Gastroparesis how to meet calorie goal?

1a1a
1a1a Posts: 761 Member
edited October 6 in Food and Nutrition
I'm posting for a friend who has this. She's averaging about 600 calories a day (and her metabolism is quite slow at the moment although she would like to speed it up somehow). She can't eat solids and can't stomach more than about 200 calories in one sitting. She knows she needs to have about 8 meals in a day but for one reason or another, she often skips meals.

Anyone who has this or knows about it, got any tips or tricks for getting the calorie intake up? And or remembering to eat?

Replies

  • grannygethealthy1111
    grannygethealthy1111 Posts: 422
    Your friends needs help from a professional. I would encourage her to talk to her physician.
  • kellybrownsays
    kellybrownsays Posts: 9
    Your friends needs help from a professional. I would encourage her to talk to her physician.
    agreed. your friend's metabolism is slow because she isn't consuming enough calories. she should be eating, at MINIMUM, 800 calories a day. and even that should be under the supervision of a doctor.

    perhaps she could try protein shakes? as for remembering to eat, I struggle with that as well. I set a timer for myself to eat. If I'm not hungry, I choose a protein or drink that will give the equivalent nutrients of a solid meal.

    best of luck to her. I dont know much about this condition.
  • 1a1a
    1a1a Posts: 761 Member
    Cheers,

    anyone else with any advice?
  • laurastrait21
    laurastrait21 Posts: 307 Member
    Is her gastroparesis diabetes related? That's tricky. I'd also consult a physician and dietitian. Personally, I think hi-calorie lo- fat nutritional supplements/shakes would be best - but no one wants to be on formula their whole life. And it's hard to get enough kcal because fatty foods exacerbate gastroparesis - so I'm thinking probably simple carbs are the best option for upping calories
  • Ncsoccermom
    Ncsoccermom Posts: 4 Member
    I have same diagnosis - gastroparesis (and IBS-C). I am working closely with a registered nutritionist, weight loss dr, and my GI Dr. It is a struggle. However, when I increased my meals (number of times a day) and calories, I began to see some results. Many of the food/calories questions go against what we are told to do in order to lose weight. I would recommend you work closely with your GI Dr, and seek advice from a nutritionist. My insurance company is paying for the nutritionist for a year, and I also have a "nutritionist coach" that I speak over the phone.

    As my nutritionist explains, the things that are good for weight loss and a low calorie diet, make the GP worse (whole wheat, veggies, nuts, etc). I was instructed to do anything I have to do to get to my calories, including eating higher fat things, like ice cream, smoothies, milkshakes, etc. The advice to work with your doctor is the best advice. It's important for everyone to be working on a plan to make you healthier.
  • calliope_music
    calliope_music Posts: 1,242 Member
    i would definitely suggest seeking assistance from a nutritionist/physician. i personally have IBS and there are days i can barely eat because i get so nauseous.

    i second ncsoccermom...unfortunately the healthier things often make me feel worse, so i just eat whatever i can on days i feel terrible to get calories in.
  • abs0830
    abs0830 Posts: 319 Member
    I actually have gastroparesis. I've had it for about 2 1/2 years. I'm one of the few who was diagnosed fairly early, so my weight hasn't changed that much. She'll need to eat calorie-rich foods. I actually have a hard time meeting the caloric requirements (I'm counting calories to get my body used to more calories so I can hopefully get rid of some weight). Every person with gp has different tolerances for food. Milkshakes and smoothies give good calorie bumps without making the stomach contract like eating a meal would. Ensure helps to get the right nutrients (or Boost or Slimfast, depending on what she needs). I've talked to several different nutritionists and it's basically a roll of the dice with what works and what doesn't. Feel free to message me if you'd like. I'd be happy to help her out.
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