POZ Community Forums
Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Nutrition & HIV => Topic started by: antibody on May 28, 2009, 09:28:11 pm
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I'm wasting away. I dunno wtf! I weigh 118 and I'm 5'9" so I should be about 140 at least. I am undetectable on boosted reyataz truvada combo going on 3 years now. No vomiting no diarrhea. My tyroid and liver, kidney and blood work is all normal. My testosterone was at 165 so my Doctor switched androgel to testim to see if that's will help. I don't get it. I eat. i eat pretty good better than I ever did when i was drinking and using so WTF?
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Are you doing any kind of resistance training / weight lifting? All through high school and college I pretty much weighed the same (I'm 5'7" and weighed about 130#) no matter how much food I ate. Finally, about 2 years ago, I got off my ass, found a lifting routine I could stick with and increased the protein in my diet accordingly. After 1 year of lifting 3-4 times a week and eating a protein-rich meal afterwards, I put on about 20#s of muscle, and I'm much happier with the way my body looks. Building muscle and gaining weight can be difficult, but for me, once I got to the weight I wanted, it was much easier to maintain. Just a thought.
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Antibody,
I understand your frustration, but gaining weight (the right way) is a LONG process and not the same as losing weight.
You can realistically gain 1-2 lbs of muscle a month, and you will have to add 500-1000 calories a day to your diet. Now if you're like me that's very hard to do. I have about an 1800-2200 a day calorie intake. For my body type, and activity level I should have a 2500 calorie intake to maintain my weight. I'm 6ft 163lbs and work out 4 times a week. In order to gain muscle I'd have to consume 3000-3500 daily. It took me 2 and 1/2 years to maintain a 15lbs weight gain.
You will also have to begin working out on a regular basis, weight lifting and cardio, and adjusting you regime accordingly so when you stop noticing changes. You need to weight yourself once a week, and keep track of your eating habits, and definitely put more protein in your diet.
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My partner keeps a food journal ( as well as files for medical records) and records daily what he eats and how many calories he has taken in..how much cholesterol and so forth. This may be a bit extreem for you but you are not saying WHAT you do in fact eat....so how are we to know what to say to you. It really is something to talk to your doctor about as there are appetite boosters.
Really, its time to take charge and work on your issues. Maybe starting supplements of ENSURE to your daily diet is needed.
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My partner keeps a food journal ( as well as files for medical records) and records daily what he eats and how many calories he has taken in..how much cholesterol and so forth.
That was going to be my suggestion to Antibody.To start creating a journal. You beat me to it.
Antibody, You should make an appointment with a nutritionist ( One who is familiar with HIV infection) create the jounal first, so the nutritionist can see just what your eating and to make suggestions to you.
Ray
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eat lots of cookie dough
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Thanks for the response guys.
I have an appointment with a nutritionist but that isn't until the middle of july. I eat at least 2 meals a day plus fruit, yogurt and ice cream and junk food. I guess you are right I have to count all the calories i intake. I already smoke a pound of weed and take marinol so my appetite is there the food I eat just isn't sticking to my ribs.
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I lost a drastic amount when I had PCP & MAC. So, right after I started treatment I increased my caloric intake to about 3500 cal/day ... not an easy task. This included Ensure supplements and larger quantities. Later I did see a nutritionist at my ASO who helped tailor a balanced menu. Two years later, my doc politely mentions that I could modify my diet downward ... LOL. So, be careful with eating with abandon.
Are you having problems with appetite? If the Marinol or even the real stuff can help stimulate that, great. But, you're on the right track, so far. Keep us posted.
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Thanks for the response guys.
I have an appointment with a nutritionist but that isn't until the middle of july.
That's good to hear that. This also gives you plenty of time to create that journal. Write down everything you eat and drink, and the times. Portion sizes ETC. This will give the nutrtionist, something to go by. Make sure to keep the journal updated daily !
Good luck----Ray
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Are you doing any kind of resistance training / weight lifting? All through high school and college I pretty much weighed the same (I'm 5'7" and weighed about 130#) no matter how much food I ate. Finally, about 2 years ago, I got off my ass, found a lifting routine I could stick with and increased the protein in my diet accordingly. After 1 year of lifting 3-4 times a week and eating a protein-rich meal afterwards, I put on about 20#s of muscle, and I'm much happier with the way my body looks. Building muscle and gaining weight can be difficult, but for me, once I got to the weight I wanted, it was much easier to maintain. Just a thought.
