How much wieght can you loose due to a ileostomy?

Hi everyone!

As some of you know my dad underwent a ilesotomy now 8 weeks ago.  He is not doing well as some of you will know due to previous posts.  He is on anti-depressants (zoloft) and zopiclone to make him  sleep.  He was 15stone and 3 pounds and he is now 11 stone and 6 pounds.  So as you can see he has lost a lot of weight in a short time.  Anyone know if this is normal?  He was overweight I know for his height 6ft 1inch.  So some weight loss was expected but this much!!  I have read the Zoloft can cause weight loss and was wondering what other peoples experiences were.  He is eating well and drinking well too but as you can imagine my mam and I are worried sick.  The Zoloft has calmed him down(too calm infact)  he is just so tired but I think this is due to the tablets.  Anyone with anyformation on the above would be most welcome.

Thanks

anne

Hi Anne:

I was really sick before and for a time after my ileostomy. I went from 215 lbs. down to 115 lbs. on two seperate occassions (after surgeries 1 & 2). I am back up to 170 lbs. one year after my last surgery. My apetite is good but I can't seem to put on any more weight. I think your Dad and I are about the same age (51?). I think, at our age we naturally lose muscle mass, and with the ileostomy I think that process might be accelerated. I have started doing a little weight training to see if that will help. They say muscle weighs more than fat, ergo, I am trying "pumping iron".

I hope he feels better soon. It might be helpful if he could read some of the posts on this forum. I know it gave me a real lift when I needed it most.

Richard