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I read a lot about how people with Crohn's tend to be underweight from malnutrition.  But the food that does not give me negative symptoms isn't exactly 'healthy'.  I can't eat any fruits or veggies except cooked carrots, some potatoes (depending on preparation), and processed fruit (i.e. applesauce, canned fruit).  No salad, no whole wheat or high fiber.  Basically I eat a lot of white flour stuff - pasta, bread, etc - and cheese (dairy isn't a big problem)... However, since my surgery in 4/07, granted I lost a LOT of weight prior to surgery b/c of liquid diet, I have gained 20 pounds! I'm 5'3 and 140 - before Crohn's, I was always happy with my weight around 125 - anyone else expriencing similar problem? Suggestions?

 Reply posted for jenelle.

Hello,

I, like Jannelle, have been on steroids for 2 years...mostly high doses.  Everytime we try to wean below 10mg, I have another flare.  I have gained 20# over the last 2 years.  I have said time & time again, I just don't know how you can poop so much, eat so little & still gain wt!  Even when my joints were doing well, I was going to Curves 3x/wk, eating 1200cal/day & only lost 4# in 2 months!!!  My Dr also says that it is Crohn's (my GI dr & my PCP).  They tell me not to concentrate so much on the wt loss, but on eating healthy & trying to prevent a flare. 

Hang in there & try find some hearthier things to eat...I know this is easier said than done.  I know at one time when I had stricture of the TI, I lived on mashed potatoes, green beans, ginger ale & ice cream...nothing else would go down but soft stuff & everything but these 3 things would make me puke! 

Just know...U R NOT ALONE!!!

Shelly

 Reply posted for KristiHL.

I have severe UC and Crohn's - dx in 1994 - am now on many meds, including Remicade.   I have been off and on (mostly on) Prednisone for this entire time.   I have never been heavier....my doctor also says it is the Pred but for as much time as I spend in the bathroom, you would think I would be a stick!!     Most of the websites for UC and Crohns give 'weight loss' as one of the first signs and symptoms - but sure not accurate with me

 Reply posted for KristiHL.

Although I have Crohn's, I feel there is a wide range of foods in this world that I can eat and enjoy.  As someone said before, Melons(cantaloupe, honeydew) are extremely good for you and usually good for people with Crohn's.  Also if you can eat chicken, there are a million different ways that are simple but tastey enough for a Crohn's patient to enjoy.  The biggest thing I would say is start to explore with fish, since it's amazingly good for anyone, but especially people with IBD...Salmon can be made numerous ways, as can tuna and sole, tilapia, theres so many options.  Also, squash and sweet pots are healthy and soothing...there are MANY cook books for IBD patients and soooo many recipes for people who have time to plan ahead and prepare.

 Reply posted for KristiHL.

Hey.

How crazy. I'm 5' 3'' and currently nothing like the figure you see in the photo, but at a hefty 145 lbs, + I'm on a liquid diet. I, too, never fluctuated 5 lbs beyond 125 lbs past the age of 14.

Guess this message is to say you're not alone. Funny thing is, I love myself and respect myself a lot more today than I ever have. Size isn't so important as mental health & attitude sometimes.  

Love thineself.

=Carla

 Reply posted for KristiHL.

Hi there,

I was diagnosed Mar 07 at 53 yrs with severe crohns.  I've had several relapses...but since going on remicade and a very low dosage of prednisone I'm doing much better.  I have found that I have discomfort with everything I eat especially food containing tomotoes.  So I eat a little of the foods I  like and stay away from the foods with tomatoe.  I have only gained 7lbs with the prednisone. Its been a fight with the diet and exercise but worth it!  But I gained many inches around my waist. No matter what exercise I do it won't go away....so unless the salads and veggies put your system into a kilter...try eating them.  Same with fruits....I eat melons and have very little problems, more bloating and gas than anything else......good luck!

 Reply posted for KristiHL.

Hello,

I have a similar problem... my diet mostly consists of processed foods and I don't have a problem eating dairy, etc. Since I started getting sick I have put on quite a bit of weight. Sometimes I will loose 15-20 pounds when I am in the hospital (due to liquid diets) but it always comes right back when I leave or am on high doses of prednisone. I have voiced my concern to my doctors and they all say that my weight gain is due to the prednisone (I have been on relativley high doses for 2 years now) and that it should come off if and when I can get off the prednisone but I'm not sure if that will happen or not. Not sure if this helps you at all other than to know that not everyone is skinny with this disease... that would have been the only side effect I might have been okay with too :)

All the best,

Jenelle