Advice please...Gaining, not losing!

AmberXenon
AmberXenon Posts: 118 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Firstly, this isn't a question about my health, but of someone very close to me. Not mentioning names on her request.

I have a very close friend who joined MFP at the beginning of January. She's about 50 years old, 5'11, and at that point was about 265. Having seen my success, she wanted to see if the site could help her too. I helped her set up her diary and goals, which were set to 1.5 pounds a week and a lightly active lifestyle (she has a disabled daughter that keeps her on her feet most of the day).

My friend also picked up exercising, stationary bike and kettlebell, to help her burn more. She was a weightlifter in her younger days. She also cut out most sodas and started to eat healthier foods and smaller portions.

She's GAINED 17 pounds since she started MFP.

We're trying to figure out what's up. It's not sodium, she's been watching that very closely as she does have heart problems and retains water. It's NOT water retention, because she's been on water pills to help with that issue. Her stomach's swollen like she's 7 months pregnant, and most days she can't even make the 1200 calorie minimum. She's on fiber for her digestion, but the doctor has no idea what's going on.

We're out of ideas here...any thoughts would be very much appreciated!

Replies

  • kaseyAnne425
    kaseyAnne425 Posts: 230
    Thyroid maybe? Hes she had it tested?
  • JacksMom12
    JacksMom12 Posts: 1,044 Member
    My sister is currently dealing with some similar problems. She's not overweight or anything but has extreme stomach bloating (looks pregnant) and fullness, etc. She's undergoing an endoscopy next week and could likely have celiac (sp?) disease. Maybe your friend has a similar gluten sensitivity that is causing some of the issues. The weight, hmm I don't know? Maybe a full physical with bloodwork is in order there.
  • AmberXenon
    AmberXenon Posts: 118 Member
    Actually, yes. Forgot to mention that she is on thyroid medication.
  • StarryEyed500
    StarryEyed500 Posts: 225 Member
    ... My friend also picked up exercising, stationary bike and kettlebell, to help her burn more...

    ... most days she can't even make the 1200 calorie minimum.

    I think this is the problem. Her BMR will be around 1700-1900 calories so she should be netting somewhere near that.
    Could be some water retention too if she's training muscles she hasn't for a while.

    I think a visit to the Drs is advisable too, just to check everything's working as it should.*

    *Edit - posted without seeing previous reply. If she's on medication, perhaps her doctor would be in a better position to advise what her macros should be set at. Medication can make all the difference.
  • AmberXenon
    AmberXenon Posts: 118 Member
    Bumping this one again.

    She continues to gain weight. >< She's changed her cholesterol meds, and it seems to be softening up the hard mass in her stomach, but nothing is dropping. :(
  • grinch031
    grinch031 Posts: 1,679
    Maybe you should audit her calorie intake to ensure she isn't under-estimating.
  • secretlobster
    secretlobster Posts: 3,566 Member
    Is she eating a lot of bread/dairy? What are her meals actually like? Water intake?

    It sounds like her medications may be more to blame than food :\
  • Saruman_w
    Saruman_w Posts: 1,531 Member
    Hmmm.. what about insulin resistance? Has she been tested for that?
  • jhann16
    jhann16 Posts: 62
    How much sugar does she consume in a given day? I had a similar problem. I went to several doctors until one recommended a 10 day no sugar of any kind diet. I lost 10 lbs in 10 days. This was after steady weight gain while cutting calories and exercising. If nothing else works try it for 10 days.
  • Brandicaloriecountess
    Brandicaloriecountess Posts: 2,126 Member
    Is she eating exercise calories, is she using a HRM?
  • Bridget28152723
    Bridget28152723 Posts: 372 Member
    First make sure what she logs in actually what she's eating
    I have hypothyroidism(weight gain) and she should def. be checked for that and Celiacs disease(bloating)
    I havent lost any weight in awhile but Im toning up and maintaining until my medicine is right, hope she gets it figured out!
  • SunnyAndrsn
    SunnyAndrsn Posts: 369 Member
    Bumping this one again.

    She continues to gain weight. >< She's changed her cholesterol meds, and it seems to be softening up the hard mass in her stomach, but nothing is dropping. :(

    There is a link between cholesterol meds and insulin resistance, although this is very, very new information. One of the MDs I work with shared the article with me. Just something she may want to look at with her doctor. I'd also suggest a second opinion. It's very unusual to gain that much weight in such a short period of time, particularly on the type of diet you're saying she's on.

    With the types of medications you are talking about--diuretics, cholesterol medications, etc, it sounds like she's had cardiac issues in the past? She really needs to be discussing all of these issues with a doctor, and if her doctor is baffled, again, a second opinion.
  • kleighsamboer
    kleighsamboer Posts: 250
    with a gain like that and everything that you have said she needs to see a dr. IMMEDIATELY and stop consulting people on a website. If her regular Dr. doesn't know what to do then she needs to go see another if not a specialist. For someone who has had heart issues and thyroid issues you don't **** around! Get to a Dr.!!!
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