I'm not familiar with the protein drinks/shakes, chisue, but I wonder if adding a daily milkshake to your diet would help with weight gain. They don't have all the nutrients of the commercial products, but they certainly pack a wallop of calories and are very palatable. Perhaps you could do a protein shake in the morning and a milkshake in the afternoon?

Of course, you'd want to take into account any concerns about cholesterol when adding high fat foods to your diet.

Best of luck to you.

If you are looking at the commercial products OTC, look for those with 'Plus' for more calories, not Original. I buy Ensure Plus for my mother who eats sparingly at best. The Plus formula is twice the calories. Also consider Carnation Breakfast Essential (used to be called Instant Breakfast) in whole milk. It has similar nutrition, you may find it tastes better, and its less expensive. That tip came from a Kaiser nutritionist.

I've tried Mom's Ensure and don't like the mouth feel. I find Boost Plus a better taste but I buy it for her and what she likes - that happens to be Ensure Plus in butter pecan which has to be ordered because no one carries it locally any longer. I have a case coming from Amazon now that I ordered last night ;0)

If your health will permit the dairy fat, milkshakes if you like them can work for weight gain too. I have staff at Mom's residence watching and if it looks like she hasn't had much lunch or has skipped dinner, they will pour her an Ensure then bring her a milkshake a little later from downstairs. With her doctors blessing - and whipped cream ;0

Some other weight producing quick snacks are nuts, dark chocolate, granola. You can make your own smoothies too with fruit, whole milk, yogurt, add some whey protein powder (which doesn't seem to be as 'grainy' as some)

Eat more. You will gain weight. Ask me how I know.........:)

Really though, I dont think a shake will help with weight gain. Unless you drink a LOT of them daily. Most of them are lower in calories. I drink Premiere Protein shakes and Atkins shakes because they are high protein and lower carb, but the calories are negligible. Under 200. Maybe find a calorie dense, high protein,nutritious shake recipe and make your own?

Amy, the Boost and Ensure are meal supplements, not replacements. If someone is having a health issue or is older and experiencing appetite loss, they are a reasonable source of nutrients and calories to supplement what foods they may eat. The nutritionist at Mom's doctors office told me to hope for stable weight at best when adding two Ensure or one Ensure + one glass of Breakfast Essential in whole milk per day. Mom gained 6 pounds and held that for about a year (or until her next osteoporosis fracture). The Plus formulas are about 350 calories each. (Ensure Plus 350, Boost Plus 360)

I second the Carnation Instant breakfast suggestion, both of my parents preferred that when they couldn't eat after chemo.

Carnation Instant Breakfast added to ice cream and whole milk. Whizz it up in the blender and it makes a delicious milkshake. Plus if you make your own you can use high-fat ice cream and do some great flavor combos. All this assumes, of course, that you don't have cholesterol issues.

Thanks, all. Ironically, my one claim to health is that I have a naturally *perfect* cholesterol -- something every doctor I've seen has commented on. Swell, right?

DH used to make the Instant Breakfasts most weekdays when he was commuting to work in the city and short on time. They were too sweet for me.

I've tolerated the Boost Original and think it even helps with my elimination issues (due to Tylenol-4 twice a day for pain). I'll try the 'Plus' variety.

amylou -- I have zero appetite. I have to force myself to eat -- especially meat. All my life I've loved lamb chops; now, two bites and I'm *done*. Weird. I don't know if it's age, my disease, or the chemo treating the disease -- or that famous 'something entirely different'.

Chisue, have you spoken with your doctors about your appetite? There are prescriptions that help with that. A nurse at the doctor I used to go see for weight loss told me that she was on such medication. She said she had zero appetite, that more than 3 or 4 bites of food made her feel full to her ears and nauseous. She said the prescription she was on helped her manage more food and increased her appetite. She was slim, but not sickly slim.

She told me all this while she was holding MY prescription for an appetite suppressant.....

I guess we all have our struggles....

Chisue, have you spoken with your medical team about using medical marijuana as an appetite stimulant and/or for relief from nausea? It's actually none of my business if you have or not, but I'm throwing it out there as a suggestion. If you are uncomfortable with my question, please don't feel as though you have to answer it.

Try Glucerna. I know they are labelled for diabetics, but that's only because it doesn't spike blood sugar. But at least it is far more palatable than a lot of the other stuff.

