A transplant soon ?

To help you to avoid bad surprises, we would like to give you some information about gaining weight after a transplant. To prevent rejection, you must follow a immunosuppressive treatment (such as Neoral or Cyclosporin). This medication will make your hair grow faster than normal (We will speak about this in a future edition).

You will also be given Cortisone (scientifically called Prednisone). It is an anti-inflammatory which stimulates the suprarenal glands and provokes the additional release of adrenaline, subsequently increasing your appetite. A serious side effect of this medication is to send your brain a false message that you are famished thus empting you to eat incontrollably. Answering to this need, you will stuff yourself. If you had a strict diet for many years, previously forbiden foods will now be very attractive. Don't listen to this hunger, otherwise you may gain enough weight to consider a new career in SUMO wrestling.

Here is the true story of Rémi, a 13 years old boy who was lucky to receive a nice kidney from a generous donor. Before his transplant he was 108 pounds on a 5'6" frame. The transplant was a total success. After only one month, his weight was 120 pounds. Many of his parents and friends didn't recognize him. After four months, his weight is now 136 pounds.

Imagine a teenager who gains 28 pounds in only four months! For those who had not seen him since his transplant, it was a shocking surprise. It was also frustrating for him when neighbours would not recognize him when he greeted them in the street.

As a conclusion, after a transplant, be ready to gain weight and have round cheeks. Let people around you know in advance so they will be comfortable when they visit you. If not you will think that they are looking at an extra-terrestrial.

Here is some advice to help you limit weight gain.

Even if your appetite is bigger than life, you must try to eat the same quantity of food you were taking before your transplant.

Fruits and vegetables must be your best friends. They don't contain any fat.

Do yourself a favour. Dip your vegetables such as carrots, celery, cucumber, cauliflower, broccoli, etc. in a low fat dip.

It is very important to drink a lot of water. It will reduce your appetite and don't worry, your transplanted organ will not rust.

Keep away from salt, cold meat, bacon, fries, fried chicken and "fast food".

Exercise is very important. It shouldn't be violent and leave you short of breath. A nice bicycle ride, a brisk walk, a good swim, or a ball game are plesant physical activities beneficial to your body. You must know that exercise and a good diet are the best ways to keep your fitness.

Monique & Alain Perrault
Parents of Rémi, Kidney transplant, St-Eustache

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