Alternatives to Boost/Ensure Meal Replacement Drinks to Gain Weight?

Hi Yamar,

Welcome to our community.  I am sorry your dad is coping with appetite loss and discomfort.

Here is a link to some suggestions from the American Cancer Society:

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/eating-problems/poor-appetite.html

I am wondering if your dad is receiving sufficient support from his medical team on these issues given the pain and discomfort he is feeling.  Sometimes our patients have to push a bit because it can take several tries to come up with solutions to pain and bowel concerns arising from the cancer and its treatments.  Also, a few of our patients receive their nutrition through feeding tubes if the growth of their cancer causes blockages in their gastro-intestinal tract.  This is another possibility your dad’s doctors might raise with him if his eating issues progress and a feeding tube is appropriate for his case.

You also asked about cannabis.  Some of our patients have reported relief from pain and nausea with medical marijuana.  You can search cannabis or marijuana on this board to look for patient stories.  There has not been a lot of research yet on this topic, however.  Any alternative treatments your dad may wish to try should be reviewed first with his doctors to be sure they won’t interfere with treatment.

It must be so hard to watch your dad struggle with pain and eating difficulties.  I hope working with his doctors he can find relief.

Take care, regards, Mary