When I need to gain weight peanut butter works well. I couldn’t stand Ensure.

My niece while she was undergoing chemo was given a prescription for something to increase her appetite so I know that they are available. Do talk to your doctor. You may be surprised to hear that you should eat anything that you want and as much of it as you can stand even if it is unhealthy. You may have to treat food as medicine for a while. Put in mouth chew, swallow until the whole pill, in this case food, is gone.

More good ideas! Thank you all. A supplement seems the obvious choice -- just 'which one'? Anti-nausea meds didn't help me.

My oncologist half-heartedly suggested seeing a dietitian. It's probably part of her job as an hospital employee to offer further billable services. When I started chemo May 2018 I was referred to 'the pain team' -- an expensive waste of time. They didn't know what to do with someone who can't tolerate aspirin and gets no relief from morphine pills. I soured on what I see as a referral chain of 'specialists', all happily billing Medicare. Maybe they help others; I was repelled by what, for me, was merely hand-patting.

Often times, medical marijuana is not recommended or compatible with the medications that Chisue is on. Weight gain is hard, especially because chemo can change one’s taste buds. I’ve never heard of the appetite pill, but it doesn’t surprise me in the least, DH is in the hospital going through a stem cell transplant and I’m amazed to see what’s available now at the hospital. There’s literally something that can help with anything.

Chisue, I’ve sent you a private message.

Kool Beans, all my best to you and your husband that the transplant is a success.

When one of my dds had to to take a med at 5 years old, one of the side effects was loss of appetite. We were told to give her a vitamin B6 (I think? One of the Bs, anyway,) with the medication to help with that problem and boy, did she eat!

When my mom was on chemo and needed to gain weight, the only supplemental drink she could manage was Boost, in a peach flavor. The woman loved chocolate, but didn't care for that flavor in those drinks.

If you don't mind my asking, Chisue, do you need to gain weight because your energy is low, because your doctor insists, or because you just think you should weigh more? My dear neighbor is tiny naturally--she's 93 now--and her kids kept bugging her to eat more. But she was eating 3 square meals a day which she fixed herself and still couldn't gain weight. She was frustrated with her kids' nagging because she felt she was eating enough and had enough energy to get through the day, just fine. I wanna be her, when I grow older! In later senior years, people usually lose weight and appetite. Of course the chemo takes away your appetite which might mean you're losing more weight than is desirable. Did I just state the obvious? :) I wish you well in your cancer fight and in getting more calories in to stay.

" It's probably part of her job as an hospital employee to offer further billable services. "

I don't know why you have such a jaundiced view of referrals. If you think your time is wasted or the added services aren't of value, then the problem is the medical practice and the people you're seeing, not the fact that you're given a recommendation to see someone else.

These days, practitioners are so specialized that it's rare for them to venture beyond the borders of their narrow worlds. Just hypothetically, whether you received a psychological assessment of your eating patterns, a dietary and nutrition assessment, and maybe an endocrinological assessment from one GP who bills each of these things separately, or from different people for each, it doesn't matter. Why not take advantage of the expertise available?

I get my medical services from medical school faculty and I welcome the suggestions to do this and do that, taking advantage of the resources available. I don't need the referrals to see anyone, I can go where I please, but I appreciate the knowledgeable suggestions.

If you don't like the services you're getting, the better reaction is to go elsewhere, not to ignore or refuse suggestions.

As always, good luck.

Bread and pasta pack on the pounds for me.

You can also make homemade smoothies, with ice cream, fresh fruit. Peanut butter, coconut milk can add extra protein. There are other ways to add calories to your meals. Put brown sugar in oatmeal, add sour cream, gravy, and extra butter. My sisters loved eggnog. It was something she could handle, when she didn't feel like eating. There's more ideas here: No appetite? How to get nutrition during cancer treatment

Another source of information; https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/eatinghints.pdf Î Eat 5 or 6 small meals each day instead of 3 large meals. Many people find it easier to
eat smaller amounts more often.
Î Eat foods that are high in protein and calories. Do not fill up on low-calorie foods
or fluids. ”Power pack” your diet by adding protein and calories to other foods. Add
toppings like peanut butter, olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, honey, and jam to all foods.
Try the recipe for peanut butter snack spread on page 37. For other ideas, see the lists
of how to add protein on page 49 and how to add calories on page 52.
Î Drink milkshakes, smoothies, juices, or soups if you do not feel like eating solid
foods. These can provide the protein, vitamins, and calories your body needs. Try the
recipe for the High-Protein Milkshake on page 37. For other ideas, see the list of fullliquid foods on page 42.
Î Cook with protein-fortified milk. You can use protein-fortified milk (instead of
regular milk) when cooking foods such as macaroni and cheese, pudding, cream sauce,
mashed potatoes, cocoa, soups, or pancakes. See the recipe for protein-fortified milk on
the next page.

