Question:

I am a 49 year old who has had AIDS since 1990. I've had several bouts with thrush, pneumonia, and pancreitis. Now I am trying to put on weight and can't seem to have any luck.

I take one .10mg of Marinol at night, about 5pm, for my dinner, and eat like a horse. Still losing weight, and can feel my bones. Even my cheeks are sunken in and bruise easy from a simple slap on my leg.

Is there any type special diet I could go on to gain weight and fill my cheeks out at least? People ask me if I have cancer and I just say no - not their business.

I live in South Mississippi and eat good home cooked meals, but just can't put the weight on. Can you give me any ideas of what to do?

And yes, I take my meds faithfully.

Thank you.

Answer provided by:

Douglas T. Dieterich, M. D.
Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Cabrini Medical Center
Assoc. Prof. of Medicine NYU School of Medicine

There are several things you can do: You can try the Marinol before lunch, too, if that will help you eat more. I am assuming that you are a woman from your e-mail, but Megace may help your appetite and help build up some subcutaneous fat as well. You should ask your MD about the effects of the "d-drugs" (D4T, DDI, and DDC) on fat wasting. If you are on them, you may be able to switch off. Exercise will help you build muscle and may also help your appetite.

Good luck and keep eating!

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