howdo gain weight? If you have reflux problems?

[skinnynow]

Hi, I have been diagnosed with systemic sclerosis/myositis, I lost 20kg, and I eat a lot but have no weight gain, if I eat fats I have big problems with reflux. Is anyone here experiencing the same problem? Thank you

[Gib90]

I have the same problem. I weigh 45 kilos and cannot put weigh on. I have to eat small meals because of reflux and can't tolerate foods with a high fat content

[Halfwayuphill]

I too have the same. I have UCTD though with some symptoms of systemic sclerosis gut. I’ve had reflux for years but it has been SIBO with all its problems that has effected my weight. I now weigh 46 kilo too. It does seem to have stabilised at this though and I’ve noticed my face is not so drawn in since I’ve been taking rotating antibiotics for SIBO. I can’t really think what to suggest as I’m somewhat of a failure in dealing with it. Some on this forum take supplement drinks which your gp can prescribe but I can’t find any that don’t upset me. I eat a fair bit now although the frequent bouts of diarrhoea don’t help. I have had to modify my diet and cannot eat wheat even sourdough I’ve discovered which I greatly miss! . I compromise on sugar and eat home cooked gluten free cakes to help. I too have to be careful with fat.

Hope you find something to help

[George369]

Hi skinnynow, i have same problem, but am much better now, will share my story below. I was diagnosed last year wirh Ssc diffuse, and have lost 30 kg since then and now am only 60kg total, i look like a scarecrow seems like i lost 10 years out of my life. Weight loss happened gradually, initially was eating small meals but eventually lost all appetite and could only eat small light soups, anything heavier would cause diarhea and vomiting. Doctors said it was because i developed SIBO in my stomach and that small intestine was not absorbing nutrients and CRP was too high showing high level of inflammation. Initially they gave me antibiotics to kill the bad bacteria in the stomach, and then a month later gave me IMMUNOGLOBIN intravenously. This immunoglobin worked like a miracle, it stopped the inflammation, my CRP levels halved and within 10 days my appetite opened up and i started slowly to eat more and more. I still cannot eat heavy foods, e.g. i avoid heavy porks and pasta etc., no fresh vegies, only boiled, and no oils at all, but at least i can eat soft neat and chicken and all foods and digest then now. I still cannot put on extra wieight but at least weight loss has stopped, i can eat proper food and am steady now at 65kg. Acid reflux is still a problem but i am trying to deal with it by keeping a balance, at least it does not happen every day like before, so i raised my bed 30°, avoid lying down after meals, instead i go for a short 5 min walk after food, avoid acidic fruits and juices, avoid curry & pepper etc., also i try to eat main meal before 12 noon, so that main digestion load takes place early, then only eat light snacks until bed time. Everyone's case is different, just sharing my own experience here, we are all on a journey, hang in there and don't give up, i would just advise to get checked for SIBO and inflamnation levels, also ask about Immunoglobin treatment.