You can buy protein powder which can be added to drinks and smoothies. My husband struggles to gain weight and I make smoothies in a blender. Use frozen fruit instead of ice cubes, yogurt, honey, milk, ice cream, fresh fruit, whichever combo which appeals. Add protein powder last so it blends well.

My normal weight before multiple myeloma was 115- 120 lbs. In the last two years, I've gone from 5' 6" to 5' 4". I'm 78. All of my ribs are visible. Yes I need to gain weight for medical reasons.

SIF -- Thank you for the links. I'll use them.

Elmer -- I'm sure you know when you are being conned. "The Pain Team" was useless in my case, and the team members were professional hand-patters of the "How are *we* feeling today," variety. At least two of the RN's were incompetent, having to recall prescriptions that could have had nasty results for someone with aspirin sensitivity. I'm not disrespecting dietitians, but much of what can help me is common knowledge -- similar to what SIS has thoughtfully provided. It's not medicine (or rocket science). My late MIL was a hospital administrator; all hospitals have a 'business side'.

Kool Beans -- You didn't say your DH was doing stem-cell! Wow! (Not an option for old people like me -- and I can see why. Really tough going.) I'll be pulling for him!

Yes, chisue, of course. My take on what you're saying is that you're describing incompetents, as I suggested might be the case. Maybe you don't want to change your main provider but get your doc to focus thinking on what might be important for you to do and then find another organization to find better care for these.

Sure, all hospitals have a "business" side. As does the Red Cross, large (honest) religious organizations, NPR and PBS, the United Nations, Planned Parenthood, and any other not for profit, public welfare org that does important work that you want to think about. The word "business" isn't a pejorative term nor does the fact that such operations need such functions imply there's anything wrong.

I sincerely hope you feel better soon.

The "appetite pill" is likely Marinol (tm) which is synthetic THC. It does work for many people. Ask your MD about it.

It has been available for decades.

Thank you Dawn and Chisue. We just brought home yesterday. He’s on the second half of the recovery now and we’re hoping his counts will continue to rise.

Regarding the Pain Management “Specialists”. None of the doctors I know from work are real hep on them either, but when it comes to the stronger pain killers, they just don’t have the resources or desire to deal with the strict laws the government has put into place. Still, I’m very surprised that as a cancer patient, you were actually referred to one. Our Oncologist handles all of my DH’s prescriptions; we just make sure he’s the only one who’s prescribing anything and we always go to the same pharmacy.

Are you still in remission? Have you gone through any radiation yet?

I got your message after my post. I’ll respond there.

raee -- I'll keep that in mind. Thanks. I'm not sure what part of the Boost is helping, but I don't feel as much like I have a giant *burp* stuck in my stomach. Boost has a bit of fiber and touts some probiotic. Whatever. I'm drinking that instead of tea during our Teatime Matinee. Holding at 100 lbs.

I think we should able to have 'alterations' when we shrink. The skin and fat layers that used to stretch over the two inches of height I've lost are now 'excess fabric' around my middle. I'm skinny all over, but have a two inch fat roll at my waist. My amazing grandson (14) used his sewing machine to shorten my favorite robe, but I don't know who does *this* kind of alteration.

Chisue, I rarely post on this forum, and in rather a rush so hope I make sense : ) I was in a similar position as you some years ago. Original weight was 115-125 lbs. at 5’5” – slender but enough. I became ill and kept losing weight, my lowest was 76 lbs. if memory serves. Sadly, you and I both know what that looks like and does to the body. I did have an appetite, but still struggled to gain weight. I eventually put on some pounds and stayed around 80-90 lbs., which was not enough and always fluctuating. If I skipped one meal I lost a few pounds. Dieticians these days are more familiar with weight-loss programs. I found no help with several medical specialists other than ‘gaining weight is very difficult when you are trying’, but that could be the area where I live.

