I have Bronchiectasis and MAC: Any suggestions how to gain weight?

@tdrell So sorry to hear that, 18 is just so young. I am ok, off the meds for 6 months which is nice but also a concern., pretty sure the bugs are playing up again, the big 3 keep it at bay for me. How are you going

In reply to @ritapearl …. It has taken me many months (9) to finally put on some weight that I inadvertently lost. I have bronchiectasis (w/o Mac). The nutritionist I met with at Mayo recommended at least 1550 calories daily. This continues to be difficult for me to reach as my favored foods tend to be whole, unprocessed foods with more emphasis on veggies and rice; along with being gluten-free. I have learned to consistently increase my protein intake, along with healthy fats (ie, nuts, oil, and avocado). However, almost everyday I have added an evening dessert…..at first, it rather disgusted me…..but now, if I get all my weight back, I won’t know how to stop this bad habit😜 the nutritionist said “FitnessPal” app is helpful and I used it daily for the first few months until I got better at adding calories. Also, she said I needed to weigh myself weekly and I definitely didn’t want to do that because I thought I would get “weight obsessed.” That never happened and was helpful. This has been my journey. Good luck and take care

Hi thanks fr the tips I appreciate it

thanks Sue, good advice!

I have BX and MAC and dropped from 102 lbs to 92 lbs. I needed to gain weigh fast and consulted a Kaiser nutritionist who sent me the two pager attached here on increasing calories and protein. After 3 months I got back to 102 lbs. The nutritionist explained that to gain one pound per week, one must consume an extra 500 calories a day. And I had to eat every two hours, whether I'm hungry or not. Suggestions on how to get the extra 500 calories a day are in the attached two pager. You can do this just by snacking two or three times a day. For example, you can get 350 calories just from a mashed banana mixed with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. Or a handful of nuts gives you 250 calories. One pizza slice with lots of cheese is 250 calories. While trying to gain weight, I ate what I consider junk food, e.g., pizza, ice cream, etc. But it was more important to gain weight to help fight the MAC then the minimal harm of eating junk food for three months. Now that I'm back to my normal weight, mostly the junk food is gone and I am back to my gluten free Paleo diet along with snacking on lots of nuts.
lora jo

@ritapearl - Sorry to be so late to the party here. The post with info from NJH is everything I was prepared to recommend. I also saw the YouTube video. Very helpful information. I like the Boost Breeze drinks. They are fruity and light and easy to take with you. Any time I have to put weight back on, I reach for those. I also will snack later in the evening, although if you have acid reflux, I wouldn't recommend it past 7pm. Try to make dinner your biggest meal - you have less time to work off the calories.
As far as staying away from what causes mucous, I'm no help there. I would talk to a nutritionist or Google it. The National Jewish Health site has lots of info as well as the NTM and bronchiectasis sites. @lmartin272

When will you find out if the bugs are back again??? I am about a year behind going to NJH for routine CAT and Sputum tests (thanks to Covid restrictions) Just got letter....my ID Dr...Dr Huitt is retiring March 2😒

@tdrell I will find out if bugs are active again in April I think, scary. Covid needs to go away, affecting so many things, sad that Dr Huitt is retiring, well sad for us but not for her haha

Keep us posted and stay well in case you have to go back on meds

Boost HIGH CALORIE drink. 530 calories per 8 oz drink. I can’t find in stores. I get from Amazon.