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

Posted by ritapearl @ritapearl, Feb 19, 2022

I have Bronchiectasis and Mac any special suggestions to gain so far no luck.Also concerned if foods cause mucus to stay away from

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@ljfoo

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

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Thanks Lora I am ready to roll

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@tessa2

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

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Just got one to try

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@lindam272

@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

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I will take all of your advice,thanks

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@colleenyoung

@ritapearl, I'm calling in fellow members to offer their tips on how to regain weight with MAC and bronchiectasis, and what food to avoid that may cause mucus. I'm confident that @irene5 @tinaesims @crepass @poodledoc @anniepie @tdrell @lindam272 @windwalker @hauoli @pop55 and others will have experiences to share.

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My mother lost 35 lbs the first year she was on the big 3 due to her loss of appetite and abdominal upset. She started drinking one premier protein drink a day, chocolate is the best, from Costco. She uses unsalted butter, eats peanut butter and jam toast most mornings. She buys whole yogurt and cottage cheese. She snacks daily on nuts. She added an afternoon homemade oatmeal cookie snack. Also super premium ice cream with desserts. Her weight has stabilized. She got MAC from gardening. So sad. She always has eaten organically grown vegetables and still does but what an awful disease to get from doing such a healthy good thing. Good luck, I hope some of these suggestions help.

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@colleenyoung

@ritapearl here's a direct link to the YouTube video from NJH that @tdrell posted

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Thanks, Colleen! This was most helpful.

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Hi I do have the same problem, very difficult so far I m taking ensure nutrition every single day and mostly trying to have some fat in my meals. I’m stable on my weight for now, my Dr indicated that once the desease is diminishing it should reverse by itself. I hope that will happen soon..

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Rita pearl, I’d try to take in 1500 calories daily; more if you exercise a lot or have been ectomorphic most of your life. Then congratulate yourself on having a “Cadillac” problem. Lots of people probably envy you.

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Hi Don, got the same problem. I weight 120 when I got MAC and Brochiectasis after 3 years I’m 90 lbs. I tried everything but b/c o f the reflux I’m limited on what can I drink and eat. I’m still trying to gain so anyone knows how to put weight let me know. Thanks!

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@cila

Hi Don, got the same problem. I weight 120 when I got MAC and Brochiectasis after 3 years I’m 90 lbs. I tried everything but b/c o f the reflux I’m limited on what can I drink and eat. I’m still trying to gain so anyone knows how to put weight let me know. Thanks!

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Cila, have you tried a low carb protein drink? I get the vanilla flavor from Costco and drink it with a meal, especially earlier in the day. I also upped my protein by having two eggs instead of one, add nuts to my salad, etc. I don't eat or drink anything for three hours before I go to bed at a 30 degree angle and my reflux seems to be behaving better. I hope you find something that works! Jennifer

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@pjas972j

Cila, have you tried a low carb protein drink? I get the vanilla flavor from Costco and drink it with a meal, especially earlier in the day. I also upped my protein by having two eggs instead of one, add nuts to my salad, etc. I don't eat or drink anything for three hours before I go to bed at a 30 degree angle and my reflux seems to be behaving better. I hope you find something that works! Jennifer

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Hi Jennifer, what is the name of protein drink? I tried some and of them after I drink I feel bitter taste in my mouth. Even the milk now I’m trying oat milk mix it in blender with avocado, banana and peanut butter. Tried to eat all the time to gain weight still not gaining. Thanks! Cila

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