Hospital weight gain

I was in the hospital back in December for pancreatitis. 7 days NPO, just IV fluid and when I left the hospital, I weighed 14 pounds MORE than when I was admitted!!! I cried and cried. It did come off fairly easy though.

I'm in the hospital for a few days, unable to walk on my right foot due to an infection and without full range of motion of my right arm because of an IV drip. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to avoid weight gain while on bed rest? I've already lost a lot of physical fitness because I've been on bedrest for the last week or so.

Nah, you need a consult from the dietician. Just explain your situation to your nurse, and ask if you need a docs order for it, or if they can push it through as part of policy. If you have cellulitis on your foot significant enought to get admitted, and are on IV antibiotics from the infection causing the same, then you have pretty specific nutrition needs (and, without knowing what your continuous IV solution is, or what solution your antibiotics are in, who can tell how many calories you are getting).

DRINK A TON OF WATER! Seriously, it'll help flush your system and get rid of any bloating. Keep to your calories and you should be fine!

I had a hysterectomy last year and was in the hospital just overnight. I gained 11 pounds over that night. It came off after a week of eating at home. I started losing again once I was off pain meds. Don't sweat it. Focus on getting well and eating what the doc or dietician orders and THEN shift your focus back to your plan. You need good nutrition to heal and even though hospital food might not be the best, it does offer that nutrition.

I hope you are up and around soon!

I don't know... I'm not a doctor... But I'd suggest that in hospital, they're taking pretty good care of your nutrition - what your body needs to fix itself! Speak with the dietician if you can - explain the path that you're on weight-loss wise and see if there are any changes they can make. But I wouldn't want to risk my health and healing for the sake of a few kilos that may easily come off when I got out with a bit of water and some exercise.

I understand the frustration any setbacks will bring you - but surely healing properly so that you can get back to it ASAP would be your priority?

I don't know... I'm not a doctor... But I'd suggest that in hospital, they're taking pretty good care of your nutrition - what your body needs to fix itself! Speak with the dietician if you can - explain the path that you're on weight-loss wise and see if there are any changes they can make. But I wouldn't want to risk my health and healing for the sake of a few kilos that may easily come off when I got out with a bit of water and some exercise.

I understand the frustration any setbacks will bring you - but surely healing properly so that you can get back to it ASAP would be your priority?

You make a good point. Getting better is a priority (if it wasn't, I sure as heck wouldn't be here!). I don't know how important my nutrition is to the healing process, though... so far today my breakfast was made up entirely of cheese, milk, and orange products (my only allergens!) and lunch and dinner also had some milk-based products. I eat what I'm given... but now I'm covered in rashes!

then apparently the form you fill out when admitted to the hospital (stating allergies or intolerances, I had to fill one out for a day surgery in the event I had to stay overnight, so I assume this is a standard procedure?) did not make it to the hospital kitchen...let your dr and nurses know right away and they should be able to take care of that for you

Do they have you on a special diet, or a regular one?
IV fluids are going to make you retain fluid because of the concentration.
Watch your carbs- the higher your blood glucose, the more difficult it is to heal from infection. If you're not a diabetic, there is no reason for them to be doing sugar checks on you, but that is something to consider.