Daughter desperately needs to gain weight?

Question

My 26 yo daughter has been thin all her life but now she is borderline anorexic thin and is in bad health. She is 5'2" and is about 88-90 lbs. She wears size 0 jeans! She has been down as far as the low 70's and has been rushed to the hospital a few times. As bad as she knows it is, she remains very picky about what she eats and I can't convince her not to be. She doesn't like weight gain powders because they are too grainy or too chalky. Her last rush visit to the hospital revealed her stomach was the size of a walnut so she can't eat much before she feels full. She also has no motivation to make herself eat even if she isn't hungry. I'm at my wits end and don't what else to do. Is there some type of medication she can take specifically to make her hungry? Any other ideas???

Answer 1

Been there!

Actually what I did was go on a "hospital" dietary plan. I started with Jello and pudding....popsicles, broth, crackers..... tea and coffee, no sodas....just very bland and hardly any fat. After I stretched my stomach somewhat by all that liquid, I began eating other foods. Mainly a lot of breakfast foods. Scrambled eggs and toast, cold cereal, oatmeal and sometimes pancakes.

This is a gentle way of getting her stomach to accept foods. You have to remember a lot of this may be psychological....something she has control over when maybe the rest of her life is out of control or if she feels she is being controlled.

I've worked through a lot in my life journey. I hope the best for her and that she gets past this roadblock and chooses to live.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

First off, make sure she takes multi-vitamins every day if she has poor nutrition. If she cant eat three big meals just simply make her have 6-8 small ones. In the morning let her have some cereal, yogurt and a banana. An hour later let her have a muffin, and a orange. Two hours later let her have a sandwich and chips. Hour after that a salad with chicken strips. Two hours after that have her eat steak OR chicken OR fish and fries OR mashed potatoes. Hour after that let have pasta and two slices of bread. Late night snacks could consist of cookies with milk or a salad. Nothing too much. Also in between these meals have her drink a spoon stirred weight gainer shake with an extra sweetener such as splenda. Thats a lot of calories for her body a day. The meals are small so she will be able to eat more on an average along the day. NO CREATINE SHAKES OR DRUGS INVOLVED. Also show extra attention to her and show her how much you care about this issue. Show her the horrors of what could happen. Just a few tips from your boy J.... MERRY CHRISTMAS YALL!!! AND A HAPPY CHANOKAH something like that right?

Answer 4

First off, you don't have control and you never will. This is not your body, this is his body. You cannot make him change himself, he has to want to. If he wants to, then you can be supportive and alter everyone's diet to a healthier one. Get rid of the white breads, crackers, chips, sodas, candies, cakes, etc. Your whole family should be taking this on together so everyone becomes more healthy, not just your husband.... because even if you and your kids aren't overweight, if you don't eat healthfully, then you aren't really healthy. If you want to help him, don't push. How would you feel if your family told you that you were fat and had to loose weight.... and how would you feel if you worked 11 hour days, then had your spouse telling you to loose weight.... even if you are coming from a place of concern, it could still be very hurtful for him to hear that how he is now is not good enough for you. Maybe if you try getting rid of the non-nutrient rich foods around your house, and restock with much healthier options, and make an effort to take family walks on the weekends you can help. Letting your husband know that you love him regardless of what he looks like or how much he weighs may help. Reinforce that you want him to live as long as possible and grow old with you, and how these weight concerns are about his health and longevity, not his appearance. Good luck, but remember. You aren't in control, he is.

Answer 5

The safest and surest way to bring her back to health is to consult with a nutritionist. It also sounds like she might need some couseling. Eating disorders can be fatal, put her care into the hands of a qualified professional. I have a good friend who is anorexic and she is slowly gaining weight under the supervision of a nutritionist. She is also being seen by a mental health professional. Below you will find a link to a page that has some valuable information, read through it and take the necessaty steps. I wish you and your daughter all the best.

Answer 6

I feel like crying when I read this because it sounds like she needs some professional counseling as soon as possible to train her mind to eat.
I found this place on the internet and I am linking it for you.
Good luck and God's speed...

Quote from: http://familydoctor.org/063.xml

Treatment of anorexia is difficult, because people with anorexia believe there is nothing wrong with them. Patients in the early stages of anorexia (less than 6 months or with just a small amount of weight loss) may be successfully treated without having to be admitted to the hospital. But for successful treatment, patients must want to change and must have family and friends to help them.

People with more serious anorexia need care in the hospital, usually in a special unit for people with anorexia and bulimia. Treatment involves more than changing the person's eating habits. Anorexic patients often need counseling for a year or more so they can work on changing the feelings that are causing their eating problems. These feelings may be about their weight, their family problems or their problems with self-esteem. Some anorexic patients are helped by taking medicine that makes them feel less depressed. These medicines are prescribed by a doctor and are used along with counseling.

Answer 7

I don't know what state you live in but some Doctors do perscribe marijuana to open up an appetite on thin people. There is a pill by the name of Marinol. You show check up on this before it is to late hope I help and that you daughters health gets better.

Answer 8

Thermojetics herbal beverage- Which will give her more energy and speed up her metabolism (process the food quicker)
As well slowly introduce my meal replacement shakes that come in 4 flavors and truly taste great. The shake give her everything her body needs.
With a bit of time and my guidance I know she will feel better about herself and start to put on weight.
I also offer a 30 money back guarantee.
If you would more info please email me.
Aaron W
Personal wellness coach

Answer 9

The doctor will have to help her. I know someone in the opposite situation who is fighting hard not to turn back to anorexia, and it's hard once they have the mental illness that causes them to turn to it. She needs more than just medical attention and parental/familial attention.... She needs to take control of her life too....

Answer 10

I know she might be picky... but try mixing something sweet with an amino shake to build up muscle and fat. They have a lot of calories in them, and are not very filling so it shouldn't really bother her stomach.