and you cad sprinkle a little dried basil if that doesn’t make it too strong a flavor.

Have you tried a banana smoothie? Frozen banana (slice em before you freeze them, 4 or 5 or so ice cubes, a drop of vanilla, I add vegan protein powder. Husband likes to add honey. Then zap it all together in a blender or vitamin until nice and smooth like a milk shake.

Good luck!

Edited: Thought of something else high in calories yet nutrition rich. Nuts and nut butters. Peanut butter or almond butters. Or even just a handful of nuts will add more calories to your diet.

Puddings can be high in calorie but would go down easy.

Okay last one. You mentioned you could handle pita chips. How about spreading refried beans or a dip made from refried beans on them? Lots of good nutrition and calories in beans.

[alfredo]

31. I crumble toasted pita into my peanut butter soup.

BTW, black bean hummus is life altering.

Pecans are high in calories and they have a nice sweet taste.

I still have issues with pasta, Israeli Couscous is an exception.

I love refried beans with cheese and salsa.

My wife makes killer smoothies.

Still, I'd love to be able to drink a glass of milk with my peanut butter sandwich.

[MLAA]

33. Have you tried almond milk instead of cow milk?

[alfredo]

34. Yes, several months ago. It did not go well. I will try again

I tried some pork chili from the food coop. It went well. One cup filled me up.
250 cal 17gms protein.

[MLAA]

35. If cow milk feels too heavy...and you didnt like almond milk.

There is rice milk. It tastes a little *thinner* to me.

[alfredo]

36. Rice dreams is a brand worth trying I guess.

Last edited Fri Jan 19, 2018, 06:52 PM - Edit history (1)

It is low in calories and protein, not what I need.

[CozyMystery]

29. I wonder if Soylent would work?

It's a meal replacement -- liquid (do not buy the powder). If you try it, I'd get the smallest amount you can from Amazon. Or you can Google it and order it directly from the company.

[alfredo]

32. Thanks I am using 2Cal HN as a meal replacement, but it is too thick and cloying to drink.

Anything with milk is difficult to take.