Gaining the Weight Back

On Nov 12th I was admitted into the hospital with a severe flare of UC weighing in at 105 lbs and just under 5'2".  I had never been any heavier than 105 (except during my pregnancies), and for the most part 105 was my normal weight.  Within the first couple of weeks of being in the hospital I lost about 13 lbs.  I lost another 5 or so lbs during the week after my surgery, and was discharged on Dec 4.  With the holidays and everything, I had no problem gaining the first 5-8 lbs back.  Since, the weight gain has stopped dead.  I went back to my GI last Tues, and she commented how I am at greater risk of osteoporosis (already have osteopenia), and how she doesn't like me being so thin. 

First, my appetite is not what it used to be.  Secondly, I no longer have any kind of sweet tooth since my surgery.  In fact, I dislike sweets with the exception of ice cream.  So, although I am eating as well as I can, my caloric intake is a lot less than what it used to be, and my portions are much smaller.  I am taking vitamins and juicing, and for the most part, my energy levels are fine (especially since I am not running myself ragged at work anymore). 

Anyone else still having issues gaining the weight back?  What can you suggest?  I cannot drink Ensure, as the sugar content makes me sick.  I know things take time, but I was not too concerned until my doctor was. 

 

LOL. Thanks, Rosemary. I should clarify and say that I am still a little skeptical about eating full-blown ice cream. Mostly I have been eating frozen yogurt (but the more exotic flavors, like Ben and Jerry's), and a few times I have had ice cream (once a sundae at Friendly's, and another at Cold Stone Creamery, but didn't like that - too sweet). For so long I couldn't eat dairy without a problem, so I have been reintroducing that slowly. Tomorrow I think I will pick up a pint of real ice cream. What I do crave are nachos supreme. I could eat these morning, noon, and night. I am sure these are high calorie too, but not too much nutritional content, I'd imagine. Gaining weight can be fun if one feels like eating. Otherwise, it becomes a chore, like it is in my case.

     WOW...wish I had that problem...but, I gained about twenty pounds since my operation and it has settled in all the wrong places       When I was dischaged from the hospital in 2010, I weighed in at 112.  I used to be 5' 4'' but due to osteoporosis (thanks to prednisone) I have shrunk down to 5'2''.  I was a bit too thin at 112.  I am afraid to get on the scale but the last time I peeked it said 126 .  I can tell because all my clothes are tight on me.  I should exercise more and I will come the nice weather.  I'm too lazy to use the treadmill .

Agree with the boost. My last admittance (January 18) I was 92lbs, at my appt. last Wednesday I was 111.8 YAY! I've been eating whatever I want pretty much up until then, this past week I have been trying to keep a better eye on it. I feel comfortable around 120 and if I kept going at that rate I would hit that in the next two weeks! Lots of protein and make sure the calories you do take in count - ice cream and cookies taste good but they won't give you that long term energy you need like protein and good carbs :)

I drink two 8oz Ensure Pluses per day. They're a good source of protein and come at 350 calories a piece. Plus, they have only 1g of fiber, so they won't "fill you up" and make you unable to eat solid foods, as you say your feelings of hunger have diminished.

I also tried the Special K protein shakes, but I found them too artificially sweet for my taste. I've tried both the Vanilla and Milk Chocolate Ensures, and their taste is much more mild and natural - like light vanilla and chocolate milk without a 'milk' taste.