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Hard time to put on weight after surgery

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 7/15/2013 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
I had a surgery to overcome a stricture from my 2nd surgery (narrow staple!) and it seems to be going well. It was not 20 days ago. The thing bothering me is that this explosive D is hindering weight gain.
I even lost some weight after leaving hospital.
How long does it take to put on some weight again? My docs wants 25 pounds more! It should be good news.

In the overall, I'm do feel better and with more appetite.
Posted 7/15/2013 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
I am having a really hard time putting on weight. Never thought it would be that hard. I have been on prednisone for 4 months and haven't gained a pound. My appetite is better, I have been drinking protein shakes. Nothing. I started off weighing 198 lbs. I weight 119 lbs now. I need the weight back. I know I am sickly but so darn tired of looking like it.. :(
Posted 7/15/2013 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Never had this problem.

Steroids + eating more = putting on weight ridiculously easily.

I clearly have a metabolism which wants to hoard every last pound it can get. On my stomach.
Posted 7/15/2013 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like you need to call your doc for a prescription to help control the D. I haven't had surgery, but if you are having explosive D, then more is going out than calories coming in!
Posted 7/15/2013 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
A bile sequestrant like Questran is meant to be good for post-resection surgery. I've never tried it, but it surely seems worth a go.
Posted 7/16/2013 12:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Ive been having the same issue...I had a resection done on part of my rt colon on 1/31/13...And Even though its only 5lbs, I cannot seem to gain it back...Ive always been underweight, as my metabolism is pretty fast...So generally speaking, im already a thin person, smh...Im hoping with my vitamins, minimizing stress, trying ensure, and maybe biologics...My body can try to get back into motion...Thank You For The Post, And If You Have Any Additional Information, Please Feel Free To Share...As I Will Do The Same...
Good Luck, On Your Weight Gain, And Overral Health!!!!
Posted 7/16/2013 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Djin. Someone above mentioned Questran. I take the generic cholestyramine. It helps to slow down the D (I had 18" resected plus gallbladder removed = acid D in a hurry!). You might want to talk to your doc about this in the future.

It's been a long time since my resect (23 years next month), but I remember I did not gain back weight for a couple of months post surgery...then wow I gained it all back plus (I have always been a fat Crohnnie).

When my diet is limited, I find adding a banana blended in the protein drinks helps to add weight. I am lucky and can have milk/milk products---ice cream helped add back the weight and did not cause me cramping or much D. Cheese also seemed to help add weight. Also, try eating more often to keep the nutrients coming.
Posted 7/16/2013 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks folks. Actually, I have some Questran but I'm afraid to take it so soon after surgery. Maybe a call to the doc may fix it...

My mornings are very exciting, anything from 2 to 5 times until noon is possible, mostly watery in all shades of brown.

Maybe I will have to cut my coffee (although its not first thing in the morning).

How long after surgery did you come back to Questran? (I'm a big fan of it).

Ps. I'm a big fan of banana with protein shakes too, I'll try to have more of it!
Posted 7/16/2013 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks folks. Actually, I have some Questran but I'm afraid to take it so soon after surgery. Maybe a call to the doc may fix it...

My mornings are very exciting, anything from 2 to 5 times until noon is possible, mostly watery in all shades of brown.

Maybe I will have to cut my coffee (although its not first thing in the morning).

How long after surgery did you come back to Questran? (I'm a big fan of it).

Ps. I'm a big fan of banana with protein shakes too, I'll try to have more of it!
Posted 7/16/2013 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
Djin,,,,I can't tell you how long after surgery I restarted cholestyramine, but I know I am still not up to a full packet from my flare up in October. Apparently, a full packet is about 3tsp, 1.5tsp is too much still, but I can do 1tsp. I would definitely talk to your doc about restarting (or easing back into) the stuff.

I would recommend cutting back the coffee at least until you can stabilize the potty trips. I know how much I love coffee, but somethings are just not worth it!

bananas dipped in melted chocolate too!
Posted 7/17/2013 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Habs!

Today I took tea instead of coffee and it was better. The doc said it may take up to 8 weeks (!!) to get stable.

Until there, Questran, tea and potty! But it's worth it. My appetite is twice it was 3 weeks ago, before the surgery. And I'm NOT exaggerating.
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