nightly tube feedings still no weight gain???

Donna70
Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
Hi,
Just wondering if anyone out there could not gain weight after their surgery? It is the 6th week after my open esophagectomy and I have not gained any weight except a few pounds here and there and then voila I go back to 121 square one. I guess I will call my oncology nurse. I take 2 cans of Jevity with one can of water every night and eat 6 small meals a day. Trying to eat high calorie stuff but just don't seem to hold the weight on. I am moving around more and taking less pain meds for the rib and back pain but don't know what else I could eat to get more pounds on, not sick or nauseated and the drs are amazed at what I have eaten, red sauces, the topping off of a pizza, wanted to try salads but they don't have enough calories and I still can only eat the half cup amount. Any input would be appreciated.
Donna70

Comments

  • Betty in Vegas
    Betty in Vegas Member Posts: 290 Member
    #2
    Layne had this problem at first
    And from what I read it seems worse for women. The problem is, as you feel like eating more, you start moving more...and so you use more calories. That will even itself out soon. Especially as you start getting muscle back. You are still very close to surgery...

    However, I would try some of those shakes that folks make with the high calorie stuff in them :)

    Salads don't have to be low cal. Use a very high cal dressing, put some nuts on cheese, if you aren't having problems with dairy, egg for protein...

    One thing that one of the docs at MD mentions is eating cashews and other high calorie nuts. Good nutrients and high in calories! You can snack on 3-4 all day long!

    Hugs--and glad you are doing so awesome!
  • mumphy
    mumphy Member Posts: 440
    #3
    Betty in Vegas said:

    Layne had this problem at first
    And from what I read it seems worse for women. The problem is, as you feel like eating more, you start moving more...and so you use more calories. That will even itself out soon. Especially as you start getting muscle back. You are still very close to surgery...

    However, I would try some of those shakes that folks make with the high calorie stuff in them :)

    Salads don't have to be low cal. Use a very high cal dressing, put some nuts on cheese, if you aren't having problems with dairy, egg for protein...

    One thing that one of the docs at MD mentions is eating cashews and other high calorie nuts. Good nutrients and high in calories! You can snack on 3-4 all day long!

    Hugs--and glad you are doing so awesome!

    Al still having problems
    Hi Donna,

    Just wanted to let you know Al is still having problems with his weight. He did have his tube removed and I wish that they wouldn't have done it so soon.

    I will happen it just takes time and least thats what they keep telling me.

    Stay strong. FYI AL JUST CRAVES CHEETOS CHEESE CURLS, DON'T KNOW WHY DON'T CARE EVERY CALORIE
    COUNTS

    Your doing great don't get discouraged.

    God Bless,
    Kath
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #4
    mumphy said:

    Al still having problems
    Hi Donna,

    Just wanted to let you know Al is still having problems with his weight. He did have his tube removed and I wish that they wouldn't have done it so soon.

    I will happen it just takes time and least thats what they keep telling me.

    Stay strong. FYI AL JUST CRAVES CHEETOS CHEESE CURLS, DON'T KNOW WHY DON'T CARE EVERY CALORIE
    COUNTS

    Your doing great don't get discouraged.

    God Bless,
    Kath

    thanks
    Hi,
    Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. I have been afraid of nuts because it says on my diet list no nuts but maybe since it is 6 wks I could have some. As far as Al loving those Cheetos, I had a bowl of them every night before I started this journey but haven't tried them since the surgery. Heard Martha Stewart describe them as dyed stryofoam peanuts and stopped craving them. Guess I will have to be patient and that is why the drs told me to keep the j tube till I am completely done of the Taxotere chemo trtments. take care and everyone stay strong, prayers always.
    Donna70
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
    Donna70 said:

    thanks
    Hi,
    Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. I have been afraid of nuts because it says on my diet list no nuts but maybe since it is 6 wks I could have some. As far as Al loving those Cheetos, I had a bowl of them every night before I started this journey but haven't tried them since the surgery. Heard Martha Stewart describe them as dyed stryofoam peanuts and stopped craving them. Guess I will have to be patient and that is why the drs told me to keep the j tube till I am completely done of the Taxotere chemo trtments. take care and everyone stay strong, prayers always.
    Donna70

