Wish I had his weight problem

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Replies

  • Mouse_Potato
    Mouse_Potato Posts: 1,510 Member
    This is going to sound harsh, but... <shrug>

    5 years ago I used Chantix to quit smoking. It was horrible. I had vivid dreams and terrible nausea, but I kept at it for the required 3 months. 5 years later I am still smoke-free and I feel better than I have in two decades.

    My mother tried Chantix at the same time. She stopped using it after the first week or so because she couldn't handle the nausea. She never quit smoking.

    You want to guess how nauseated she was before she died last summer?

    Sometimes we have to suck it up a bit now or suffer more later. Please encourage him to try again. It is so worth it.
  • Cadori
    Cadori Posts: 4,810 Member
    Nope. Not even touching this one.
  • Cadori
    Cadori Posts: 4,810 Member
    No, I'm not jealous. Being underweight can be just as much of a problem as being overweight. Is it so hard for some people to understand a solid relationship in which partners can joke with each other? We are secure in our relationship and happen to understand each other's sense of humor. We tease each other good naturedly, not out of spite. Maybe a lot of you have had bad situations with mean and spiteful people, and for that, I'm sorry for you. You don't have to bother defending my husband from BIG, bad, me, because he doesn't have a problem with me. He DOES have a problem with gaining weight. If you have any CONSTRUCTIVE suggestions, he would really appreciate it.

    No... everyone has to constantly be offended. It's the new national past time.

    I told my boyfriend I ate a donut today.

    He said "As long as I don't get blamed for it."

    (He's surpassed me in our fitness challenges against each other.)

    Perhaps a challenge?

    You try to lose 10 and he gain 10 and see who wins first.

    That's what we do, but we're geeks, OH NO! Did I geek shame!?!?

    That depends. Do you floss your teeth with geeks?
  • Flab2Fab27
    Flab2Fab27 Posts: 461 Member
    My husband is 51 years old. He's 6'2" and 143 lbs. He has ADHD, and an injured spine. The man can eat sweets like there's no tomorrow and not gain an ounce. He's been pretty sedentary for the last 2 years because of his injuries, yet still doesn't gain weight. I'm really worried about him. He's a very picky eater, too. Pizza, chicken, burgers, pork chops, potatoes, peas, corn, salad, and sweets are his main diet. What on earth can I find to fatten him up? I occasionally tell him that I could floss my teeth with his legs. He also has a floating bone shard in his back, that if dislodged, could cause permanent paralysis. The doctors wouldn't touch him for surgery until he quits smoking, so that's out. I've told him that one catastrophic illness would wipe him out In no time because he has absolutely no fat reserve whatsoever. Any helpful ideas would greatly be appreciated.

    Did you actually ask for any sort of advice for a specific issue or just come on here to talk about your husbands issues on a public forum?
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    Why is quitting smoking a prerequisite to the removal of a bone shard?
    Sounds like it's time to see a different set of doctors.

    Smoking isn't contraindicated to most surgery, and usually a 24 hr pause is sufficient. Unless your husband is also suffering from cardio/pulmonary issues, this sounds like they are taking advantage to force the situation.

    I'm not pro-smoking but priorities seem confused here.
  • magerum
    magerum Posts: 12,589 Member
    Nope. Not even touching this one.

    I have to...

    More calories.
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    Quitting smoking should be number one; back surgery number two, after recovery, a weigh training program and lots and lots of calories from the foods he already likes.

    I didn't know Phil Heath had an MFP account.
  • TLCEsq
    TLCEsq Posts: 413 Member
    This isn't a healthy suggestion, but maybe if he eats desserts a lot to make him some high calorie ones? Like the others suggested with the full fat foods, I agree with that. Time to get an electronic cigarette for him or something!
  • MichelleV1990
    MichelleV1990 Posts: 806 Member
    . He also has a floating bone shard in his back, that if dislodged, could cause permanent paralysis. The doctors wouldn't touch him for surgery until he quits smoking, so that's out.

