On steroids from transplant and need help

lyndseyplexus

And I'm having a hard time maintaining my calories. I will be on steroids and other meds (born with kidney disease, transplanted in 2010) for the rest of my life so I have to learn to adjust. I'm at 196 5'6 and 32 yrs old. It's such a let down to me when I go over my calories. I try to stay under 1260 calories, is that about right? I hate the depression that starts when I go over my calories. My cravings are SO BAD at night. I do work out but not Intense obviously and usually 2 or 3 days out of the week I have no energy or strength to work out, so I try to walk a little.
Any encouraging words or help would be so appreciated.

brookekaczor

My son had a transplant in 2010 at the age of 6. SO I am a little familiar with your condition. First, I recommend seeing if the doctor can reduce the prednisone amount. I asked our to lower my son's and she was able to do it, and it helped. Are you on prograf or cellcept as well? Are you still tired a lot even after the transplant? How are your medicine and bun and creatinine levels? How much are you trying to lose? If you are trying to lose 2 lbs, maybe try to go for .5 or 1 lb a week.... Getting out and walking at least a mile will burn about 100 calories at your weight so if you could do that you could eat that back which would help.

Derf_Smeggle

So, congratulations on putting in the effort. Second, we all eat over our calorie budget here and there. Why? Because we're human being and not machines. Congratulations on being one of us!

There are a few questions. What's your MFP estimated calorie deficit if you eat bang on 1260 calories? How aggressive is your weight loss plan? How often are you going over and by how much? What's your goal weight, and how much time are you giving it?

Some common advice that helped me:
Look at how many times per day you eat. Some people do great with 3 meal/day, other 4, 5, and up to 6. I'm a 5 to 6 a day. Please feel free to check out my food diary. It should be open.

Adjust your macros to see what helps you. With your health conditions, definitely check with your physician on limitations for intakes. Again personally, I do better with slightly decreased carbs, and higher fat and protein.

Don't drink a lot of your calories. Just doesn't satisfy most people.

Remember you didn't gain all the weight in a month. Give yourself time to work into it.

ninerbuff

Have you met with an RD? Consult them for information on a diet you SHOULD be doing because of your conditions. You have to make a behavioral change or you could end up compounding your health issues.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

My4happykids

Have you looked at your BMR Calculator it's in the APP section on MFP. I just punched in your numbers Your estimated BMR is: 1,616 calories/day* (this is a guess of what you use a day just sitting around doing nothing.)
I am 2 years post kidney transplant and have a lot of weight to loss thanks mostly to prograf. I gained 80 pounds since transplant without any change in diet. Try to be positive, depression doesn't help you feel any good or loss weight.
You will slowly do this have faith in yourself. You are doing great.

sunflowerhippi

I am 5'6 and no health issues, besides blood pressure and blood sugar so I do not know kidney wise.

But like above said a dietitian can help but unless they said you need to eat 1260, I am loosing weight at 1750, I only workout twice a week. When I was sedentary I was loosing weight, mind you slowly at 1550-1600 goal range. I started out at 212lbs and am now 144, was 134 pre lifting bulk but that isn't important for this.

You do not have to loose it fast, it makes it harder to stick to and harder as a lifestyle adjustment.

cmtigger

With your medical issues I'd talk to your doctor and get a referral to a registered dietitian. They know better than those of us with no medical training and only the basic background of your issues.

I have mild kidney issues, and my dietary limitations are minor compared to what they can be.

FWIW, I was 170 and have been losing at closer to 1600.