The month before I tested HIV+ I started dropping weight rapidly. I normally weigh 175 lbs and I am 6'2" tall medium build. I lost 45 lbs in less than 30 days ,that made me feel more ill and week. This was in 10/02. Since then I have been able to get back to 156. Today I saw my Doctor and I now weigh 128lbs. I try to drink ensure plus 3x day and eat when I am hungry which is not often due to nausea and scar tissue that has grown where they reattached my colostomy after removing a few feet of my colon(it causes pain when food passes through). If you could maybe give me suggestions I would appreciate it......THANKS< Bret B

It sounds like your wasting issues may have more to do with your intestinal surgeries and symptoms than strictly with HIV alone because you have some barriers to consuming and absorbing adequate amounts of foods and other forms of nutrients. The amount of weight you have dropped is serious stuff and can change your body's ability to maintain normal functions.

My suggestion is to get a referral to a dietitian and work through some strategies to get in the amount and types of foods/nutrients you need. The dietitian may help you to plan a low-residue diet along with some fortified or supplemental snacks, for instance, which will help to reduce the amount of stuff that makes it to the colon.

Also, if you have the opportunity to have a body composition evaluation done now and as you gain weight you can watch to make sure your body is reacting appropriately to your diet therapy and adjust your plans for diet, exercise, and medications as needed.

Best wishes!