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • K_ann1015
    K_ann1015 Member Posts: 500
    #6
    Donna70 said:

    thanks
    Hi,
    Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. I have been afraid of nuts because it says on my diet list no nuts but maybe since it is 6 wks I could have some. As far as Al loving those Cheetos, I had a bowl of them every night before I started this journey but haven't tried them since the surgery. Heard Martha Stewart describe them as dyed stryofoam peanuts and stopped craving them. Guess I will have to be patient and that is why the drs told me to keep the j tube till I am completely done of the Taxotere chemo trtments. take care and everyone stay strong, prayers always.
    Donna70

    my dad is having trouble gaining too
    Hi Donna,
    my dad had mostly laproscopic esophagectomy 12/7. He still has j-tube and they are decreasing hi nighttime feedings each week. He is a small guy to begin with, but has lost 20 lbs since the diagnosis and still is only at 130. I wish he could gain as well. My mom and him are trying to make sure he eats every couple of hours, but most things still don't taste great. A dietitian gave a ideas on hugh calorie things to eat or add to food to increase overall calorie intake. Maybe you could call the hospital and see if one could talk to you specifically??
    I wish you the best---hang in there...it's hard to be patient isn't it? First you wait and wait for chemo to be done, then surgery---
    Kim
  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
    #7
    K_ann1015 said:

    my dad is having trouble gaining too
    Hi Donna,
    my dad had mostly laproscopic esophagectomy 12/7. He still has j-tube and they are decreasing hi nighttime feedings each week. He is a small guy to begin with, but has lost 20 lbs since the diagnosis and still is only at 130. I wish he could gain as well. My mom and him are trying to make sure he eats every couple of hours, but most things still don't taste great. A dietitian gave a ideas on hugh calorie things to eat or add to food to increase overall calorie intake. Maybe you could call the hospital and see if one could talk to you specifically??
    I wish you the best---hang in there...it's hard to be patient isn't it? First you wait and wait for chemo to be done, then surgery---
    Kim

    weight gain
    Well thanks Kim and Bill Marshall for the input. I guess I am too impatient and it is a whole world of trouble with that rib incision and chest tube holes. Think I am scared I won't weigh enough to start the chemo. I see the onc dr next Thursday and he will tell me my chemo schedule. thanks Bill for all those sites, I will look them up soon. I had talked twice to the dietician since the surgery and she was helpful but I forget about the milkshakes so that will be something else I try. tonite crabcakes and pasta and boy that Smithfield ham sandwich sounds too good!! Kim hope your Dad starts putting on weight soon, when they told me to cut back on the Jevity and I realized I was not gaining any weight I just said I am staying on the 2 cans because I need all the nutrition and besides the drug company delivered 5 cases of the stuff. take care, prayers for all.
    Donna70
  • Tina Blondek
    Tina Blondek Member Posts: 1,500 Member
    #8
    Donna70 said:

    weight gain
    Well thanks Kim and Bill Marshall for the input. I guess I am too impatient and it is a whole world of trouble with that rib incision and chest tube holes. Think I am scared I won't weigh enough to start the chemo. I see the onc dr next Thursday and he will tell me my chemo schedule. thanks Bill for all those sites, I will look them up soon. I had talked twice to the dietician since the surgery and she was helpful but I forget about the milkshakes so that will be something else I try. tonite crabcakes and pasta and boy that Smithfield ham sandwich sounds too good!! Kim hope your Dad starts putting on weight soon, when they told me to cut back on the Jevity and I realized I was not gaining any weight I just said I am staying on the 2 cans because I need all the nutrition and besides the drug company delivered 5 cases of the stuff. take care, prayers for all.
    Donna70

    Wish I could give you some of my lbs!
    Hey Donna,
    Congratulations on your recovery. Sounds like you are coming right along! How about if you eat ice cream, or milk shakes? Candy or any other sweets? These are all high calorie choices. You now have permission to pig out on junk food!! Not too much, but just enough to have you gain. Let us know.
    Best wishes for a continued speedy recovery.
    Tina

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