Boost and Ensure helped keep me from losing weight but not gaining and keeping it, and I added ice cream and malt powder making milkshakes with them – they were very filling to me. Disliked the higher protein drinks for some reason. They tasted odd. I’m not sure if this will help, because all our bodies and metabolisms are different, as are reasons for weight problems, but eating a few more carbohydrates with each of my meals finally helped. Slow going, and if I put too much on (3 pounds in a month or so) I’d lose it and then some (like one step forward, three steps back!). Kind of like trying to lose weight, seems the slower you ‘pack it on’, the more likely you keep it long term as it allows your metabolism to adjust. At least for myself. I understand you are looking for something now to help quickly, of course. But the long-haul is important too. I am happy to report I weigh 108 lbs. now and holding very steady for over a year. First time in 20+ years.

I’ll add this: I was told everything under the sun – eat 3 large meals a day; eat several small meals a day; eat more bananas; bananas fill you up to much; eat more fruit with meals; eat less fruit with meals; drink fewer liquids; drink more liquids… you get the gist and I’m sure you’ll hear it all. I even added the powdered bulk-gain supplement to Ensure. Eating well-balanced meals with as many extra carbs as you can tolerate is my recommendation. Potatoes, pasta salads, rice, etc. The protein drinks filled me up and didn’t help me gain at all. Your mileage may vary, and I understand your appetite is low. Perhaps the protein drinks with some fries? And as others have said, there are medications that help with nausea or low appetite related to illness and chemo. I could not tolerate most but you may. I wish you the very best.

Another issue to keep in mine is that as we age, the stomach produces less stomach acid. That is important because stomach acid is necessary to absorb many of the nutrients in foods. Heart burn is a common symptom of this issue and unfortunately most medications for this cause an even lower production of stomach acid. There are natural solutions to help with this issue, apple cider vinegar and Betaine/Pepsin pill are two ways to increase stomach acid and proper food absorption.

2ManyDiversions -- Thanks for the understanding and encouragement. I'll try pushing more carbs. Baked potatoes, here I come!

Raye -- Our house painter recommends the apple cider vinegar. (He says he bribes his children to take it.) How much and how often would I take this? Do I need a 'chaser'?

I've never had heartburn; is that what I'm describing as 'a gas bubble'?

Chi - the symptoms may vary but typically they would be described as heartburn or GERD like. Apple cider vinegar can't hurt you, it needs to be unfiltered - Braggs is a good one. It must be diluted in water, it doesn't taste good but it's not that bad.

As always, ask your physician first but don't be surprised if he knows nothing about it. Unfortunately too many physicians have been taught to prescribe meds and not look for simple straight forward solutions. That's why it's so important to do your own research, it's saved my life...

Thanks, all my KT friends. The hints and help are great, but your support is The Best Medicine!

Beware of diagnoses performed by amateurs over the internet and their suggestions to take unregulated and unproven "supplements".

Follow the advice of your health experts who have examined you in person or who know your medical condition.

I am aware that the meds you take for your Multiple Myeloma affect not only your appetite but how the food you eats tastes and that is not a prescription for gaining weight. I know two people who have gone through this (one is my sister) and it is difficult. I cant imagine your doctor will be unhappy with your eating anything that appeals and that you can tolerate. Having had cancers of my own and the resultant problem with eating, no one ever suggested I not eat anything what ever. I lived on Cheetos and yogurt at one point in my life and my doctor was thrilled I was eating. It is nice to have eating be a pleasure, you I can tell are aware of eating as a discipline. Full fat yogurt is not a bad choice. The acidic quality to me was helpful. Sweet was problematic. I would combine it with a favorite fruit. It has the merit of having the calcium that you need. Throw in some protein powder?

After my mother had suffered a small stroke, she had a problem with eating also. It seemed that a normal serving of anything (even a small normal) would trigger a reaction of "that's too much - I can't eat all that - I don't want it" (so that she wouldn't take even a bite!) The solution was to give her only 2-3 bites at a time, then later 2-3 bites of something else, and so on.

Your situation is much different, I realize, but it occurs to me that perhaps keeping a stock of prepared 2-4 bites, of anything that might appeal, be palatable, or otherwise a good choice might help. Just to make it easy to get food in frequently without triggering the full sensation.