Xylie55

What's the best to do when your dr says your losing too much weight from muscle and bone loss? My elder neighbor down the rd has lost a lot of weight sense her hubby died 2 1/2 months ago.She's not eating a lot and has lost from 200 plus down to 157.Her dr. told her to drink ensure,but lets face it,at 2 a day,she can't afford that stuff.I was thinking of maybe the whey protein shakes as it's cheaper $16.00 a huge jug at walmart, and is protein,of which is what she needs,Any suggestions would be appreciated,Thanks in advance.Maybe a calcium 'tum' for clacium?

auntpiggylpn

As a nurse, we often substituted Carnation Instant Breakfast in Whole milk for ensure for patients that couldn't afford it. The store brands of the instant breakfast can be used instead of Carnation. If the person doesn't like whole milk, then 2% can be substitued. She could take one with each meal but definately at breakfast and at bed time. A bowl of ice cream at bed time is also a good way to get some calories in.

cjr

I'm allergic to calcium substitutes. A Dr told me to eat lots of yogart. I also eat a lot og cottage cheese. I just had a bone density test done, my bone mass has improved. For those of us at a certain age yogart is a new food and sometimes takes a little getting used to but with fruit it helps.

wanda lou

As a nurse I second the Carnation Instant breakfast.

hopetoquilt

Walking and some weight resistance to build muscle and help retain bone density...

Does not mean a gym membership and personal trainer but just some simple exercises. You can look stuff up and get examples from U tube. Sometimes people use soup cans or (partially to completely filled) water jugs for resistance.

Annaquilts

:thumbup: We have used this. I think it tastes better
then ensure too.


Also what hopetoquilt says-
Walking and some weight resistance to build muscle and help retain bone density...

mic-pa

Sounds to me like she needs help in other areas. Obviously she is depressed. And living alone she doesn't eat like she should. After my son passed away I lost #'s and if I did not have DH to cook for I might have been in the same situation.

Buckeye Rose

Agreed! She needs someone to step in and help her learn to cope with her loss. It is never easy to lose a spouse, and she needs you desperately now (whether she admits it or not). Do whatever it takes to get her mind to realize that she is still a needed and loved person. Don't let the depression take over her life. Physical activity can help to fix the chemical imbalance of depression. The activity creates a chemical (the name escapes me at the moment) that fights depression.

Murphy

It would be great if she could find someone to eat with and a reason to cook for someone (like church suppers or having friends over). She is lonely; help her.

auntpiggylpn

:thumbup: