Gastroparesis and other Disabilities - Cannot lose tummy fat

RColl71
RColl71 Posts: 2
edited September 21 in Food and Nutrition
I have gastroparesis and a strict diet that pretty much limits everything I can eat. No fiber, no meat, no vegetables, nothing in a shell or casing (like melon, peanuts, beans, etc), no fruits (citrus and seeds are bad).

I've mainly lived on Ensure for a year just to maintain my weight.

I can eat plain white rice, broth, bananas, etc. I dont want to eat anymore because I now hate these foods.

Problem, I also have several other disabilities that keep me from doing any serious cardio other than walking - if I can walk that day at all. (I also have C-spine stenosis with nerve impingement on rt side, Fibromyalgia, Narolepsy and REM Sleep Disorder)

How can I lose the "fat" my body is storing? Is my body in "starvation mode" (I'm at less than 900 calories a day)?

I need to lose this tummy fat. Just losing 10 lbs means I can wear my clothes again.

I need to balance the bad and good "sugars and fats" in my diet but there is only so much I am allowed to eat.

Any help is appreciated.

Replies

  • thedreamhazer
    thedreamhazer Posts: 1,156 Member
    Hi RColl-

    Unfortunately, I don't have any advice for you, but my condolences. I have a family member with gastroparesis, and I see how hard it is. I really admire that you're trying through the difficulty!
    Have you spoken with your doctor about wanting to lose fat on your restricted diet? Perhaps they would have some recommendations for you. Also, do you have a nutritionist? Might be worth looking into if you can!

    Good luck!
  • RColl71
    RColl71 Posts: 2
    Thanks for the reply - I appreciate it. Gastroparesis is the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with in my life.

    I just had a pyloroplasty a month ago, and it was not a huge success. I lost a few pounds after surgery, but stablized 10 lbs more than where I was before getting sick - and the Ensure keeps adding on the body fat in my tummy, thighs, and bottom - partly because my other disabilities keep me from being able to maintain an excersise plan.

    I'll have to ask about a nutritionist. One would think that someone would have been more concerned with my weight being "fat" weight only. I only have 3 GI specialists, 5 other specialists, and a family doctor!
  • southrenlady
    southrenlady Posts: 12 Member
    I understand what you are going through it is hard, this is my life as well many problems but none to big for God, i have found that using a tea called ginger an also peppermint no caffeine in them is helpful, it helps with distention an other air trapped in the stomach, anyways it helped me, so i though i would take the chance to reach out an help...
  • tinaluzis
    tinaluzis Posts: 1 Member
    Hi, I have gastroparesis also! I meet with my GI tomorrow for our final Q&A session before my j-tube surgery. I was 284 lbs in Dec '07 when I first became sick. I'm 105 now. My focus has been on maintaining weight, and since Feb - gaining weight. I've failed at both.

    When you're eating such few calories, you're metabolism is so low that it's hard to lose weight. I don't know if you're familiar with Crystal Saltrelli, but she's a nutritionist with GP. Even has a gastric pacemaker. If you Google her, she'll pop up. Maybe you can have a phone consult with her. She gave me great ideas, and she's even written a GP cookbook.

    Are you on Facebook? G-PACT has a series of groups for those of us with digestive tract paralysis and motility disorders. You may get some tips, and you'll definitely get support.
  • princesslynn_2011
    princesslynn_2011 Posts: 1
    I have gastroparesis as well and battling the same things. I am not sure how to add friends, but if you add me we can compare notes and food ideas.
  • abs0830
    abs0830 Posts: 319 Member
    Thanks for that. I just ordered the book. I've battled with gp for over a year and a half. Mine is only moderate, but it did drastically change my way of eating and being able to exercise. Before GP I exercised about 6 days a week and my diet consisted of fresh fruits and veggies and foods high in fiber. When my diet changed I actually gained weight and since I'm under the caloric intake for the day it's become difficult to lose even a little bit of weight.

    When I was first diagnosed I drank Ensure a lot. It has more protein than other shakes, but if you're drinking two a day it might be helpful to drink something like Slimfast for one of those. It helped me drop about 5 pounds. While I stabilized after that those 5 lbs really did boost my spirits.
  • MzBerry79
    MzBerry79 Posts: 3 Member
    THANK YOU so much for this comment!!!! I bought the book and 'Like' Crystal on Facebook...She is a wealth of knowledge!
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