After your transplant, you will be feeling better and your appetite will most likely return. For the first time in ages, you can really enjoy eating again! Unfortunately, the steroids you may be taking can boost your appetite and make it harder for your body to use carbohydrates. This can result in weight gain and excess fat.
 
Your post-transplant diet should be low in fat and sugar, and high in complex carbohydrates. Here are some tips to prevent weight gain after your transplant:

• Talk to your health care team.
• Stay away from fad diets.
• Resist temptation at the grocery store.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Try healthier ways if cooking.
• Pay attention to portion size.
• Read food labels.
• Watch out for interactions with your medications.

Remember, everyone's dietary needs are different. You may need to take special precautions so stick with the diet your doctor recommends.

This article originally appeared in the January 2009 issue of AAKP Diet Tips & Bits.