Gaining weight after Dialysis

[Roxanne610]

Hello everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!

My dad got weighed in before his first dialysis...........HES 121LBS at 5'11.......I thought 131 was bad but this is even worst.....He is so weak   will he gain weight back?  Or will he stay this skinny he cant possibly make it if he is bones.  What im seeing and really feel is this disease is no different then cancer for what it does to you.  The only difference is they are on chemo and we are on dialysis......This traitorous disease just is horrible for what it does to someone, its so hard to look at my dad like this its very very sad to see someone who was so strong to feel so weak....Im really scared what the future holds..

[rose1999]

Once my Dad started dialysis (well, after a few sessions) his appetite improved and he put the weight back on.  He lost it again recently when he was in hospital for 5 weeks (nightmare story, won't bore you, it's in another thread) anyway he is now starting to put it on again so I hope your Dad will be able to do the same. He's lucky to have a caring daughter. 

[jbeany]

Once the dialysis starts to clear the toxins, he should regain a bit of his appetite.  I hope he starts gaining a little more weight and strength soon!   

[circleNthedrain]

Protein is very important for dialysis patients.  It is hard to gain weight when you have no appitite.  I have been drinking 1 can a day of Nepro for over a year.  It is a protein drink specifically for dialysis patients.  It is great if you freeze it a short while before drinking.  I also have 1 protein bar each day.  My blood protein level came up to a normal range and has stayed there since I added these 2 things.  It was always low before.  It is always hard when you first start dialysis.  I hope your father starts to feel better soon.

[cris]

Roxanne,
don't worry, my Mom was 51 kilos when she started dialysis, went down to 44 and now her true dry weight is 34. She feels better tho she is skinny. You should watch out on figuring your Dad's dry weight. Discuss with the Neph and be keen on his intakes and outputs.
love,
cris

[Zach]

My dad got weighed in before his first dialysis...........HES 121LBS at 5'11.......I thought 131 was bad but this is even worst.....He is so weak   will he gain weight back?  Or will he stay this skinny he cant possibly make it if he is bones. 

As circleNthedrain posted, protein intake is very important.

The National Kidney Foundation's Clinical Practice Guidelines for Nutrition recommends 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.  The body weight should be the ideal body weight.
http://www.kidney.org/professionals/kdoqi/guidelines_updates/nut_a15.html

And caloric intake should be 35 calories per kilogram of body weight per day.  Again, the body weight should be the ideal body weight.
http://www.kidney.org/professionals/kdoqi/guidelines_updates/nut_a17.html

The protein supplements specifically designed for people on dialysis can make a difference, in both protein and calories, but one needs to always take their phosphate binders to avoid too high a serum phosphorus.  And optimal dialysis is needed, as well.

I use Novasource Renal as one of my sources of protein.  I prefer it because it does not use sugar alcohol as a sweetner--which can cause bloating, etc.

http://www.nestlenutritionstore.com/general-itemdetail.asp?T1=NOVAREN+VANI+27CS
http://www.allegromedical.com/dietary-supplements-c522/novasource-renal-8-fl-oz-tetra-brik-paks-p192048.html

Ask the dietitioan to provide a few samples.



PS:  Divide pounds by 2.2 to calculate weight in kilograms.

[Rerun]

You can get a drink called Nepro that is for dialysis patients.  Lots of calories and protein.  I like it but some people don't.  Ask your dietition.

[Roxanne610]

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts and help....

Roxanne

[BRANDY]

Where do you buy these protein supplements nepro and such drinks. Just preparing  myself  for the answers before I need them.Also can you use ensure, boost, and such.?

[Zach]

Also can you use ensure, boost, and such.?

You can, but beware of high phosphorus and potassium.

[Stacy Without An E]

During a few weeks in my first year of treatment they gave me Nepro to take and it really helped keep me balanced.

Although at my clinic we have the opposite problem: most of our patients are frightfully and radically obese.

[qwerty]

Check with your clinic nutritionist as I know ours gives order sheets directly to the company which cost 1/2 of what you pay for at the pharmacy if you order through them. I believe it's $48.00 a case compared to $72.00 at the pharmacy.