How do you gain weight with Crohn's Disease?

I just found out that the diet study was originally called Food and Crohn’s Exacerbation Study (FACES) was changed to Diets to Induce Remission of Crohn's Disease (DINE-CD). Learn more here:
- Sit Down with DINE-CD Study Lead Investigator Dr. Jim Lewis (vlog) https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/blog/sit-down-dine-cd-study-lead-investigator-dr-jim-lewis-vlog

However, the question in this discussion is about gaining weight post surgery. Weight gain for someone with Crohn's patient surgery is complicated as it depends on how much bowel was resected and how much disease still is in place. It really helps to consult with an expert in nutrition for a tailored plan.

Yes, thank you. I have been down the "expert in nutrition road" a couple of times now. They mostly work with diabetics or people who want to lose weight. People like me are kind of an enigma to them. It's like they cannot imagine why anyone would want to gain weight. And yes, I understand that this is complicated and that it varies from person to person. I've been traveling this road a very long time. My first bowel resection was 2007 and my second was 2015. I am aware of the special diets for controlling symptoms and inducing remission. That's not what this is about. The little bit I have learned (not much) has been from scouring the internet in places like this.......
@macombs..sorry if I hijacked your thread. It's all yours now, brother.....or sister.

I have been to 6 specialists in diet and they have not helped

I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in February, 2020. I have had stomach issues for approximately 30 years. Before coming to Mayo and seeing my Gastro in the city I live. I was treated by a doctor here and started out taking Budesonide for 90 days and it calmed my inflammation and made a big difference in how I felt. I was actually able to function and eat on a daily basis. After a few weeks of being off the Budesonide my symptoms returned. I started on Humira Injections for 3 months. Unfortunately, I got Drug Induced Lupus from being on the Humira so I had to stop taking it. I decided to see a doctor at Mayo. I love my doctors and the care I have gotten at Mayo. We discovered through a camera pill swallow that my Crohn's went into remission from taking the Humira. Since I am in remission, I am not taking any meds for the Crohn's. I have progressively started having more flare-ups closer together. They are debilitating. I have a prescription to take to help with my stomach pain during flare-ups. I am wondering if anyone sees a Nutritionist to help with managing flare-ups. I understand that everyone is different as far as food sensitivity, but would like to know if seeing a Nutritionist at Mayo has helped anyone. During a flare-up I will lose several pounds from not being able to eat. I am a patient at The Mayo in Rochester, and travel from another state for my care.

@cah22 - Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
It must be hard to not knowing what will cause a flare up. I’m happy you have Mayo doctors taking care of you.
I believe nutrition plays a big role in staying well. Did you ask your Mayo doctor? Mayo GI would be the place to start asking for a Nutritionist.
I hope other members with Crohn’s will share their experiences.
Let us know what happens with a nutrionist!

Hi All,

New to the site and really impressed with the insights and levels of caring I see here.

I'm 5 years post-esophagectomy and now suspected of having Crohns disease. I weigh 95 pounds,/ 5'4", have lost all muscle mass & drs want to put me back on feeding tube (I had JTube for 3 months after esophagectomy).
I can only eat really teeny meals (they used up most of my stomach to make new esophagus) & have swallowing issues as well. (liquids would be max 10 oz per meal or up it comes:-).

Any suggestions for Crohn's friendly high calorie liquid meals I can eat during the day to try to gain weight so I don't need to do feeding tube at night?

Thank you!

Welcome @burningbelly, you'll notice that I moved your question about a Crohn's-friendly high-calorie, liquid meals to gain weight to this existing discussion:
- How do you gain weight with Crohn's Disease? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/gaining-weight-1/

I did this so you can connect with other people like @macombs @bikerjack @thankful @guener @sandyjr @jcarndt who are talking about Crohn's and diet.

Burningbelly, I can understand your wanting to avoid the feeding tube. Did you have the esophagectomy related to cancer or a digestive condition?

The nutritionist at Mayo did not help me

Macombs, I'm sorry that working with a nutritionist wasn't helpful for you. What have you found in the meantime that has helped for you?

nothing