Weight gain after Guillain-Barre

NymeriaWolfArmy
NymeriaWolfArmy Posts: 1
in Motivation and Support
I'm new to this so hopefully someone will post and help me here. Five weeks ago I weight 165lbs, only 15lbs away from my goal weight. However it was around this time that I ended up in the hospital with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. I was unable to walk for a few days and was hospitalized for over a week and placed on intravenous human immune globulin to keep me alive. In the hospital I didn't eat the way I normally do, I admittedly ate ice cream, cake, anything soft to be honest. You lose all nerve sensation and your muscles become EXTREMELY weak. I was walking with a walker and a cane for awhile actually. Well, about 2 weeks out of the hospital I started doing the Jillian MIchael's weight lifting (per what my physical therapist wanted) to help build my muscles and nerves back up. Literally the day I started I gained 10lbs back and it hasn't gone away. I am absolutely terrified I am gaining weight back. Aside from a pound or two it has remained constant at this weight gain. I don't know what to do. I am eating under 1200 calories and am doing this weight lifting exercises 3 times a week and have started weight loss yoga/pilates every day (only for the past week). Please help. I need advise desperately. It has taken me such a long time to get to losing weight that the prospect of gaining is mortifying and heart wrenching to say the least. I am sure you have been asked this question several times, but I am weeping and can't take it anymore the not knowing.

Replies

  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    What you are going through is understandably stressful in a number of ways. And health issues like that can bring about a lot of fears related to weight. But, I do think you are over reacting to an entirely reasonable and small weight gain (especially considering the health circumstances). You are gaining water weight, experiencing swelling, and rebuilding your body. Weight fluctuations are normal. You need to heal your body. You should be talking to your physical therapist about your diet and these concerns. I think you need to be eating more. I don't see how you can heal and rebuild your body eating so little! ♡
  • dragonbug300
    dragonbug300 Posts: 760 Member
    I experienced a similar reaction 2 years ago after a week in the hospital for cellulitis. I couldn't walk for 2 weeks and couldn't run or jump for 2 months. While I was in the hospital I gained 10 pounds partially due to the saline solution that they pumped into me all week. I was panicked and terrified. The water weight dropped pretty quickly, though, with little effort. I'd ended up gaining 5 pounds due to inactivity, but 5 pounds is barely noticeable in the long run.

    You're just getting into the swing of things. This might seem like a setback, but it's just a challenge to help make you stronger. You're no longer in the hospital and you can do high-intensity weight lifting. You're starting a new exercise routine that seems well-balanced and effective. Stick with it, and don't let the scale number dictate your happiness. Give it time. I promise it won't be like starting from square 1 again. But as BinaryPulsar said: eat! Eat well! Your body needs nutrition. Aim for a minimum of 1200 a day and you may see your mood pick up as well.
    Don't diet and exercise because you hate your body; diet and exercise because you love it. Treat it well!
  • VBnotbitter
    VBnotbitter Posts: 820 Member
    1. You are alive, and after a bout of Guillian-Barre that's a bonus
    2. You are able to exercise and are not in a wheelchair (see no1)
    3. You are only 5 weeks post an extremely serious illness

    Take time, listen to your therapists, try not to stress and be thankful that you are still here

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