I haven't really stuck to a work out routine. I started to and then had a lumbar puncture and had a massive headache for a week and hadn't worked out since that was the end of march. my fatigued has sucked so bad I haven't been in mood to do anything after i get home from work. I get up at 5 am to go to work so I know I'm not gettin up any earlier to work out.
I'm hoping with the change of testosterone I will have more energy soon and do plan to start to get in shape.
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antibody, I was in a similar situation a few years back and the doctor prescribed me a low dosage of testosterone & nandrolone. They're the safest steroids and with least side effects if used correctly. I did some research before I began using it.
Although normally used by bodybuilders for major muscle gains, for me it worked to have adequate muscle mass and energy along with proper nutrition and exercise. I do it in 8 - 10 week cycles just like bodybuilders do so my body won't shut down the production of testosterone.
I immediately began a workout routine for muscle mass and it has worked for me for the last 4 years doing it every 6 months or so. My normal testosterone levels come back every time and at 5'9" like you I weigh 165 lbs off cycle and have reached up to 180 lbs while on it. Body fat 9% and with good muscle proportion with 6-pack and all. You really control how much you want to build. I focus a lot on my legs since that's the part of the body where I've lost most muscle mass, then try to balance everything else.
The side effects I've experienced while taking it are:
-Being extremely horny
-Perspiring a bit more than usual and thus some acne on my back if I don't scrub often
-A lot more energy than usual
-Never roid-rage although I am a bit less patient while on it. Once I realized it however, I leaned how to control myself.
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Hi antibody,
I was going to suggest Marinol but it sounds like you're already using it. I'm in the same boat as you since I've recently dropped from 144 to 128 and have lost the desire to eat (I even feel full after a few bites). The recommendations to drink Ensure + go to the gym are good ones. Not sure if somebody mentioned this but have you looked into using an anabolic (or HGH) while going to the gym to stack on the muscle? I'm no expert on either of these so, if interested, maybe you can get more detailed info from somebody else on these boards as well as your doctor. Good luck!! :)
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My Doctor wants to see what the Testim will do on it's own and maybe add something else if I can't keep the weight on. I really just want to add something that will really help. I will talk to him at my next appointment on 6/24. It's been 9 days since he switched me to 1 pack of Testim from 2 packs of Androgel. My energy is up a bit but i still weigh the same 118. Oh and I already take 10mg of Marinol a day and I also smoke MJ. It does help make me hungry but I get full after a few bites.
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I don't recommend taking testosterone because testosterone therapy has been linked to prostate cancer.
High protein shakes are the way to go.
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I don't recommend taking testosterone because testosterone therapy has been linked to prostate cancer.
High protein shakes are the way to go.
I've tested low for testosterone 165 so i'm pretty sure it needs replacement or i will waste away and die.
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You can try DHEA to boost your low testosterone till you rack up your levels though exercise and good protein intake. Take it for a week and discontinue for two. Stop when you feel your energy levels are balanced again. They sell it inexpensively at GNC. Daily of 25mg should be enough. ;)
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This used to be my problem also.
Now I take probiotics and enzymes for digestion and work out 3 times a week.
Also take the whey protein power once or twice a day.
For my skinny butt I used the SitRelief Shorts by Lipowear.
They really work for me, but take a little getting used to.
Digestion and metabolizing of food is important so I would check with the Doc about ways to better absorb food.
best of luck,
xsufferer
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antibody... whats your family history? are your parents slim? do they have a high metabolism? some people just have a hard time of maintaining weight while others can look or smell food and put on some pounds. I'm 5'8" 165lbs... and its all muscle but, I'm 48 and the drugs have started the visceral fat deposits within my belly... one thing that worked for me before my small belly came around was (myoplex) its the best protein drink mix I ever drank with my exercise routine also... I have testosterone shots every 2 weeks... I've not seen 118lbs since I was in my early 30's... try eating peanut butter and apple slices for energy... it helps me... let us know how your doing... John
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antibody... whats your family history? are your parents slim? do they have a high metabolism? some people just have a hard time of maintaining weight while others can look or smell food and put on some pounds. I'm 5'8" 165lbs... and its all muscle but, I'm 48 and the drugs have started the visceral fat deposits within my belly... one thing that worked for me before my small belly came around was (myoplex) its the best protein drink mix I ever drank with my exercise routine also... I have testosterone shots every 2 weeks... I've not seen 118lbs since I was in my early 30's... try eating peanut butter and apple slices for energy... it helps me... let us know how your doing... John
Its true my family is thin all the way from my grandparents and uncle, brothers and my mom is tiny. I have always been thin but now my ribs are very prominent. I never expect to get fat. I just want to look like I should. I don't think I'm being unrealistic. Or maybe I am. It gets old when every day someone is gunna make a comment about how skinny I am. I get weird looks when I am out shopping. I know I've scared a few but there looks of disgust. anyways fuck em I always say. So I try to gain weight. I drink a carnation instant breakfast with every meal. I know it is gunna take working out with weights to gain some muscle weight but I work 48 hours a week and I am exhausted. I don't really think 1 pack of Testim is cutting it.
