Overweight
Tue, September 28, 2010 9:36 PM
I am getting very depressed/stressed that I am overweight and that no matter what I try to do diet wise or exercise wise the weight will not come off. Sometimes I feel like nobody even believes me about my Crohns because most patients are thin - well I'm not. I feel a really bad flare coming on right now and I am scheduled for a colonoscopy again on Monday :( I get sick and still even then I'm still not losing any weight.
Why am I like this.....I used to be athletic and trim before this disease took over my body. After I weaned off the presnisone I thought the weight would go away.....NOT.
What can I do ? Has anyone else had success at losing weight ?
nanaJoined Jun 12, 2008
Sun, October 17, 2010 12:00 AM
Reply posted for nana.
I had a similar story as your own where I was very physically fit prior to being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis many years ago. In the first two months I put on 50 lbs with the Prednizone and have never got back to where I was pre-diagnosis.
I too felt like you as everyone I knew with the disease was losing weight instead of gaining. I did not feel very good about myself at that time either but have become much more understanding of the impacts of this disease since that time.
I have been able to lose weight of recently but like one other post it has been by being very disciplined with calorie intake and watching how much sugar I intake on a daily basis. I have also taking to working out daily.
Keep your head up, the feelings you are experiencing I believe are normal and understandable to anyone who has lived with Crohns or Colitis. There are others out there going through similar feelings and challenges so you are not alone. Stay positive & I truly wish you all the best.
drewJoined Oct 17, 2010
Fri, October 08, 2010 6:56 PM
Reply posted for zeroable.
Thanks so much for your reply. I appreciate it. I know I have to do something....it's just that I find I get frustrated - I guess I want to see results right away....
nanaJoined Jun 12, 2008
Mon, October 04, 2010 10:03 PM
Reply posted for nana.
Two months ago, at the suggestion of my father who's had great success with the program, I joined WeightWatchers online. It's convenient, affordable, and flexible. The great thing about WW is that you really can eat whatever you want--for me, McDonald's chicken nuggets!--and you learn from the consequences of your actions. It's been really empowering, knowing that by taking small steps I can make a big difference in my body. WW also teaches you how to eat like a normal person; normal people eat when they're hungry, indulge occasionally, and don't see food as an enemy. After years of harsh meds I could easily stuff myself full of a whole bag of Doritos in one sitting. I have had to relearn portion sizes, and it feels great. I realize now that I don't like to be uncomfortably full; I don't like to feel sluggish and bloated from binging. And just doing something on a daily basis to take charge of my life has made such a difference.
Another great thing about WW online is the community support; I've talked to several people in the online forums who have UC/Crohn's and have found WW helpful. There are also local weekly meetings that are a great tool for many people.
I've been on plan for 8 weeks and have lost 9.5 pounds, something I never thought I'd be able to do. I know that when I go back on higher pred doses I'll gain some back, but I know that this time I'm going into it with tools and support to keep me sane.
Keep your chin up (or chins, if you have multiples like me!) and do look into WW. I know it's not for everyone, but it's been a godsend for me.
Joined Aug 31, 2009
Fri, October 01, 2010 9:11 AM
Reply posted for nana. I understand what you are going through. After 1 month on prednisone I gain 50 pounds! I too thought as soon as it got out of my system I would start dropping the weight. Unfortunately it took a lot of hard work (monitoring calorie intake (no more then 1500 cal. A day) and exercise (which is very hard since my colitis leaves me exhausted some days). It took about 1 year to loose the 50 pounds I gained in 1 month. My next flair my doc. put me on entocort which didn't seem to have the weight gain side effect. Good luck!
Joined Apr 8, 2008