Overweight with Crohn's Support Group

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My doctor tagged on my visit summary that he thinks I am overweight. He never said it to my face, imagine that. I am not supremely overweight and most doctors that treat Crohn's consider it banked weight and a good thing to have an appetite. I am 150 and 5'5". I am trying to lose a few pounds that I have put on after quitting smoking, drinking, and opioid drug abuse. I am starting to have pain after eating now so maybe my problem will be solved soon.
 
sehart717 said:
My doctor tagged on my visit summary that he thinks I am overweight. He never said it to my face, imagine that. I am not supremely overweight and most doctors that treat Crohn's consider it banked weight and a good thing to have an appetite. I am 150 and 5'5". I am trying to lose a few pounds that I have put on after quitting smoking, drinking, and opioid drug abuse. I am starting to have pain after eating now so maybe my problem will be solved soon.
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Do you know your BMI ? I think that stands for Body Mass Index. Anyhow, my BMI is sky high ! I have been tackling obesity for over 30 years. My weight goes up, my weight goes down. I recently looked up BMI on the Internet. According to the chart I am obese. At the start of 2014 I was around 200 pounds. Later on in 2014 I lost 30 pounds because of a major change in my UC symptoms. So then I was 170 pounds. I did not feel any better after loosing the weight ! I was not trying to lose the weight, I lost my appetite. My UC symptoms changed again and this year I have gained 20 pounds back and I am 190 pounds. Good Grief.

According to the BMI chart I am obese. In order for me to have an acceptable BMI and for me to be considered a "normal" weight I would have to weigh only 130 pounds ! I have not weighed 130 pounds since I was 20 years old ! Holy Cow. Back in 2010 I was about 155 pounds and I felt that that was the perfect weight for me, I felt comfortable at that weight. I am only 5 foot 2 inches tall right now. At 155 pounds I would still be considered "obese" according to the chart.

I will have to check the chart again...........maybe I am morbidly obese right now ?:eek:
 
Jennifer625 said:
It is a bit annoying to have people say "wow...I wish I could lose weight like that!". Or, worse, they think I'm purposely starving myself to lose weight. :(
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Just wanted to say that the cat photo on your page is so funny ! It puts me in a good mood every time I see it. :rosette1:
 
SamanthaLynn said:
Hi everyone, I'm happy to see I'm not the only overweight one. I was curvy when I was diagnosed, and after the lovely prednisone I gained 40lbs in a month and a half. I've gained another 20 over the last 2 years. I've tried exercising but it seems to trigger worse bowel movements. And then of course so does healthy food like raw veggies and salad.

I got transferred for work and am now only a 10 minute walk away. However its been freezing here for the past month, mornings are between -30 and -40 degrees, so I haven't been able to walk. My husband and I have also started trying to conceive, it depresses me thinking that I will be a fat pregnant woman and not one of those cute ones.

I look forward to seeing what works for everyone.
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The only time I was on Prednisone was in 2001 when I had Optic Neuritis. I think I was only on it for two weeks but I had a huge appetite and I could eat whatever I wanted with no diarrhea from my UC. And then no pain from my arthritis and body aches. I would love to have some Prednisone now because it would help get rid of my UC diarrhea and my arthritis pain and my body pain. I know that doctors frown from giving Prednisone to people for a long period of time ? For two weeks in 2001 I felt the best I have ever felt !:panda:
 
I see my Endocrinologist in a month from now. Last year she wanted me to lose twenty MORE pounds ( after she noticed I had lost thirty pounds last year ). I really like this doctor, she is nice. She wants me to lose weight so that I don't get diabetes. Well, now I am going to see her and I have gained 20 pounds instead of losing 20 more. How embarrassing. I don't need diabetes in addition to the myriad of health issues I already have to endure each day.....physical health and mental health. Sorry for writing so much today. TV has been a bore today, been having watery diarrhea all day and I lost my appetite. Ugh. http://www.foodwatch.com
 
Marlena said:
Hang in there . Things can get Better and I hop for you they will. It's a tough road.
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Thanks. : - )

My sister always says " put it in perspective " when I am having problems.
I get sick of her saying that. I think that because I am alone and I also have Major Depressive Disorder AND Anxiety that everything that happens in my life is magnified by 1000 ! :ywow:

I have learned coping skills that I can use to get me through the bad times. The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills. Positive self-talk, making a gratitude list, doing art work, listening to music, writing in a journal, etc.