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Hey,
I have the same problem as far as weight. You should as you doctor about a med called MEGACEES. It increases the amount of food u eat and makes u very Hungary. Since taking this i put on about 7pounds the first week and 6pounds the second week. Asked you doctor and let me kno wat he says and stay in touch with this subject.
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http://www.aephymed.org/engl/EUBIOSIS%20AND%20DISBIOSIS.pdf (http://www.aephymed.org/engl/EUBIOSIS%20AND%20DISBIOSIS.pdf)
..An unbalanced feeding; poor of fruit and vegetables, therefore of fiber vitamins and mineral salts, too much rich of sugars and fats, of refined and industrialized food stuff.
The environmental decline and the presence of pollutants: pesticides, preservative, dyes and additives launch in the food stuff; heavy metals in the foods and in the dental amalgames; perturbations what the abuse of anti-acid and laxatives the indiscriminate use of antibiotic and hormones both iatrogen and alimentary.They can influence, besides, also on the intestinal functionality and therefore on the State of Health and the Comfort.The conditions above described bring, to level of bowel, mainly to the alteration of the equilibrium of the Microbic Intestinal Flora.
when the intestin is not in order it cannot assimilate well all nutrients..
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had an appointment with the nutritionist today and i weighed in at 123 lbs. I was pretty stoked to see i added a few pounds. Slowly but I'm gettin' there.
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Your doing much better than me. Be happy!!! :)
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kind of late on my response, but here it goes. had the same problem a few months ago 5'8" and weighed a 114 lbs. My biggest weight gain is when I started cooking for myself had a few eggs for breakfast and fixed a nice roast in the evening that would last a few days. I drink alot of coffee and smoke way too many cigarettes gave the other stuff(green) up. It took a little while a couple of weeks ago I weighed in about 125 lbs. Then I started eating four eggs and made them into two sandwhiches and still eating a roast at night well at least half of it. Now I weigh 139 lbs, work out and do push ups what they call diamonds. which your hands are underneath of you which works out your chest much faster. Can do about 80 a day and i just started. when i left jail in 2000 i weighed in at 150 lbs and could go. pump out a 1,000 push ups in one day no problem. I only eat things a like and work with me. All the side effects from the meds are gone. In one month on meds I was undetectable and i take truvada, reyataz and norvir three pills once a day is nice. been on alot of meds in my life time and this has been the easiest one to take. wonder what my testostorone would be lord knows I've never had a problem with my sex drive usually its in overdrive.
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Wow, you gained 14 lbs in a few weeks? pretty impressive!
Gaining weight can be a lot of work so, at the recommendation of my nutritionist, I've been keeping a food diary and it's been a hUGE help. I have a goal of 3,000+ calories a day and I do everything I can to reach it: high-calorie muffins for breakfast, Ensure, protein shakes with peanut butter, etc. I've been gaining about 1lb a week but am still 10 lbs shy of what I weighed last April when I was hospitalized. Gym is also part of the mix.
I will ask my dr. about the testosterone, which was recommended in this thread.
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There is this Medication (For Sleeping) Called Remeron. (VERY common Med) This medication makes you gain weight like crazy.
30 pounds on average. It increases your appetite. It will make you gain weight. That is for sure.
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There is this Medication (For Sleeping) Called Remeron. (VERY common Med) This medication makes you gain weight like crazy.
30 pounds on average. It increases your appetite. It will make you gain weight. That is for sure.
Yeah, I was on that. It's actually most commonly prescribed as an anit-depressant as far as I know, and the sedation is just a side effect. The tendency to gain weight is a result of the decrease in metabolism in conjunction with the propensity to overeat starchy items on this. However, when I first went on this medication it was at the worst point of a period of diagnosed HIV wasting in 2002 so for me it was actually very, very helpful in gaining weight. I was on it for four years and gained back 40 lbs, and went off Remeron once I was +5/10 lbs of my baseline desired weight. The sedation was quite nice for sleeping as well, as I'm plagued with insomnia issues. IIRC it also increased my libido, though I was also on testosterone therapy as well.
