Difficulty Gaining weight

Hello @macombs, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm sorry to say that I have the opposite problem. While we wait for other members to respond and share their experience and what they have found helpful, here are some tips on the Mayo Clinic website.

Underweight? See how to add pounds healthfully - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/underweight/faq-20058429

Have you talked to a doctor or nutritionist to see if they have some suggestions?

Hello @macombs. I'd like to join John, @johnbishop, in welcoming you to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm glad that you have joined.

I have also had a difficult time gaining weight but it is due to having had three surgeries on the upper digestive tract. As a result, I feel full much quicker than most people do and I tend to eat smaller meals.

I'm wondering if you know what has caused your inability to gain weight. Do you have food allergies or perhaps you have other digestive tract problems like nausea, diarrhea, etc.?

Like John said a certified dietician could be very helpful with this problem. Also, has your weight loss been sudden or over a long period of time?

I look forward to hearing from you again.

In 2013 I had 7 blockages and since that surgery I have had a problem gaining weight. When I had the blockages I lost 20 pounds.

have been to several Gasto doctors and nutritionists. Recently my Internist said to eat more and reduce working out.

We are surely in a minority in the population - I too have been having difficulty gaining weight after a long illness and the antibiotics I had to take.
Here are some strategies I used when I was on the meds, and constantly nauseated with little appetite. Over the past 12 months, I have successfully gained 5 pounds (I'm only 5'1" and trying to get to 110#)
These recommendations came from a nutritionist and a friend has lived with this issue for 7 years after having a feeding tube removed:
Frequent, small amounts of high-density good food - cashews, cheese, full-fat yogurt, healthy snack bars, hard boiled egg, lean turkey or chicken on whole-grain crackers...try for 200-250 calories every 2 hours.
Orgain Liquid Protein Drink - either from powder or single servings. If you are lactose intolerant, they have a plant-based one - or add the powder to any kind of soup or beverage.
Fruit-vegetable smoothies with added protein powder for lunch - loaded with whatever fruits and veg are in the frig or freezer - I make up 3-4 shakes at a time & store in refrigerator.
Carnation Instant Breakfast in my morning coffee, followed by breakfast of fruit & yogurt 2 hours later.
Sue

Thanks,I am 6 1 155 lbs.I have Crohns Disease so I have to be careful of what I eat. I have 5 meals a day including 1 1/2 cans of Boost Plus daily. I will try some of your suggestions. Allen

I lost weight after having surgery for 7 blockages caused by Crohns Disease. I eat 5 meals a day. I have been to 4 dieticians and will try another one.

I am going to a new Gastro Doctor and will try my 5th new Dieticianist.

Do you have any medical issues that preclude your ability to gain weight? I am 6'2" and weigh 140 lbs. I have gastroparesis and my diet is very limited. Have you tried high protein/high calorie drinks and/or snack bars? Foods high in calories like avocado, icecream...?

I had 7 blockages in 2013 and lost 20 pounds and have had difficulty gaining weight since then. I drink 1 1/2 bottles of Boost plus daily. I have Crohns Disease.