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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@pjas972 Ice cream and lots of it, works a charm. Take care Heather

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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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We prefer the Premier High Protein. My favorite is caramel, my husband's id peanut butter chocolate. We find that neither one seems to have the bitter aftertaste you describe.
After I lost so much weight while on the medication, I forced myself to eat a small meal every one-two hours, 1 oz cheese, 1/2c cashews, a slice of meat, a small apple or orange, ice cream (before dinner time - in evening it made me cough a lot) or milkshakes, peanut butter on crackers. It took 2 years after meds to regain the weight - and I still have no hunger feelings, so I must eat on a schedule or I forget.
Sue

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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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In reply to @cila…. Although I have not had MAC, I do have bronchiectasis. Last year I inadvertently lost 10 pounds. No medical reason was found but the nutritionist offered suggestions and to strive for 1500 calories daily. Also, tracking everything I ate on an app (she suggested Fitness Pal, I think) and weighing myself weekly. I found it very difficult to reach the daily calorie intake, but started making myself protein shakes consisting of veggies, fruit, protein powder, hemp seeds, flax seeds, a healthy fat (avocados) and unsweetened almond milk. After six months of no results (but no more weight loss), I have gained 5 pounds! I concentrate on protein at every meal (nuts and yogurt at breakfast/some kind of meat, usually at dinner). As you can tell, I am not a big meat eater. Lastly, I added desserts, which is also something I do not regularly eat, except for a little dark chocolate. I think everything has finally combined to work! I don’t know how MAC would impact my progress, though but being thin; losing weight; and then trying to regain it is a very difficult task and I wish you all the best in this endeavor.

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@cila

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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It's a Kirkland brand, Premier Protein. I can't drink it on an empty stomach because it makes me nauseous, but if I eat something with it, it goes down easily. I hope it helps!

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Try adding this protein smoothie to your breakfast or in-between breakfast and lunch. 2 tablespoons of organic peanut butter, 1 banana, 1/2cup almond milk, a handful of fresh spinach and some ice. This smoothie has about 350+ calories and if you add a scoop protein powder it will be 460 calories. I guarantee you will love the taste and its healthy. You can also freeze the Banannas (without the skin) and use those instead of adding ice. It can be made with sunflower butter if you are allergic to peanuts.

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Hi This was recommended by Methodist Hospital here in Houston for me. Kate Farms supplement. There are multiple choices with varying fat and calorie content. They are delicious! These drinks meet complete daily nutrition needs and are ever feed tube ready. Just one a day helped me put on weight (that stayed on) pretty quickly. They also recommended eating every time I was the least bit hungry and also about an hour before bed. I am up 10 pounds in 2 months.

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@kathleenlp

Hi This was recommended by Methodist Hospital here in Houston for me. Kate Farms supplement. There are multiple choices with varying fat and calorie content. They are delicious! These drinks meet complete daily nutrition needs and are ever feed tube ready. Just one a day helped me put on weight (that stayed on) pretty quickly. They also recommended eating every time I was the least bit hungry and also about an hour before bed. I am up 10 pounds in 2 months.

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Kate Farms is good if you have reflux? I can’t take so many food and drinks b/c of reflux. Thanks! Cila

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@cila

Kate Farms is good if you have reflux? I can’t take so many food and drinks b/c of reflux. Thanks! Cila

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Hi Cila. Not sure as I do not have reflux but maybe you can purchase one carton at a health food store in your area to test it out. Good luck.

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