Gaining weight

Jeff D.

I know that most people on this forum are trying to lose weight but I have Crohn's disease and need to gain weight. I am a teen and my parents will not let me get a bike unless I weigh 135. I currently weigh 109 1/2, three pounds heavier than I was three weeks ago, but I want to gain weight faster. I pretty much eat whatever I can but I cannot eat a lot at one time. If anyone has any suggestions than it would be very much appretiated.


Thanks

JTE83

What's your height and what's Crohn's disease? So simply eating a lot won't do?

Jeff D.

My height is 5'7''. And Crohn's disease is an intestinal disease. It makes the intestines inflamed and causes malnutrition, this is why I am 109 1/2 pounds. I cannot take protein supplements or eat nuts. Which makes it hard for me to get the 3000 Calories I need to eat per day. I never really have an appetite which screws with my weight gain. I am willing to try anything that will make me gain weight without making me sick to my stomach.


Thanks for any advice


Jeff

jrstevens

why no protein supplements? how about glutamine which is a key AA for the small intestine and thus may aid your condition?

JS

Jeff D.

Protein supplements cause stomache pains and can erode your intestines. I have never heard of glutamine. I am going to run a search on it.

Thanks

Jeff

Hookyrider

Jeff,

I have a friend that has the same condition you have, and he is probably one of the strongest riders I have ever ridden with, at least when things are under control. He uses Ensure, and buys the stuff like mad (like 10 cases at a time!). Sorry I can't give you more details than that - but I know he swears by how it helps him.

HR

Felt_Rider

Jeff, have you read "The Maker's Diet" and "Patient Heal Thyself" by Jordan Rueben?

My wife has "The Maker's Diet" and the author speaks about he delt with his own problem with Crohn's disease.

Nutritional Books related to Crohn's disease.

Jeff D.

I have read that book but the diet is so so strict. I am just a teenager so it is hard to go on such a strict diet during school and stuff. I go on the diet during the summer. I gain a couple of pounds and then I lose them when school starts.

Thanks for the suggestions

Jeff

STS901

can I ask what is their reasoning for not wanting to let you bike @ current weight?

Jeff D.

Like I said before I am very very underweight. I lose weight if I do any type of cardio because I cannot eat enough to get the nutrients back into my body without the use of an IV. My problem is that riding is my life and passion so my disease is screwing me for riding. As long as I get up to 120 by spring then I can ride but it will be hard for me to do that unless I use some thing else besides just eating a little more. Basically I am not doing anything but doing push ups and leg presses and stuff.


Thanks for suggestions

lumpy

Hi Jeff,

It sounds to me like you should meet with a sports nutritionist and find a way to get more food into you. That's the major obstacle you have to overcome.
As you get older, bigger, and stronger, your calorie requirement will increase, so the sooner you find a solution, the better off you'll be.
Your disease may be screwing you for riding, but you have to find a way around it to fulfill your cycling passion.


Tim

Catabolic_Jones

Hey Jeff,

Best of luck to you! Like the others here I really hope you find a way to get back on the bike.

I think what you should do is seek out a M.D. who is a specialist in Crohn's and see what he / she says. Moreover, seek one out who is positive and encouraging and doesn't try to give you a programme that you can't follow.

All the best and keep us updated.

__________________
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

F1_Fan

You need a nutritionist to work with you and find something you can eat for energy. A very good friend of mine is a runner with Crohn's... a good part of her intestines were removed.

Through trial and error she found the foods that work for her... Boost, for example. Also graham crackers, steamed milk.

jb992

Is protein the best supplement to take to put on muscle mass?