[Miracle1986]

I can not gain weight!!!
I am always exhausted and have absolutely no energy... no matter how much I sleep.
I never have any appetite... even when I do stuff that should "work up an appetite"... it's not there.

I am not anywhere near where I should be weight wise. (I am 4' 8" and I weigh between 72 and 76... it fluctuates depending on the day.
(One day it even said 80 at the Dr's office!)

I know the reason I can't gain weight and I have no energy and stuff is because I don't eat (it is a GOOD day when I eat 2 meals a day).
But it is extremely hard to make myself eat when I don't feel hungry. It literally makes me feel like I am going to vomit.

I need help, tips, ideas, and support. I fear that if I keep living like this... well I try not to think about what could happen.

[Moreta]

you can have some of my excess fat.

Have you ever tried protein shakes?

[Soul Quake]

I've been there, and there is no trick, or easy way to go about this - you have to eat, and that means forcing yourself to do so. The reason you get nauseous is because your stomach is not used to eating enough. Upping your calories slowly will stretch your stomach out which in turn accommodates more food.

My recommendation is to seek out a nutritionist to formulate a meal plan for you if that is feasible or speak to your doctor. If that is not feasible, make one yourself. Start challenging yourself. Eat two meals a day, with maybe a snack. Do that for a number of days, then increase it to three meals. It depends on what you can handle. Four small meals might be better as opposed to three large ones. Write down what you eat, and be on a schedule, where you eat the same time everyday.

There are high calorie drinks that can be purchased such as Ensure or Boost. They're loaded with sugar, but it could be a starting point that accompanies a meal.

[(JD)]

Maybe have your MD draw blood labs? Then, knowing what minerals and nutrients you lack, you could take supplements with those few meals you eat.

[Perna]

What does your doctor say? I think with your cerebral palsy and lower stature you might have problems that could affect why you don't wish to eat/feel hungry?

Are there foods you enjoy more/less than others? I would try a naturally high fiber diet to make sure you do not suffer from constipation (I eat popcorn almost every day, it's a whole grain and high in fiber), constipation can often make one feel they have less energy. If there are fruits and vegetables you enjoy, I would certainly try to increase them; I aim for 5 fruits and/or vegetables a day and usually have no problem since I love fruit and veggies. Eating well makes it so I don't have to eat as much and crowds out less nutritious foods so I sleep and feel better.

[Miracle1986]

Originally Posted by (JD)

Maybe have your MD draw blood labs?

she draws blood every time I see her... no matter what the visit is for.
Occasionally my levels of things are low, but normally they come out normal.

Originally Posted by Perna

What does your doctor say? I think with your cerebral palsy and lower stature you might have problems that could affect why you don't wish to eat/feel hungry?

Hmmm... have never thought about that... and she has never mentioned that as a cause.

Are there foods you enjoy more/less than others?

that is tricky... I am very picky.
I love pasta and starch... could eat it 24/7
I don't like very many "healthy" foods.
*thinks* I like bananas, apples, grapes, raw carrots, cooked broccoli, raw squash, most types of beans... and I am a carnivore... I love meat!

[(JD)]

Ok, if you're sure she's checking nutritional levels and not just pulling liver panels or something (sorry, I'm not a medical doctor) then no worry!

You can eat foods that make you hungry.
I know back in "the days" they gave the elderly at the nursing homes Ovaltine because it made them hungry and they ate.

I would go the nutrition shakes or sports protein drinks or bars. Watch out for too much sugar though, as that would be counterproductive I think.

Maybe you need to bulk your muscles up a bit through exercise/weight bearing? That would add weight, and appearance, and would allow you to eat even more!

[Christina86]

I wish I had similar problems to you. I'm overweight. (Gotta love the wheelchair and the fact I love food)

Are you on any antidepressants or other drugs that may cause a decrease in hunger?

I'd recommend smoothies, whey powder, or slowly trying to up your food intake. Don't try all in one day, but adding a small snack for a week and then adding another one may expand your stomach so you'd be hungry again.