Losing weight, but not intentional.

[Dana66CKD]

Any other suggestions for keeping weight on? Have lost 37# since April 2022. Not always able to eat enough protein due to stomach distress or ill feelings associated with CKD/CKF. Have had hypertensive episodes and arrythmias since April last year. All tests done. Seen renal dietitian before, will see again for follow-up. Has anyone been able to gain any of their lost weight back? Would like to hear suggestions.

[horsie63]

I struggle with this also. I found some Boost drinks that are 530 calories and have 22 grams of protein. I have MyFitnessPal and set it up for 2000 calories a day and try to reach that. I eat hard boiled eggs (just the whites as I don't like the yellow). Since I'm on dialysis I have to basically eat protein all day long. It's hard cause sometimes I have no appetite and lately food all tastes bland no what I do to it. Finding high calorie good food is difficult as most everything is focused on weight loss and not gain. If your potassium is good, bananas can help.

[Dana66CKD in reply to horsie63]

Thank you horsie63! Appreciate your reply. I am Stage 2, but have had so many symptoms and issues since dx. I have good days too, but from what I've read this weight loss/muscle loss is common with CKD/CKF disease. Still lots of studies going on about the why's but no real solutions yet. I have great appetite most days, but watch/limit my protein intake as recommended for this stage.

[horsie63 in reply to Dana66CKD]

Make sure you are eating to your labs. I did the low protein and my ALB went to 2.6which is way too low. Cutting out red meat and processed foods is good but chicken and fish are good sources of protein in moderation. This is just me but I couldn’t get enough calories going plant based so I did a 80/20 plants/non plants.

[Dana66CKD in reply to horsie63]

Yes, eating all with labs in mind, but only plant based diet since animal protein seemed to raise my creatinine/BUN levels, hence my ill health... bloating, nausea, fatigue and BP out of range. I also have Sjogren's syndrome, which is autoimmune disorder and many s/s similar to Lupus.🙁 Lots of health issues to consider.

[Amyngil in reply to Dana66CKD]

Hello Dana66CKD,

I also have trouble with putting with putting weight on. I have CKD stage 2, lupus and Sjögren’s Syndrome . I have stomach issues and am on BP meds. I am a plant based eater - I have been vegetarian then vegan almost 1/2 my life. I think the idea of a supplement drink is a good one. I was told to try orgain, kates farm or owyn. I am also trying to build muscle with exercise. I wish I had answers to share unfortunately all I can offer you is support! You are not alone and I wish you luck and if you find something that works, don’t forget to share!

[horsie63 in reply to Amyngil]

if your phosphorus levels are goog the Kates Farm chocolate is very tasty.

[Dana66CKD in reply to horsie63]

Thanks horsie63. Will consult with Renal Dietitian and see if they can offer any ideas too based on my labs.Appreciate all your support 🙏😊

[Dana66CKD in reply to Amyngil]

Thanks Amyngil for your support!

[horsie63]

yes I have Graves’ disease which is also autoimmune so I have to watch my thyroid.

[Amyngil]

oh thank you! Unfortunately, no, my phosphorus levels are high . I will keep that in mind for when I get that under control!

[Reese4]

I've been stage 3a since at least 2004. The end of last year I developed the symptoms you mention. It turned out to be due to my levothyroxine dose being too high. Once lowered I've gained weight, my BP has normalized and the palpitations have ceased.

Just a thought in case it could apply to your situation as well.

[Dana66CKD in reply to Reese4]

Thanks Reese4 for your response. Only taking Metoprolol 12.5 twice day for blood pressure. No history of thyroid issues.Recent labs for thyroid normal. All other labs wnl.

I'll try eating recommended protein 4X day instead of 3 meals, but smaller amounts at a time. Anything above 12g/meal causes symptoms. Was up to 16g X3 meals, but no longer tolerate.

Trial of smaller meals more often. IDK if will help but will try. Need more calories too.