Does anyone have any tips for gaining and maintaining weight?

I had to gain weight (108 to 112) to get into the Corps and dropped below my minimum often during boot camp and out in the fleet. I ate a lot of carbs and McDonals milk shakes to get in. Then I was put on double rations. I later incorporated weight training into my workout regimen by increasing the amount of weights I lifted to bulk up. Now I'm almost 50 have 2 adult children and am not as active so I decreased the weight amount and increased the reps to stay tone. I weigh 132 and still look great in a bikini! Semiper Fi

Oh, how do I politely say I hate you? Lol. I didn't even know it was POSSIBLE to have your trouble! After I had my kids, I gained a ton of weight. Like, 140 pounds. Seriously. I am fighting the other side of that battle, trying to get rid of it. I have now lost 65 pounds, but have a long way to go.

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SPC Ehinger, have you tried Paleo eating. It is a healthy form of eating which focuses on eating meats and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar. So when you go and shop at the grocery, you shop on the outside of the store and stay away from the middle isles. Also, what does you routine consist of. Are you doing too much cardio, are you lifting heavy with light reps or lifting light with many reps. There are many plans out there and workout routines, you just need to find one that works for you. For me, I drink a protein shake in the morning (chocolate soy milk with chocolate whey protein, a banana, tsp of peanut butter and tsp of casein). Prior to bed (30-45) I drink whole milk with 1 1/2 scoop of casein. Morning time I usually have 4 eggs (scrambled), bacon (turkey bacon), and café. Lunch, I have chicken breast, cauliflower rice, and beans; dinner will consist of whatever is on the table. Once again, look at what works for you and make your own adjustments to what might be the best course of action for you. http://library.crossfit.com/free/pdf/cfjissue21_May04.pdf

Guinness has always worked for me...especially if I chase it with a T-bone. I assume you have had routine blood work, including thyroid studies?

You may be able to see one directly, but if not go to your PCM and get a referral for a dietician. They will be able to get you free, expert advice. In the meantime start logging your intake.

A rule of thumb that I follow and it works for me is to take in more calories than you can burn. For example, let's say you're taking in 2,000 calories throughout the day then go to the gym and burn 1,500, next time try to take 2,500 calories.

You are one of the few of us. My Doctor says eat more high calorie foods and two "Boost" or equivelant protein drinks.

My problem is keeping it off. However, when I increased the amount of weight I lift (3 times a week) I noticed that my weight increased. When I was lifting lower weights and doing more reps, the weight came off. Hope this helps.

Well it depends on if you want muscle mass or muscle density? Muscle mass is easy to gain for anyone and you have to adjust your workouts accordingly. Muscle density requires a bit more tinkering with what you eat, how much and then how your train. How much cardio do you currently do?