    Wait, what? He has a walking time bomb in his body and all he has to do is quit smoking to get it corrected... but, phsiht, that's not an option. *slams head on desk* The pills, the patches, the gums... I mean, hello!?!?!?!?....
    [/quote

    He tried the gum and it made him sick.... he has had a stomach ulcer. The patches caused strange dreams and insomnia. The guy is a doctor's dream come true with all his ailments.]
  • MichelleV1990
    MichelleV1990 Posts: 806 Member
    Why is quitting smoking a prerequisite to the removal of a bone shard?
    Sounds like it's time to see a different set of doctors.

    Smoking isn't contraindicated to most surgery, and usually a 24 hr pause is sufficient. Unless your husband is also suffering from cardio/pulmonary issues, this sounds like they are taking advantage to force the situation.

    I'm not pro-smoking but priorities seem confused here.

    I don't think it's a prerequisite for the shard, but it is for the spinal surgery he needs. The problem is, he's phobic in every sense of the word when it comes to surgery. He had one fairly simple surgery scheduled on another body part and cancelled one hour before the surgery. Since we can't address the more serious of his problems, I was at least hoping he could gain a little weight to sustain him. Thank goodness, he rarely gets the flu!
  • MichelleV1990
    MichelleV1990 Posts: 806 Member
    What effect does low body fat have on making an illness fatal that an otherwise fat person would survive? Serious question as I'm 12% body fat and don't want to die.

    It sounds like his food choices are decent, and that he doesn't have a disorder, so leave him alone. Nobody likes a nag.

    I guess I should have spelled out every detail of our lives here because most of you folks can only see what you perceive to be negative without even knowing us. I don't nag him about his smoking, or his weight. I WORRY ABOUT HIM, and occasionally will say something like, "If we quit smoking, we could put the money toward...." or, "Wouldn't it be great if...." Yes, I said WE before you start jumping on me. The difference between my husband and me is that I am able to quit and have done it for 9 years before. He has never quit since the day he started. He doesn't have good eating habits either. If he ate as much of the foods I previously listed as he does the sweets, he may be a bit healthier. I just can't understand how one person can consume so much sugar and not gain weight. Someone mentioned protein powder....I'll have to give that a try. Since I've never had a problem being underweight, I never paid attention to that kind of stuff.
  • sklarbodds
    sklarbodds Posts: 608 Member
    You could try accepting him how he is
  • What effect does low body fat have on making an illness fatal that an otherwise fat person would survive? Serious question as I'm 12% body fat and don't want to die.

    It sounds like his food choices are decent, and that he doesn't have a disorder, so leave him alone. Nobody likes a nag.
    Doctors don't like it if you have extremely low BF% as if you get sick long term, your body has no stores to feed off of or something. My father was told his BF% was too low last time he had walking pneumonia.
  • MichelleV1990
    MichelleV1990 Posts: 806 Member
    I quit smoking on January 26, 2012 when I was in ICU with a blood clot in my heart and leg due in part to years of smoking. I quit cold turkey and have not looked back. I no longer smell like an ashtray and my granddaughter loves to hug me now. My car smells fresh and no one minds riding in it. My teeth are white again and I lost the grey color to my skin. I can walk further and with less effort than before. Best thing I ever did for myself!!!

    Congratulations to you!!! Boy, have you ever been through a lot...sure hope things just keep getting better for you!
  • MichelleV1990
    MichelleV1990 Posts: 806 Member
    No, I'm not jealous. Being underweight can be just as much of a problem as being overweight. Is it so hard for some people to understand a solid relationship in which partners can joke with each other? We are secure in our relationship and happen to understand each other's sense of humor. We tease each other good naturedly, not out of spite. Maybe a lot of you have had bad situations with mean and spiteful people, and for that, I'm sorry for you. You don't have to bother defending my husband from BIG, bad, me, because he doesn't have a problem with me. He DOES have a problem with gaining weight. If you have any CONSTRUCTIVE suggestions, he would really appreciate it.

    No... everyone has to constantly be offended. It's the new national past time.

    I told my boyfriend I ate a donut today.

    He said "As long as I don't get blamed for it."

    (He's surpassed me in our fitness challenges against each other.)

    Perhaps a challenge?

    You try to lose 10 and he gain 10 and see who wins first.

    That's what we do, but we're geeks, OH NO! Did I geek shame!?!?

