Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

alfredo

(60,071 posts)
Sun Dec 10, 2017, 07:48 PM Dec 2017

Losing weight

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?

36 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Losing weight (Original Post) alfredo Dec 2017 OP
I got down to 93 pounds from GentryDixon Dec 2017 #1
Wow. How common is CMV after kidney transplant? we can do it Dec 2017 #5
When I used to give blood, they told me that they couldn't transfuse my blood,... Laffy Kat Dec 2017 #7
I made Baba Ganoush and baked some pita chips. alfredo Dec 2017 #8
Would beef broth and crackers help TEB Dec 2017 #2
I made some stock two days ago. alfredo Dec 2017 #9
Guacamole? applegrove Dec 2017 #3
I will have to try that. alfredo Dec 2017 #10
I saw a dietitian who said if I only eat one avocado it is good food. I add applegrove Dec 2017 #14
Hearty soups? PennyK Dec 2017 #4
You can get freshly made soups in the deli section these days. Don't taste applegrove Dec 2017 #6
Thanks. I tried some about a year ago. alfredo Dec 2017 #12
Tomato soup is notoriously full of sugar. Not good if you are trying to applegrove Dec 2017 #13
Im trying to gain weight. alfredo Dec 2017 #15
Sorry. I read your whole OP, went away for a while, forgot it, came back applegrove Dec 2017 #16
I'm really pumped about trying tomato soup. alfredo Dec 2017 #17
Oh that looks yummy. applegrove Dec 2017 #18
I ended up eating Baba Ganoush and later some roasted Chestnuts alfredo Dec 2017 #19
Bean soup with a ham hock sounds good. alfredo Dec 2017 #11
I had Brats and sauerkraut a couple nights ago. Yes! alfredo Jan 2018 #23
Can you up the caloric intake via your tube to stave off the weight loss Solly Mack Dec 2017 #20
I saw the nutritionist, and she gave me the go ahead to eat fatty foods and high protein. alfredo Dec 2017 #21
I've gained back over a pound. alfredo Dec 2017 #22
Rice and beans Nac Mac Feegle Jan 2018 #24
Since the OP, I have been consulted by the VA nutritionist. alfredo Jan 2018 #25
You already have the tortillas . Have you a taste for re fried beans made with lard and lunasun Jan 2018 #28
I find melted cheese easier to swallow. I can tolerate hot cocoa. It still makes me cough. alfredo Jan 2018 #30
This message was self-deleted by its author Skittles Jan 2018 #26
Baked sweet potato. MLAA Jan 2018 #27
I crumble toasted pita into my peanut butter soup. alfredo Jan 2018 #31
Have you tried almond milk instead of cow milk? MLAA Jan 2018 #33
Yes, several months ago. It did not go well. I will try again alfredo Jan 2018 #34
If cow milk feels too heavy...and you didnt like almond milk. MLAA Jan 2018 #35
Rice dreams is a brand worth trying I guess. alfredo Jan 2018 #36
I wonder if Soylent would work? CozyMystery Jan 2018 #29
Thanks I am using 2Cal HN as a meal replacement, but it is too thick and cloying to drink. alfredo Jan 2018 #32

GentryDixon

(2,947 posts)
1. I got down to 93 pounds from
Sun Dec 10, 2017, 08:07 PM
Dec 2017

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

(12,173 posts)
5. Wow. How common is CMV after kidney transplant?
Sun Dec 10, 2017, 09:02 PM
Dec 2017

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

(16,373 posts)
7. When I used to give blood, they told me that they couldn't transfuse my blood,...
Sun Dec 10, 2017, 11:09 PM
Dec 2017

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

(60,071 posts)
8. I made Baba Ganoush and baked some pita chips.
Sun Dec 10, 2017, 11:25 PM
Dec 2017

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.




alfredo

(60,071 posts)
9. I made some stock two days ago.
Sun Dec 10, 2017, 11:34 PM
Dec 2017

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

(118,503 posts)
14. I saw a dietitian who said if I only eat one avocado it is good food. I add
Sun Dec 10, 2017, 11:43 PM
Dec 2017

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

PennyK

(2,301 posts)
4. Hearty soups?
Sun Dec 10, 2017, 08:57 PM
Dec 2017

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

(118,503 posts)
6. You can get freshly made soups in the deli section these days. Don't taste
Sun Dec 10, 2017, 10:18 PM
Dec 2017

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

(60,071 posts)
15. Im trying to gain weight.
Mon Dec 11, 2017, 12:08 AM
Dec 2017

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

(118,503 posts)
16. Sorry. I read your whole OP, went away for a while, forgot it, came back
Mon Dec 11, 2017, 12:23 AM
Dec 2017

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

(60,071 posts)
19. I ended up eating Baba Ganoush and later some roasted Chestnuts
Mon Dec 11, 2017, 09:37 PM
Dec 2017

I might still heat up some tomato soup.

alfredo

(60,071 posts)
23. I had Brats and sauerkraut a couple nights ago. Yes!
Thu Jan 11, 2018, 11:45 PM
Jan 2018

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

(90,758 posts)
20. Can you up the caloric intake via your tube to stave off the weight loss
Wed Dec 13, 2017, 11:23 AM
Dec 2017

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

(60,071 posts)
21. I saw the nutritionist, and she gave me the go ahead to eat fatty foods and high protein.
Wed Dec 13, 2017, 04:44 PM
Dec 2017

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

(60,071 posts)
22. I've gained back over a pound.
Tue Dec 19, 2017, 01:49 PM
Dec 2017

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

Nac Mac Feegle

(969 posts)
24. Rice and beans
Fri Jan 19, 2018, 12:16 AM
Jan 2018

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

(60,071 posts)
25. Since the OP, I have been consulted by the VA nutritionist.
Fri Jan 19, 2018, 12:53 AM
Jan 2018

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

(21,646 posts)
28. You already have the tortillas . Have you a taste for re fried beans made with lard and
Fri Jan 19, 2018, 01:33 AM
Jan 2018

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

(60,071 posts)
30. I find melted cheese easier to swallow. I can tolerate hot cocoa. It still makes me cough.
Fri Jan 19, 2018, 01:20 PM
Jan 2018

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.

Response to alfredo (Original post)

MLAA

(17,254 posts)
27. Baked sweet potato.
Fri Jan 19, 2018, 01:15 AM
Jan 2018

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

(60,071 posts)
31. I crumble toasted pita into my peanut butter soup.
Fri Jan 19, 2018, 01:30 PM
Jan 2018

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.

alfredo

(60,071 posts)
34. Yes, several months ago. It did not go well. I will try again
Fri Jan 19, 2018, 07:15 PM
Jan 2018

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

MLAA

(17,254 posts)
35. If cow milk feels too heavy...and you didnt like almond milk.
Fri Jan 19, 2018, 07:17 PM
Jan 2018

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

alfredo

(60,071 posts)
36. Rice dreams is a brand worth trying I guess.
Fri Jan 19, 2018, 07:21 PM
Jan 2018

Last edited Fri Jan 19, 2018, 07:52 PM - Edit history (1)

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

CozyMystery

(652 posts)
29. I wonder if Soylent would work?
Fri Jan 19, 2018, 02:14 AM
Jan 2018

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

(60,071 posts)
32. Thanks I am using 2Cal HN as a meal replacement, but it is too thick and cloying to drink.
Fri Jan 19, 2018, 01:33 PM
Jan 2018

Anything with milk is difficult to take.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Cancer Support»Losing weight