Today a neighbor came by and knocked on my door. We talked outside for a while. That was nice and really took my mind off of my diarrhea and the fact that I have been staying at home for a month. Thank You Tami for knocking on my door :dance:

PS: I was skinny as a child in grade school. What happened ! I did not start to gain weight until I was 19 years
 
Hi not diagnosed yet but I have ibd I'm over weight and have constantly done different diets I lost six stone done everydiet going I'm on sick and gave her since Feb I have awful joint pain had fir a long time but didn't know it could be part of crohns I'm constantly tired have no energy suffer with constipation bleeding and severe pain in right side my liver results are high just had MRI and waiting for colonoscopy. Hoping the find and have a answer and get me on treatment .my husband doesn't understand but he is having to do everything cooking cleaning washing. Sometimes I feel like a fraud because some days I look fine but don't feel it. I'm not doing no more diets I don't eat alot but eat biscuits crisps and not proper meals cause scared of the pain im on cocodamol and oramorph.work came out to see me well being visit apparantly but took notes . It affects every part of ur life just need to get on medication when know which one it is and hopeful start improving..
 
Do you have scales at home ? I do not have a scale at home to weigh myself.
The only place I get weighed is the doctors office. Most of the doctors I have use the
electronic scales, but one doctor still has the scale with the weights on the top.
I think if I had a scale at home I would go crazy weighing myself every day and get
even more bummed out that I am gaining the weight back that I lost last year.
The last time I went to a doctor was on April 30th and when I asked the gal what my weight was and she told me.....well I almost went into shock ! I hate scales !
 
Another note. My tummy gets along with carbohydrates, but we aren't supposed to eat carbohydrates if we want to lose weight, right ? I can eat rice, pasta, cereal and these things don't bother my stomach. I can eat all dairy products. I don't like eating meat and the only time I eat meat is if I go out to eat, which is very rarely. I can't eat fruits and vegetables because I get diarrhea from them ( except bananas ..... and root vegetables that are cooked. How am I getting the proper nutrition if I can't eat the foods that are supposed to be good for me ? I take D3 and B12. I don't take any other vitamins. And the only supplement I take is Culturelle Probiotics. Is sugar a food group ? Well, it is in my household ( unfortunately ). I used to make a healthy smoothie every day but I am taking a smoothie break for now. Everyday I want to eat food with flavor, but anything that has flavor bothers my tummy. I am so sick of boring food. Thanks for listening. : - )
 
I have not been able to eat seafood for MANY years, it makes me sick. I think I can eat fish like cod or tilapia ( baked or in a pan.....but never deep fried ).
But I rarely eat meat or fish at all.
 
Hi! I am relatively new to this forum and saw this thread...Yaaaa. A few years ago I attended my first CCFA walk. My husband almost fell over laughing at how excited I was to meet another "big girl chronie". I have been a big girl all of my life pre & post diagnosis. The only time I was somewhat smaller was the 4 months post my emergency resection in 1990...but gained it all back. My GP does not complain about my weight, but does wish I would get more exercise.
Exercise either means lack of handy bathroom or it increases my D. I really miss golf and curling...which I gave up due to my back issues. The best exercise I ever get is dancing! But I don't get to do that much.
Glad to find this thread!!!!
 
Habsfan said:
Hi! I am relatively new to this forum and saw this thread...Yaaaa. A few years ago I attended my first CCFA walk. My husband almost fell over laughing at how excited I was to meet another "big girl chronie". I have been a big girl all of my life pre & post diagnosis. The only time I was somewhat smaller was the 4 months post my emergency resection in 1990...but gained it all back. My GP does not complain about my weight, but does wish I would get more exercise.
Exercise either means lack of handy bathroom or it increases my D. I really miss golf and curling...which I gave up due to my back issues. The best exercise I ever get is dancing! But I don't get to do that much.
Glad to find this thread!!!!
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I am glad that someone else understands about always needing to have a restroom close by while exercising.
 
