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[log in to unmask] wrote: > I have put on a good deal of weight. This is > NOT due to being home and taking my frustrations out of the fridge, (I cant> even get to it). > > I tried LASIX but it was no good becauz it increased the Joyce, I'll help if I can, though it sounds to me as if you're doing a very good job already. I quite agree, weight gain is not due to overeating, this is a common misconception. I have a few questions, though, and you are welcome to e-mail me privately, or to use the "lifestyle analysis" form at my website. (If so, be sure to mention the PD listserv, as there is a charge otherwise.) 1) Do I understand correctly that you are post-pallidotomy? If so, this can slow metabolism. I know this sounds like a lot of hooey, but in fact the brain is the repository of connections that regulate metabolism, and the pallidotomy can alter its functions, especially since PD often causes greater caloric expenditure than normal. 2) A dietitian's tools are more abstract than those of a doctor or nurse. I need to know age, height, weight, recent weight changes (amount lost or gained within the last year, esp. last 6 months); preferably blood pressure and serum cholesterol; and portion sizes of food eaten, as well as medications used. 3) amount of physical activity in a typical week. You've given me good reports on food, activity, and meds, esp. reference to lasix. The rest can be transmitted privately if you wish. My comments so far: 1) increased leg cramps with use of lasix makes me wonder if you're getting enough potassium (lasix is potassium-wasting, potassium deficiency can contribute to cramping). Have you asked your dr. about potassium supplements? 2) Are you getting plenty of water? Depending on the time frame of weight gain, some of it could be water retention. In this case, potassium is important, and so is plenty of fluid. When we don't get enough fluid, our body hangs on to every bit it can get, and can actually cause some swelling. It's possible to have both dehydration and edema simultaneously. Unless your dr. says otherwise, I'd be sure to get 4-8 glasses of water daily, besides other liquids. Also, sodium can add to water retention. It does not appear to me that sodium is a factor from what you list as daily diet. But it could be worth checking. Sodium and potassium work together to maintain fluid balance, and what usually happens is we get an excess of sodium (leading to fluid retention) and too little potassium (needed for fluid excretion). 3) You mention some "freezing" so I'm not sure about the duration of your meds, or protein distribution. It appears that you get the bulk of your protein in the evening. If possible, therefore, I'd suggest you break up your food intake into 3 small meals and 2 snacks daily. This allows better utilization of food, with less stored as fat. This may not be possible if protein interference is too great. 4) Your portion sizes sound about right, depending on your height and weight. I think you might increase use of vegetables and fruits, they are sources of potassium, as well as many of the antioxidants and phytochemicals that will protect your heart. It does not appear that you are getting enough servings, unless your noontime salad is very large. I'd be very sure to get at least two fruit servings and 3 veg servings every day. Malnutrition can lead to complicating chronic diseases, such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes, and these will create the need for further medications--and more complications. If you send me your height and weight, I can determine your calorie and protein needs, and suggest a menu plan that may help. Good for you for exercising when possible--nutrition and exercise go hand-in-hand, for health, weight control, well-being, balance and flexibility, and help with the complications of PD. You are clearly well-informed and proactive and have taken control of your life. I wish many of my clients who constantly complain could read the postings on this list! -- Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD Editor-in-Chief, "Spotlight on Food--nutrition news for people 60-plus" Tel: 970-493-6532 Fax: 970-493-6538 http://www.fortnet.org/~fivstar You may wish to contact: Better Business Bureau of the Mountain States, < [log in to unmask]> for further information.