Caloric Intake for Healing Broken Bones

debbiedbacks

I hit a tree snow sledding and have 11 spine and rib fractures. I can lift no more than 5 lbs and no bending, twisting, turning, pushing or pulling. So basically I can do very little. How many calories do I need to heal and maintain my weight? I've gained 8 lbs in 3 weeks mostly because I have to eat what I'm given. Thanks!

apullum

In general, eating at maintenance is a good idea when you're ill. Set MFP to maintenance and eat that amount.

To the best of my knowledge, no one can say exactly how many calories it takes to heal multiple fractures, but I would not want to be in a deficit at all if I had those injuries.

I would also not worry too much about mild or moderate weight gain while healing. Some of what you're seeing is probably water due to inflammation; we don't know how much, if any of it, is fat. You have some pretty serious injuries and the priority should be healing, not weight loss.

MikePTY

Cosigning everything @apullum said. If you set to maintenance, MFP will tell yuu how much to eat. But I wouldn't worry too much about weight gain during this time. You are likely going to retain significant water as your body heals itself. Focus on recovery, and then you can resume your weight loss journey once it is healthy to do so.

NovusDies

As @apullum suggested your weight gain is probably all water retention related to inflammation. That number may go up and down while you are healing. I would not expect to see your pre-injury weight for quite some time.

Your energy expenditure is higher while your body heals itself. You should also plan to err on the side of gaining a little. The faster you heal the faster you can get back to whatever your health goals were before this accident.

Take good care of yourself. Follow the doctor's orders/restrictions and mend fast.

Hilary75

I am so sorry about your sledding accident. I agree with the other feedback here. Maybe press pause on your weight loss journey and focus on healing your body. I broke my foot last March and it was a long slow recovery. I’m still trying to lose the weight I gained but I can finally run again and it feels so good to be able to be active again after such a long time sitting on my *kitten*. Find some books and some shows and let your body heal.

RodaRose

Bone healing requires an increase in calories. Eat meat, fish, milk, eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, nuts, seeds, beans, soy products, leafy greens.

wilson10102018

If your orthopedic surgeon won't answer this, search for information by adding the term "grand rounds" to your Google search string. And only read the in-house training for doctors that is in your search results.

Its pretty reckless to ask something this important from random forum strangers.

MichelleMcKeeRN

I would consult a dietitian. I would guess your body needs a lot of calories to heal all that. Maybe focus more on nutrition for now? Protein, veggies, fruit, whole grains, natural ingredients and no added sugar?