Ann Morgan said:
I am glad that someone else understands about always needing to have a restroom close by while exercising.
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This made me laugh-it is so true!

I take physical therapy 2 times a week and when I am having "issues" I have to stop in the middle of an exercise and take off to the bathroom. Luckily, it has always been unoccupied.

I was reading about your love of sugar. Have you tried coconut sugar of Sucatant sugar? They are a little pricier but are great substitutions. I love all things sugar as well and needed to cut back.
 
guest19 said:
Hi! I am relatively new to this forum and saw this thread...Yaaaa. A few years ago I attended my first CCFA walk. My husband almost fell over laughing at how excited I was to meet another "big girl chronie". I have been a big girl all of my life pre & post diagnosis. The only time I was somewhat smaller was the 4 months post my emergency resection in 1990...but gained it all back. My GP does not complain about my weight, but does wish I would get more exercise.
Exercise either means lack of handy bathroom or it increases my D. I really miss golf and curling...which I gave up due to my back issues. The best exercise I ever get is dancing! But I don't get to do that much.
Glad to find this thread!!!!
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Welcome :dance:
 
Firstly, welcome guest 19. Mostly I crave something with flavor. Most of what I've liked - Mexican, Chinese, Indian, anything with big flavor is no longer an option. I like to cook, so I try making them less spicy, less of this or that, while still maintaining their character, but it's just blah. My veggies all have to be practically mush. And now I am on an elimination diet and wheat is definitely a problem and something makes me itch. Oh well, a lot of life is still good. wish I was one of those people who didn't care about food.
 
Hello everyone!

Has anyone here tried hula hooping?

I am going to buy a weighted hoop this week in the hope of shifting some of the lard that has accumulated around my waist. I would really like to get out walking, but I am flaring and daren't go anywhere that I can't immediately dash into a toilet.

I'm hoping that learning to hula hoop again will give me an exercise that I can easily do doing spare moments in the day. I also have problems with my lower back so I thought that it would help to build up my core muscles again to help with that.

I was just wondering whether anyone had tried it?

Nitty
 
Thanks Marlena.

I've just bought a hoop today (I had to take some Imodium to get myself to the shops without 'incident'). I'll try to post a progress report in the future in case anyone is interested.

I'm not too bothered about losing much weight. I really just want to tone up my expanding waistline. I'm hoping that this will help to improve my core strength and in turn relieve the back pain that I get. I'm naturally a lazy person so if I can keep doing regular short sessions in front of the TV now and then it might work. And of course the toilet will be nearby, which is crucial for me at the moment!
 
I am becoming a Vegan. I don't know if this will help me lose weight or not. Giving up meat is not a big deal for me, I did not like it that much anyhow. Although I did love dairy products, but most dairy products like milk can be substituted with soy milk. My biggest downfall is sugar and since sugar does not come from an animal I can still eat it while being a Vegan. I cannot tolerate almost all fruits or vegetables because they have always given me diarrhea, but I am going to start using the process of elimination one vegetable and fruit at a time to find out exactly what kind of fruits and vegetables I can NEVER eat and which ones I can tolerate. I know that I can never tolerate green leafy vegetables and cabbages. I guess all I really have to worry about now is getting enough protein and also vitamins, but I do take Vitamin D3 right now and B12. I think I need to take more supplements ? I watched a video on YouTube one day that showed the factory farming of animals and after that I don't think I can ever go back to eating animals or animal products. I do know there is gelatin in my Vitamin D3 pills and my Probiotics too, but I am not going to worry about the gelatin in products like that because it is such a small amount. Gelatin is an animal product. Thanks for listening.
 
Good for you! It's kind of fun, too. You might try doing the twist - that dance from back in the 60's made popular by Chubby Checker, who is going to be in town here with a concert. I taught my grandmother to do it by using a bath towel and moving like she was scrubbing her bottom with it. It was hilarious. I think it would use some of the same muscles in a slightly different way. You may be able to find something on You Tube. Best of luck and have fun!
 