I actually would have preferred to remain on it forever, as it's basically the only anti-depressant I've ever found beneficial. I think the weight gain side effect is common in the tetracyclic and tricyclic class of anti-depressants, which is why SSRI and SNRIs are the preferred meds.
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I would really prefer no antidepressants but this weight gain side effects sounds like something I need. I keep losing weight and gain back 4 pounds and lose 6 and gain back 3 but I'm seriously underweight and can't seem to get a grip on it. It's quite depressing. I see my Doc next week so I will mention this Remeron as I'm tired of zero improvements on my weight gain.
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I would really prefer no antidepressants but this weight gain side effects sounds like something I need. I keep losing weight and gain back 4 pounds and lose 6 and gain back 3 but I'm seriously underweight and can't seem to get a grip on it. It's quite depressing. I see my Doc next week so I will mention this Remeron as I'm tired of zero improvements on my weight gain.
I can't remember but aren't you on methadone? I could be wrong, but Remeron might be be iffy with that. But if they'll let you take it with it seriously it's not like other anti-depressants, at least it was not for me. All the other ones make feel like I'm on speed and I just can't tolerate that feeling so I go off of them. But Remeron isn't so whop-you-over-the-head sedating either... just a little. And I never felt any hang over from it in the morning after a cup of coffee.
I can't imagine you not gaining weight on it. Seriously the first day I took Remeron I went to visit a friend in East Hampton and we had a fancy dinner at their house, and I ate four pieces of pie for dessert, plus extra helpings of the main course at dinner. I've always eaten like a bird so it was very abnormal for me.
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The thing I was always naturally skinny. Never gained weight. As soon as I went on it, I gained over 30 pounds in 2 months.
This has never happened before. I mean I'm happy with it now because I look more "manly"
Trust me. You WILL gain weight from this.
This medication isn't really sedating. But you'll probably get the best sleep of your life. Usually the weight gain is more prominent on higher doses. there is 15, 30, & 45 mg.
p.s. - Miss Philicia does Remeron really slow down your metabolism or is it more the cravings for starchy things. Because I do have cravings for starchy things that is for sure. But which one is it.
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I was on Remeron from 2002 until 2005 or 6, so it's been a while now, plus during that time I had three or four prescribing doctors because of moving from NYC to Philadelphia, so it was a rather chaotic time period, plus a lot of other drama. I could swear that's what one of them told me, but I could very well be recalling it incorrectly. Kind of would make sense to me -- the pie scene I described was the exception. Yes I was able to eat more but my weight gain was not like yours -- yes, I gained 40 lbs but it was over four years, not within two months like your 30 lbs. But like I said I had wasting issues when I began so I'm probably not a great case to compare yourself to.
But I distinctly recall the starchy cravings. So are you still on Remeron or did you go off it? You should find your system returns to normal when you go off of it if my experience was normal for that.
As far as the sedation, and this sounds counter-intuitive, with Remeron the lower the does the more sedating it is. They kept wanting me to go up to 45 mg but I liked the good sleep so I actually bought a pill cutter and took half of that each night :)
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My insomnia is kind of severe.
To the point where if I don't take Remeron. I will not sleep at all. I would just be up all night. I actually take a combo of Trazadone to make me fall asleep.
I take 45mg.
I actually asked the doctor that the lower does might be more sedetative. He said that the 45mg has more "Anti-Depressant" properties and 30mg has more "sedative" properties. (He said that the "Cravings" usually come from the higher doses though)
The sedation properties in the morning aren't bad, if anything I don't really notice them. A good cup of coffee will make everything good.
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my Doctor is trying me on a months run of Megace. Don't think it's made me any more hungry but the food does taste great now. some reason the food is tasting better to me. so maybe that will make me eat more.
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good news Antibody ... maybe some movement for wt gain in a positive direction ... keep us posted .. YaKa
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I think traditionally the best thing for weight gain is milk. I think it's because, although the milk contains lots of calories, it won't fill you up so you'll still eat. (That's why people trying to lose weight are always told not to drink anything but water.) If you can find a farmer that gets milk from grass-eating cows it's far better. Such farmers often keep Jersey or Guernsey or Swiss Brown cows, which give far richer and sweeter milk than our standard Holsteins do. I, alas, am in the opposite situation--can't seem to lose that last ten pounds no matter what I do--so milk is only an occasional thing for me!