I need to lose weight but due to surgery cannot exercise or eat high fibre diet! What should I eat for stage 3 kidney disease?

[Mogmog]

Healthy eating with kidney disease

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome to the community,

I don't know where you live or what type of healthcare you have. However, now that you know you have CKD I hope you have met with a nephrologist. If so, ask for a referral to meet with a Renal Dieitian. Bring to the meeting as many hard copies of your previous lab results as you can obtain.

Together, you and the RD can develop a kidney-friendly meal plan that will work for you. Let the RD know your goals and preferences and you should be able to work out a plan that will meet those objectives.

If you are in the USA you can go to the eatright.org website and you'll find a red box in the upper right of their home page. Click on that and enter your zip code and you can find the names of qualified RD's in your area. If you are out of the USA ask your nephrologist to suggest someone that can help you meet your weight goals and slow the progression of CKD.

Currently, I'm also at Stage 3 and have been for just over three years. Shortly after getting the diagnosis I met with a nephrologist and then an RD and we designed the meal plan that has worked for me. My GFR was at 32 when I was given the diagnosis and over that time my GFR has been as high as 65 and more importantly, my average has been 53.

The post surgery period shouldn't last forever so until it does, ask the doctors on your Care Team about the best exercise regimen for you to stay healthy.

Best of luck to you.

[Mogmog in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your good advice.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I was diagnosed at level 3 CKD and put on a diet by my Doctor, appropriate for me based on blood work. It is important to get a prescribed diet. Mr Kidney gave some good information on CKD and diet importance. You have come to a good forum for information and support. Welcome! Keep us posted on your progress.

[Mogmog in reply to orangecity41]

Thank you

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Mogmog,

Getting a referral to a dietician will help you out and give you a diet plan that you can work and live with. Then use a food tracker like myfitnesspal, or Davita has one. Keeping track of what you eat will help you to lose weight easily. For example, if you can have 1500 calories, you can plan you day out and stick with the amount of calories. Some times you go high on one thing and low on another. So much easier. I lost 38 pounds that way and have kept it off for the most part. When I see an increase, I jump back on to tracking and then it comes right back off. But I do not wait until I have put on more than a couple of pounds.

[Mogmog in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks will give that a try

[not2worry in reply to Mogmog]

You might also try an App on your mobile called Lose It. It allows you to record what you eat, drink, exercise and many other things that affect your weight. You can set a goal - make it realistic and it shows your progress. It also gives you tips and tells you what is helping or hindering your weight loss.

I started using it 18 months ago and have lost 15 pounds. It reset my approach to what I eat, how much exercise I need to stay fit. It really has helped me.

Yours from across the pond

[Mogmog in reply to not2worry]

Many thanks i have just joined a healthy eating app which is similar I think, all the best from UK

[Darlenia]

Do you know what is causing your kidney issues? If it's something that originates and is specific to your kidneys such as polycystic kidney disease, then the kidney diet likely is a good choice for you. If there's another influence breaking down your body, then I suggest you speak to a registered dietitian that knows how to blend diets to combat both conditions (for example, a kidney diet with a diabetes diet). Most insurances, including medicare, will cover the expenses of a "registered" dietitian. Great ones will study your blood/history and devise a plan of action addressing your particular needs and chemistry. You specifically mention losing weight. If that's your goal, and particularly if you're diabetic, you may want to seriously consider lowering your sugar/carb intake. My husband is a diabetic with diabetic kidney disease which required aggressive action. He was put on a 70 net carb daily diet by his doctor - he dropped weight fast and his numbers rallied significantly. Become a label reader. There are items (e.g. eggs, skinless or well cooked veggies, etc.) which also have minimal fiber, a requirement you mentioned) that satisfy multiple needs. Unfortunately, my husband wound up on dialysis anyway as he started the process too late - the diabetes had already done too much damage. So, bottom line, you're unique and a one-size-all diet may not be a good fit for you, particularly if you have a number of issues going on. Kudos to you for being proactive! I sense a great outcome for you!

[Mogmog in reply to Darlenia]

Thanks Darlenia, I’m not diabetic, but do have Lupus and had to have a Colectomy for inflammatory bowel disease. Hence low fibre diet, Arthritis also prevents me exercising much. I am trying low carb/low sugar, but being on steroids has made me gain considerable weight. the CKD is probably due to Lupus inflammation. Will keep trying to eat as healthily as possible. Sorry to hear your husbands condition was not reversible. Best wishes to you.