Ann Morgan said:
I am becoming a Vegan. I don't know if this will help me lose weight or not. Giving up meat is not a big deal for me, I did not like it that much anyhow. Although I did love dairy products, but most dairy products like milk can be substituted with soy milk. My biggest downfall is sugar and since sugar does not come from an animal I can still eat it while being a Vegan. I cannot tolerate almost all fruits or vegetables because they have always given me diarrhea, but I am going to start using the process of elimination one vegetable and fruit at a time to find out exactly what kind of fruits and vegetables I can NEVER eat and which ones I can tolerate. I know that I can never tolerate green leafy vegetables and cabbages. I guess all I really have to worry about now is getting enough protein and also vitamins, but I do take Vitamin D3 right now and B12. I think I need to take more supplements ? I watched a video on YouTube one day that showed the factory farming of animals and after that I don't think I can ever go back to eating animals or animal products. I do know there is gelatin in my Vitamin D3 pills and my Probiotics too, but I am not going to worry about the gelatin in products like that because it is such a small amount. Gelatin is an animal product. Thanks for listening.
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I am Vegan and I eat a lot of fruit and veg, sprouted grains and legumes, nuts and seeds and dark leafy greens.

If you want to lose weight then a vegan diet will definitely help. If you have real trouble with fruit, veg, greens etc then I would advise you to transition to a vegan diet slowly. Maybe start by having a vegan meal once a day and add more vegan foods as you go along and you learn what you can tolerate and what you enjoy.

Also if you are going to be excluding foods because you cannot tolerate them then I would say you should take broad spectrum nutritional supplement to make sure you are getting everything you need. Obviously you can buy mutivitamins in the shops but I prefer food state supplements as they are much more easily absorbed by the body. I take bee pollen which is packed with nutrition. Chlorella Pyrenoidosa is another good one, its a fresh water green algea and is absolutely packed with excellent nutrition.

Hope this helps - any other vegan questions, just let me know.
 
Jonny: Thanks for your help ! I am going to see a Nutritionist next Tuesday just to get some advice about eating a Vegan diet. I saw this same Nutritionist once last year. I have had diarrhea for many years. Then last May I started to have severe constipation. Then in November I took antibiotics and my diarrhea came back. I went to my PCP in March of this year and had a stool test for C-diff and it came back positive. I took the Vancomycin in April. So my bowels have been up and down during the past year. I have had positive results recently by taking my two Questran Packets a day plus Metamucil once a day. There has been a noticeable improvement in my bowels recently and I am very happy with that. I also take a Probiotic now. I started making a smoothie every day last year. Now I will substitute the dairy products that I had in my smoothie with soy milk and soy protein powder and I am adding ground up flax seeds in it too. Maybe my Nutritionist would recommend a book I can read or a reputable website to refer to when I need help with the Vegan diet. Thanks for listening.
 
I am also a big fan of smoothies. I drink a green smoothie every day and its definitely something I would recommend, especially for vegans.

Its fruit, dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, chard etc with water in a high speed blender (I have a blendtech). Green smoothies provide excellent nutrition because the blender breaks the greens down completely and they are very easy to digest, giving you everything you need. For example, green smoothies with kale provide a high quality source of calcium which is important as I know getting enough calcium is one of the main concerns for those considering a vegan diet.

There is lots of info out there online about green smoothies and loads of recipes but it's fun to experiment and put in different ingredients until you come up with your own smoothies that you like. At the moment I'm loving banana, avocado and mango with spinach - delicious!
 
Just found this thread and I'm very pleased to be in good company. When I was finally put on Humira, I gained about 50lbs, and I was not small to begin with. In the past 6 months, I lost 30 of the 50 using a book called "The Plan" by Recitas. I tailored this food plan to my IBD (plus I am also on a strictly kosher diet) by eating only steamed/water sauteed veggies. It really worked well for me. It basically puts you on a "cleanse" for a couple days to reset your digestion (no you are definitely not starving or just consuming liquids...she limits your diet to clean foods that almost everyone can tolerate) and then you reintroduce foods one at a time and monitor your reactions to those foods you tested. All I can say is that for me personally, I was not hungry and my IBD was finally pushed into remission by my ability to identify trigger foods that made me feel terrible/bloat/gain weight. She includes in her book many different plant protein options as well. I would love to recleanse and start over, but I am 3 months pregnant and she definitely does not recommend anyone to use her food plan if they are expecting. So, now I need some advice how to maintain my weight loss thru my pregnancy, if that is even possible! I'm already horribly bloated and look like I'm 5 months along instead of 3, but that may be since I have needed to be on supplementary progesterone. Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying their juicing (i love it also) and is feeling good!
 
I do not have a scale at home. I only get weighed when I go to the doctors office. I see a few doctors on a regular basis, so I usually know what my weight is month-to-month. I was last weighed on June 19th. I have a doctors appointment on July 28th. It will be interesting to see if I have gained weight or lost weight since becoming a vegan just recently. I still eat candy, so I have probably will weigh the same. I don't see me giving up candy soon ! Have a good Monday.
 
At the min I'm so fed up. I have a slow bowel transit, which means it takes longer for food et to clear my system. Which always leaves me bloated... My daughter thinks I'm pregnant and now my niece does, in so fed up.. [emoji20] I really don't eat more than I should as I'm too scared because of pain... Sorry just needed to vent away.
 
Hello. I'm 4'11 and I gained about 40.lbs. Now, for someone as small as me even 5 lbs is noticeable. It started when I got Ginny (my stoma) and kinda went on a frenzy able to eat whatever I wanted with no consequences except forgot all the lbs I've put on. Lol. I'm happy I'm living my life again going to the gym and doing all sorts of things Crohn's wouldn't allow me to do before except losing my weight. I mean C'mon! I've never ever had an issue with my weight before. After 3 beautiful kids I've always been around 105-110 lbs. Now it's damn near impossible. I know I should be grateful but sometimes when I look in the mirror I can't help but to wish I fit in my favorite size 3 jeans I still keep waaay in the back of my closet. :(
 
I'm 5'5 and am about 85 pounds overweight (currently weigh 217). I used to weigh 330 but about five years ago I decided to lose it and went on a healthy eating / working out at the gym everyday kick and lost 115 pounds. I've been at my current weight for about four years because I got sick, had bad joint pain, and just overall felt lousy. My 1-2 hour gym sessions ended, and my healthy eating had to stop because of the abdominal pain. I have been wanting to get back into the swing of losing weight but have just felt so tired, and exhausted that I haven't really actually started again. I've been on Entyvio for 6 weeks and it is very slowly helping my symptoms so I am hopeful I will get to start my mornings in the gym again soon. I also get really bad bloating due to what I eat and look pregnant at times (there was a rumor going around at work that I was pregnant and I just had to tell everyone the real deal)...I ate brussels sprouts a few weeks ago and ended up in the hospital with severe abdominal pain the next day. It's a shame because I love brussels sprouts but will not eat them again. I just started working with a nutritionist for CD as well as for being overweight and not wanting to be. I've been really stressed out about my weight for years, but doctors, nurses, family, everyone around me just tells me to focus on getting the disease in remission which I agree needs to happen, but even so I still get frustrated about my weight!
 
Hi everyone; I was really glad to find this support group! I'm currently being investigated for Crohn's (colonoscopy and gastroscopy in two days) and everything so far seems to suggest that Crohn's is my issue... except that I haven't experienced weight loss.
I did lose a LOT of weight about a year ago and then started getting really sick right after where I was discovered to have a gallstone blocking a bile duct (apparently can happen from rapid weight loss AND from Crohn's?) but ever since having my gallbladder removed and continuing on with severe GI problems, I've still always continued to eat regardless of the pain it makes me experience, as I have needed to try and keep my energy up for my highly physical job. I do think that having my gallbladder removed has caused me to gain weight as well. Is it at all possible to have Crohn's AND GAIN weight? I hear so much about people losing it, but this is the first i've heard of people having overweight issues. Until now, the fact that I haven't experienced rapid weight loss ever since my other symptoms began has made doctors overlook the possibility of Crohn's. I just don't know what else it could possibly be if not this though. Is it possible to gain weight with Crohn's without the use of Crohn's medication being the reason?
 
Hi it seems it is possible for some too gain weight with Crohns,I haven't really got back to my pre Crohns weight, went to 6st 4 lb at worst now 8st 4lb , but I used to be 9 1/2_10st before. The other two people who have Crohn's at my work both are quite weighty, one has an ileostomy one doesn't,I had one now iv not but weight has stayed at same weight. So I guess we are all different !! I would tell doc too test for Crohns all the same as it could still be that..
 