    Ooo, I love your attitude!!!! You and your bf sound a lot like my husband and me in the humor dept. Good idea about the challenge, too! Thank you so much!!!!
  • MichelleV1990
    MichelleV1990 Posts: 806 Member
    This is going to sound harsh, but... <shrug>

    5 years ago I used Chantix to quit smoking. It was horrible. I had vivid dreams and terrible nausea, but I kept at it for the required 3 months. 5 years later I am still smoke-free and I feel better than I have in two decades.

    My mother tried Chantix at the same time. She stopped using it after the first week or so because she couldn't handle the nausea. She never quit smoking.

    You want to guess how nauseated she was before she died last summer?

    Sometimes we have to suck it up a bit now or suffer more later. Please encourage him to try again. It is so worth it.

    I'm so very sorry for the loss of your mother! You are absolutely right...sometimes we must push through the difficult for the better good. Congratulations to you on your success, and I wish you well!
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,209 Member
    I'm on the "address the smoking" bandwagon - there's a reason people complain that they put on weight when they quit! So double whammy, he can gain weight AND get the surgery he needs. Smoking is a huge appetite suppressant, and really impacts on your ability to taste. Once you quit, not only does the appetite improve but you want to eat more because stuff tastes better! combine that with the oral fixation that comes with giving up, which can cause you to eat anything in sight, I really think it's your best shot.
  • MichelleV1990
    MichelleV1990 Posts: 806 Member
    My husband is 51 years old. He's 6'2" and 143 lbs. He has ADHD, and an injured spine. The man can eat sweets like there's no tomorrow and not gain an ounce. He's been pretty sedentary for the last 2 years because of his injuries, yet still doesn't gain weight. I'm really worried about him. He's a very picky eater, too. Pizza, chicken, burgers, pork chops, potatoes, peas, corn, salad, and sweets are his main diet. What on earth can I find to fatten him up? I occasionally tell him that I could floss my teeth with his legs. He also has a floating bone shard in his back, that if dislodged, could cause permanent paralysis. The doctors wouldn't touch him for surgery until he quits smoking, so that's out. I've told him that one catastrophic illness would wipe him out In no time because he has absolutely no fat reserve whatsoever. Any helpful ideas would greatly be appreciated.

    Did you actually ask for any sort of advice for a specific issue or just come on here to talk about your husbands issues on a public forum?

    I decided to give a bit of his medical background so I wouldn't have to explain why he can't go to the gym, etc. I also gave examples of what he likes to eat, since his dislikes outweigh his likes. Seeing as I had to explain our sense of humor to those who are a little more sensitive to jokes than we are, I'm glad I did. I thought I was making it easier for members to come up with suggestions. I think it's pretty clear that he wishes to put on some weight, and therefore, that is the issue.
  • LiftAllThePizzas
    LiftAllThePizzas Posts: 17,857 Member
    It's up to him to want it bad enough, I guess.
    The end.
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    Regardless, I recommend foods high in omega-g's

    In...

    ...for omega-g's.
  • Alluminati
    Alluminati Posts: 6,208 Member
    Regardless, I recommend foods high in omega-g's

    In...

    ...for omega-g's.

    Those are some gangsta omegas
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    Regardless, I recommend foods high in omega-g's

    In...

    ...for omega-g's.

    Those are some gangsta omegas

    5c4f72c8-625e-4fde-961e-1f2b784bdb86.jpg
  • cynlynn38
    cynlynn38 Posts: 7 Member
    Would he drink something like Boost or Ensure?
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    Regardless, I recommend foods high in omega-g's

    In...

    ...for omega-g's.

    Those are some gangsta omegas

    5c4f72c8-625e-4fde-961e-1f2b784bdb86.jpg

    Straight-outta-compton-nwa-movie.jpg
  • Aemely
    Aemely Posts: 694 Member
    Why is quitting smoking a prerequisite to the removal of a bone shard? Sounds like it's time to see a different set of doctors.

    Smoking isn't contraindicated to most surgery, and usually a 24 hr pause is sufficient. Unless your husband is also suffering from cardio/pulmonary issues, this sounds like they are taking advantage to force the situation.

