Weight gain due to medical issues

Erinfsmith
Erinfsmith Posts: 3 Member
edited January 14 in Introduce Yourself
I joined a few months ago (at 230 lbs), but have not been the best about tracking my food, etc. Part of it was that I was feeling really cruddy, so food was pretty much my one reward. I spent a lot of time at doctors' offices trying to figure out what was going on, and being frustrated with the process. After a lot of testing and visits, we figured out that I had endometriosis coupled with polycystic ovarian syndrome. The endometriosis was causing me near-constant pain, and the PCOS was contributing to a metabolic disorder; blood sugar was high in a glucose tolerance test. Not quite diabetic, but put on meds to try to keep me from getting all the way there. I didn't realize how bad I had been feeling until I started feeling better. This is why it is so important not to give up, and to keep reiterating ALL your symptoms to your doctors, and to move on to a new doctor if the one you have isn't taking your problems seriously.

Had surgery in December for the endometriosis, had a Lupron shot after to continue treatment. Since starting the Metformin back in the fall, I've lost about 16 lbs. It has truly helped me since I'm no longer panic-eating--instead of getting shaky/weak and grabbing something sugary/carby, I actually get hungry and make better food choices, with appropriate portion sizes. I'm still working on learning how to not eat too much, which may sound silly, but I used to have a lot more trouble with getting full. Now if I eat too much, there's a definite discomfort lol.

The weight is coming off slowly, but I'm hopeful that it is a good thing. I haven't made major changes, either, so that makes things a little easier. As things progress, I'm going to add in more excercise (walking, stationary bike, etc.).

Has anyone else been through a similar situation?

Replies

  • d2footballJRC
    d2footballJRC Posts: 2,684 Member
    I was on a steroid for my psoriasis and prednisone for a long time and gained A LOT of weight. I got off them and have been working on losing the weight. It's been hard but you can do it! I clocked in at 400lbs, under 280 now. You got this, just remember it's a long term thing, some days it seems like nothing is going right, but just keep moving those feet forward. It'll pay off in the end. People are on this site 24/7 posting on these forums. Keep up the good work! :-D
  • Erinfsmith
    Erinfsmith Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks--some days I notice the difference, but mostly lately I feel bigger, which seems weird. I'm just so glad to see that scale inching in the right direction. I know that it isn't just a vanity thing, but a bigger issue that if I don't take care of myself now, it'll lead to worse problems down the road.

    I get very frustrated with going out to eat--everything comes with fries or bread, and I'm working to limit those.
  • scress0514
    scress0514 Posts: 51 Member
    Hi,

    I also have an illness that i battle daily, I have hyperprolactinemia; basically my body wants to be big, fat and pregnant all the time.
    This illness also causes me to have a brain tumor, so there are some days i can feel real crappy especially if i dont eat right.
    I have been battling this ever since i my kids were born and will have this for the rest of my life. loosing weight is real hard but i try every day and hope that today i will just loose a lb. I have high hopes for all of us to continue the fight, so dont give up and good luck!!
  • themutineer
    themutineer Posts: 117 Member
    Learning about health issues, having to deal with doctors and insurance and worrying about your health can be so stressful.

    I'm going through this right now - I got a pretty severe blood clot in my right arm and was admitted to the hospital, where I stayed for five days until they were able to get me stable. Since then, I've been seeing two doctors once a week and I was just diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension - so I can't do any strenuous exercise, and since I'm on blood-thinners, I can't even eat greens (a problem, being that I'm vegetarian)

    Lately I've been super stressed and depressed, and turning to food for comfort...
  • Erinfsmith
    Erinfsmith Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks guys, I know that I'm definitely not alone, and that things could be so much worse. It can be difficult to not really see much in the way of results, and to backslide. Trying to do better with eating choices. The key seems to be preparation, which I tend to be bad with. You know, you get home from work and just want to sit and rest, rather than fix a healthy dinner along with lunch for the next day. Bad self, bad. I really need to add excersize into the mix too.
  • Gizziemoto
    Gizziemoto Posts: 430 Member
    I have learned to embrace the little victories. I have rapid cycling bi-polar, OCD, PTSD, IBS, high blood pressure, asthma, and acid reflux (severe). I cannot eat any raw fruit or veggies. I am having to learn what I can eat. I am grateful for every little ounce that disappears and never comes back.

    You are not alone and like you said it could be much worse. As for exercise, just add a 10 minute walk to start. That's what I did.

    Good luck on your journey.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories