weight gain on dialysis

[htpi1543]

I am 78 yo, not diabetic. I lost 25 lbs in the last 4 years. GFR of 8. Will be on dialysis in a week or two. Fistula is healed. Plant based diet. I understand that to increase the weight while on dialysis is practically impossible

I need to increase my weight. How do I do it please share your experience

Thanks

[Darlenia]

Hi Htpi! I hear your concern. One of the "plusses" of dialysis is that diet choices are generally increased. Although you will still need to restrict potassium and sodium, you will likely be encouraged to eat more foods with protein and so on. And that should help you gain weight. However, the best person to guide you in this will be the dietician at your dialysis center. S/he will develop a plan for you that helps you achieve your goals. As for our personal experience, my husband did well on dialysis. It certainly helped clear his body of toxins. Consequently, his appetite returned, his strength improved, and his sleep pattern went back on track. He actually looked much better after he was put on dialysis (at age 70). While I can't make any promises, this may happen to you too. Blessings on the journey ahead.

[htpi1543 in reply to Darlenia]

Thank you Darlene’s for your very informative reply. God bless

[Ziggydoodah]

Hi htp1543

I started haemodialysis about 8 weeks ago....and I cant stop eating 😳. When I started I was being sensible, having 3 meals a day and no snacks. I also lost any inclination for chocolate. I felt i could suddenly taste palm oil in any chocolate bars i tried. I thought great, this will help me lose some weight 🤩🤩..About 2 weeks into my dialysis I suddenly started craving starchy carbs, especially after dialysis. Mac cheese and sandwiches 😳. I am still like this. Fortunately I am eating salad sandwiches etc . The past 4 weeks I have been craving Crunchie bars. I asked my dialysis nurse last week if this was normal. She said i was probably so full of toxins before dialysis, that it reduced my appetite. Now my appetite has returned..big time. The thing is I havent put in any weight. They are not removing a lot of fluid as i can still pee and I have no swelling in my limbs etc. I visited my sister on Sunday and she actually thought I had lost weight 😳😳😳. Sorry for my long rambling post...my point was....my appetite has gone completely hair wire since starting dialysis. If you are on a plant based diet, then you might start getting different cravings. Good luck with everything x

[htpi1543 in reply to Ziggydoodah]

Thank you zigging for sharing your experience. God bless

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to Ziggydoodah]

The dialysis process itself removes protein. Most feel very hungry during or right after dialysis. This is due to the protein loss. Limit your phosphorus and remember your binders if you need them. Blessings

[Ziggydoodah in reply to KidneyCoach]

I did not think about the protein loss during dialysis. I am on phosphorus binders. Thanks so much for this KidneyCoach. You are such a blessing to us newbies 😁. I hope you are well. Thanks again x

[Ziggydoodah in reply to KidneyCoach]

Sorry KidneyCoach I have a couple of questions for you. I was telling a couple of my fellow dialysis friends about what you said about protein loss. They too are starving during and after dialysis..i thought it was just me 😳😳. I am now trying to sort out a proper eating plan to combat my carb cravings. I am based in Scotland and during dialysis we get given 2 cups of tea or coffee, which is accounted for when they remove fluid. They also give us a sandwich. Is this normal protocol? I know a lot of patients are diabetic and they need to eat but should I be eating and drinking during dialysis, when i am not diabetic. I dont usually drink tea or coffee but have started drinking the 2 cups as it is something to look forward to (what has my life become!!). I would appreciate you or anyone else's opinion regarding drinking and eating during haemodialysis. Thanks.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to Ziggydoodah]

Here in U.S. eating or drinking is not allowed, but patients often exercise freedoms to do so. It's really about basic clinic/doctors protocol. Across the pond food and drink during dialysis is the norm for all, diabetic or not. Ive not read anything stating adverse effects from this standard practice in Europe or other countries. Most patients doing Home Hemo eat/drinwhile on treatment without issue. Ive seen horrendous abuse of power over patients on this issue. There are many theories on this "protocol" in -center. My truth is eating and drinking while on dialysis is best time as the treatment normally removes more potassium during first portion. Eating/drinking during dialysis cannot in most settings be harmful for anyone, in my humble opinion. But its always up for debate. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

🙄

[Ziggydoodah in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thanks for replying KidneyCoach. I suppose the best time to have some food, is when you are on dialysis. That does make a lot of sense. Its amazing all the different protocols health professionals/countries have. Thanks again for your advice 👍👍

[RoxanneKidney in reply to Ziggydoodah]

Sorry but that was hilarious ..thanks for that.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

Ìm not sure your information is correct. You will have access to a dietitian who will address your concerns, review your labs and desire to gain weight. She/He will be at your disposal once you begin dialysis. Hope this helps. Blessings

[htpi1543 in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thanks kidneyCoach. Noted blessings