    I agree. Get a second opinion! This sounds like horse hockey, unless they are saying that his health is so poor they cannot sedate him? Drive to a different city/state if necessary that's willing to listen and take your insurance (research doctors online, phone, clear all the insurance hurdles first, and set up an appointment). I'd try to go to the nearest, biggest Mayo Clinic 1st for an evaluation, even if that means driving a distance (http://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic). Or, find yourself a really great university medical center nearby. And, remember, just because doctors recommend something, that doesn't mean you have to do it. "Thank you for your advice; we will take it into consideration." is a perfectly acceptable response. It may just be helpful to have the info/scans/test, etc. for future planning.

    Lastly, in terms of weight & smoking, with spinal/back issues, gaining weight may not be all that great of an idea. Perhaps staying just on the positive side of underweight may keep him from making his pain even worse. Also, if your husband smokes b/c of the pain, I totally understand that, and frankly, it's probably better than being addicted to opiates or other prescription nasties... Smoking can be quite palliative, or so I am told. I'm not saying smoking is a great idea, but I am saying that it's understandable. :frown:

    Best wishes to both of you!!
  • aedreana
    aedreana Posts: 979 Member
    I disagree that a man is "too" thin at that height and weight. I think J. J. on "Good Times" looked just fine. (Not lying.) Your husband is thin because he is tall. Just like, many fashion models are my weight-- but they are reed-thin and I am somewhat overweight. Because they are seven and eight inches taller than me. (I am 5' 3 1/2" and 121 lbs.) I just think men look best when they are super-skinny. But he should base his ideal weight goal on what he thinks he should look like, not what I think, of course! I just wanted to sing the praises of lean and lanky men!
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    Regardless, I recommend foods high in omega-g's

    In...

    ...for omega-g's.

    Those are some gangsta omegas

    5c4f72c8-625e-4fde-961e-1f2b784bdb86.jpg

    Straight-outta-compton-nwa-movie.jpg

    a428e_omega5.jpg
  • joepage612
    joepage612 Posts: 179 Member
    His weight sounds ok with me but if he wants to gain weight I can tell you this..
    I gained 45 pounds in 1 year when I quit smoking (9 years ago).
    Eating high calorie foods like you listed is vague because I dont know how much of them he eats. I know a lot of elderly frail thin people who only eat cake and pastries and ice cream but they are tiny amounts.
  • MichelleV1990
    MichelleV1990 Posts: 806 Member
    Would he drink something like Boost or Ensure?

    He might, if it comes in chocolate.
  • MichelleV1990
    MichelleV1990 Posts: 806 Member
    Why is quitting smoking a prerequisite to the removal of a bone shard? Sounds like it's time to see a different set of doctors.

    Smoking isn't contraindicated to most surgery, and usually a 24 hr pause is sufficient. Unless your husband is also suffering from cardio/pulmonary issues, this sounds like they are taking advantage to force the situation.

    I agree. Get a second opinion! This sounds like horse hockey, unless they are saying that his health is so poor they cannot sedate him? Drive to a different city/state if necessary that's willing to listen and take your insurance (research doctors online, phone, clear all the insurance hurdles first, and set up an appointment). I'd try to go to the nearest, biggest Mayo Clinic 1st for an evaluation, even if that means driving a distance (http://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic). Or, find yourself a really great university medical center nearby. And, remember, just because doctors recommend something, that doesn't mean you have to do it. "Thank you for your advice; we will take it into consideration." is a perfectly acceptable response. It may just be helpful to have the info/scans/test, etc. for future planning.

    Lastly, in terms of weight & smoking, with spinal/back issues, gaining weight may not be all that great of an idea. Perhaps staying just on the positive side of underweight may keep him from making his pain even worse. Also, if your husband smokes b/c of the pain, I totally understand that, and frankly, it's probably better than being addicted to opiates or other prescription nasties... Smoking can be quite palliative, or so I am told. I'm not saying smoking is a great idea, but I am saying that it's understandable. :frown:

    Best wishes to both of you!!

    Thank you! He does have COPD. Even before this diagnosis, his breathing during REM sleep was very shallow. You're probably right about not carrying around too much weight with his back the way it is. We were hoping for maybe 10 to 15 pounds. He saw a specialist at the Cleveland Clinic. The doctor said that contrary to what people think, smoking is hardest on your spine. It leaches moisture from it and make the bones more brittle. It's also a longer healing process when you're a smoker. so we were told.