I was very skinny but now overweight. I think all the stress caused so much visceral fat for me that I don't know how to lose.
 
I'm starting a program with Stupid Easy Paleo called Happier, Healthier & Harder to Kill. I'll report back! Or if you check into it & decide to join, let me know!
 
I just don't understand how I can have all this DIARRHEA all damn day, everyday, and still be a chunky Crohnie! I lost a ton of weight when I had my bowel obstruction and surgery...but took a ton of prednisone and surpassed my pre-crohns weight. Now I'm off steroids, on remicade, and trying to eat healthy without aggravating my belly too much and I just end up with horrible diarrhea and zero weight loss. Grrrr... Any suggestions?
 
I'm so fed up with my weight Iv brought some raspberry ketone tablets to help me, that's how desperate and depressed I am, my daughter keeps asking if I'm pregnant? I really don't eat much. Every rin I go Drs I'm the same weight but still very over weight that's what Dr says... I have crohns on azathioprine and under active thyroid on levothyrixine and have problems with phosphate levels and bile malabsorption #really fed up.
 
I definitely can't eat raw fruits and veggies. Sometimes it's fine but not safe enough to build a diet on. I'm trying to get those nutrients from juice and am going to take some of the stash of Juice Plus I've been steering clear of just in case.
 
I Am so happy to find this group on here! I have been told by many, including my ex GI, that my symptoms can't be crohns because I am fat. Glad I'm not the only one :)
 
Yay, a group for weighty crohnies. I used to be a good weight no matter what I ate. Since being diagnosed with crohns my weight went up and down then up and up. i have a very overactive ileostomy - food goes thru pretty well undigested but still manages to leave the calories behind. How does that happen? I can also blame months of TPI, each time I was on it I gained 10kilos. I'm now 83 kilos and cannot lose weight. I can't exercise as I have three fractures in my foot which won't heal and sitting around all the time makes it too easy to snack although 99% of the time its healthy food.
Basically I'm just venting and letting you all know that you are not alone. This disease, the medications, the side effects and limits they put on you not to mention normal hormonal upsets like menopause and who knows what else make it very hard to just get out there and work it off. grrr grrr grrr
 
Hey all!

I am looking for some advice on losing weight. I am currently 5'9, weighing in at 240 lbs at a young 24 years old. I gained my weight within the past year and a half (approximately 50 lbs.). I feel that all foods make me sick, especially healthier foods.

I really want to get into better shape this year because I am getting married in December! I want to look good walking down the isle.

Does anyone have advise for ways I can lose weight? Or have any ideas on what food I can have or what exercises I should do?

Thank you!!
Athena
 
I've always been a bit bigger but when I was first diagnosed and put on prednisone I gained a LOT of weight. That was 10 years ago and no matter what I do it will not come off.

I find it hard because my sister is extremely slim and she thinks I'm just being fat and lazy but she doesn't understand that my back hips and knees hurt so bad sometimes I can barely stand. I'm aware that exercise would help but I've literally done everything I could think of from weight watchers to gyms and I lose a small amount then it goes back on even though I stick religiously to the plans.
 
