I've been trying to gain weight forever! I need some help..

I'm 16 years old, 5'6", 104 lbs. I have cancer and I'm currently in remission, and ever since I started treatment years ago, I've been struggling to gain or maintain my weight. I have a very small appetite, sometimes none at all. The most I've weighed was 111 lbs 2 months ago, but I recently lost 7 lbs. I have a lot of bowel problems and my stomach is often upset. I don't get many cravings and I eat very small portions. I somehow manage to get over 2300 calories a day, but now I'm trying to get 2500. It's just really really hard when you're never hungry! Does anyone know any food or supplement or whatever that will boost your appetite? What foods are the best to eat when you're trying to gain weight? Thanks!!

I don't know if this is an option, but I know people who have used medicinal marijuana to increase appetite and subside nausea while undergoing treatment for cancer.

Have you tried Boost/Ensure? Also, calorie dense foods such as nuts, granola, trail mix, full fat dairy, avocado, olive oil are all good and won't fill you up too much.

Wow, you're exactly my age and height. I'm not sure how to respond to your being in remission other than saying that you are truly an inspiration.

If you only need about 200 calories more in a day, that's no problem at all. Here are some ideas and the calories they'll add. You probably won't even notice the difference.

-Add 1/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder to anything in your day: milk, cereal, casseroles, shakes, yogurt, etc. (80)

-Add 1/4 cup protein powder to milk, shakes, or yogurt. (~100)

-Mix 1/4 cup wheat germ into cereal, shakes, yogurt, casseroles, etc. (110)

-Stir 2 Tbsp. of any nut butter into oatmeal, or eat on crackers or with fruit. (200)

-Add avocado slices (1/4 of a fruit) to sandwiches. (80)

-Have 1/4 cup of nuts as a snack, or add them to yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, etc. (~200)

-Choose 1 cup of granola over other kinds of cereals. (400)

-Add 1/4 cup of dried fruit to cereal or oatmeal instead of fresh fruit. (130)

-Have 1/2 cup of full-fat cottage cheese with breakfast, as a snack, or mixed into a shake. (150)

-Use 2Tbsp. cream cheese on bread instead of jelly, or eat it on fruit or crackers. (100)

I hope this helps you in recovery! Good luck to you! <3