Weight loss in organ transplant recipients

Sedna_51

Hey all. I joined MFP in mid-May as part of an attempt to reduce my weight and increase my exercise to a healthier level. Continuing to work on both, but the tools on here have been very helpful. A little background here: I underwent a kidney transplant about 15 years ago, at the age of 16 (lost kidney function at 14 to a rare, sudden-onset autoimmune disorder). Fortunately I've been doing very well since then (go kidney! keep on truckin'!), but the medications I'm on and the restrictions and variables my transplant throws in the mix has made planning and maintaining a weight loss program a little bit trickier. Is there anyone else around who's received a solid organ transplant? I'd love to be friends and chat about the challenges and successes we're dealing with.

And while I'm here, if you haven't registered as an organ donor, please, please consider doing so. Getting a kidney was a gift of such magnitude that I could spend the rest of my life saying "thank you" for it and it wouldn't begin to be enough. If you live in the US, check out organdonor.gov.

WeepingAngel81

I have not been part of an organ transplant, but my sister has. She gave her kidney to her now fiance Yeah, it's one of those sappy cool stories. Anyway, she was always very huge into fitness. I know that for the first year they (meaning my sister, doctors, his family, everyone) watched him very closely. He made it through the first year with flying colors. My sister has worked with him to stay fit and creating a routine that works for them both.
That being said, I don't have the experience personally, but seeing where they have been and how far he has come, I know it can be done. Maybe you should talk to your doctor about an exercise routine. I know this is part of what he did and it seemed to help. Good luck to you!

GiveAKidney

I know I am replying was after the date of your original post. I lost 40 lbs last year and am trying to lost another 45 (rather aggressively) so I can be a living kidney donor for my cousins daughter.

I am slightly daunted by the prospect of, after 46 years of pretty much sitting on my butt, that I am going to have to live a healthy and active life style in order to keep myself and my remaining kidney healthy.

I'd love to talk to you about this if you're interested.

Thanks,

Julie

rybo

I was just talking with my mom about this the other day. She's a kidney recipient and it seems just about all fruits and vegetables are too hi in potassium or some other nutrient she has to keep an eye on. I was running out of ideas for her.

kimazoo

Hi Julie! What a great motivation to loose weight! I donated my kidney 6 months ago. I remember being on that side of the donation process and had so many questions. If you ever need someone to talk, have any questions, or just need someone to talk about it to, I'd love to help!! ~Kim