People thought my UC wasn't bad because I was /am fat. I gained 65 lbs from Prednisone that I couldn't loose. I tried all kinds of diets but never lost more than 20 lbs. Maybe some of you also have other autoimmune diseases, like my underachieving thyroid, Hypothyroidism and a host of other ones. 5 years ago I had to get a colonectomy. I lost 85 lbs in around a year. I was still overweight. I've been so sick since the operation that I gained 35 lbs back. It is very depressing. Some of it was due to the antidepressants I've had to take and being inactive. I have peripheral neuropathy in my feet and some days can barely walk. My thyroid has gone ballistic and the dose has changed up and down. My GI at Mayo's says it affects myou GI system negatively. My local doctors just keep testing it every 8 weeks and changing the dosage. I am finally under the care of an Endocrinologist. She is testing every 3 months and stressed that's the minimum before retesting. It's like she is bawling me out when I am the patient! It affects every cell in our bodies so make sure they are testing you, if they haven't. If you are younger the likelihood that they tested you is small. I was first tested and diagnosed at age 37 and am now 60. I also have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndromes, GERD, chronic migraines and so on. 5 months ago I had surgery to divert from my j-pouch to a permanent ileostomy. My j-pouch didn’t make it. It was 5 years of hell. I am able to eat a better diet but my output is too high. Eating to manage our nasty IBD's and all that entails makes it impossible for me to diet. I am not a big eater but look like it. When I went back over 200 lbs I got overly depressed about it. I am just trying to maintain and not gain anymore. I continue to eat as healthy as my body tolerates it. I am constantly fighting dehydration so alcohol went out the door with my colon. I don't miss it. I also quit eating much beef before the surgeries and just have occasional hamburger in casseroles. I don't miss nice steaks either. They are just too hard to digest. I get my fruits and veggies in my morning smoothie. I use a vegetable plant protein powder and almond milk. The only veggies I put in are kale and carrots. I use all kinds of frozen and fresh fruits with frozen blueberries and a banana daily. I mix it up with apples, grapes, frozen mixed fruits and frozen strawberries. I really love my smoothies.

I wrote a book. I was thinking maybe some of you might have other autoimmune diseases that are undetected, like thyroid, and painful syndromes like fibromyalgia. Before my colonectomy my fibromyalgia would flare with my UC flares. Now it is just bad all the time.

My excess weight is around my abdomen, ,the worst place, and I know what you are saying about looking pregnant and being bloated.


Please don't be too hard on yourselves. There are medical reasons factoring into our weight equations. Thanks for letting me join your forum. I don't have Crohn's but relate to many topics here :sign0144:
 
Marie : I have some of the same health issues as you do. Thyroid problems, and being overweight, and GERD, and depression and anxiety, and inactivity. Also, Degenerative Disc Disease and Bilateral Rotator Cuff Syndrome and Arthritis. I am also fatigued. Oh, and I might as well throw Menopause into my list too.

Mayo is supposed to be the best. I am glad you had the opportunity to get an expert opinion from them. ( PS : I grew up in Minneapolis ).

I am sorry to hear about your ileostomy. :-(

I love smoothies ! My "cannot eat" food list is way, way longer than my "can eat" food list. I cannot eat anything and it gets boring eating boring food. I cannot eat fruit or vegetables or grease/fat.

Hope you are feeling a bit better since February. :)
 
hi im new to all this stuff was diaignous as diabetic 3 months ago and to i got a call my bloodwork came back showing me positive for crohns i go in for more testin to a speciälist next month ... i have been losing alot of weight the past few months ... not on any meds yet for crohns we shall see hat the specialist says ... any ideas or help would be appericated
 
Gina Kay : I have lost weight more than once due to my Ulcerative Colitis symtoms, probably from a lack of appetite. My diagnosis came after my first colonoscopy in 2006. I have lost 30 pounds this year because I wanted to. I am counting calories. I want to lose 20 more pounds, but I seem to be stuck right now. At least I am maintaining my 30 pound weight loss and not gaining any of it back. Over the past 35 years my lowest weight was 130 pounds and my highest was 230 pounds. I am now at 177 pounds. I am sorry to hear about your diabetes, as sometimes it is hard to control. I did not know you could be diagnosed with Crohn's by having a blood test ? A Specialist should help you with your diagnosis and treatment. : - )
 
yeah im goin to a specialist june 1st for more testing with a G.I. dr so hopefully it dont take to long to find out 100%..... but yeah my reg drs called n said i had it do to bloodwork they did ...but the more ive looked into it yeah the bloodwork can show i have something wrong down in that area but gi dr has to do other tests to tell me forssure leave it to drs lol
 
Gina : Nothing showed up wrong with my colon after the doctors performed an Upper GI and also a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis after my first colonoscopy. I think a colonoscopy would be the best way to find out what is going on ? Hope you are doing better.
 
Hello All!
So nice to have a group of curvy Crohnies!
I'miss thinking that some of us have metabolic issues due to steroids. I was an athletic built very muscular runner at 5 5 and 140 pounds. This horrible disease has had me on steroids for the last 10 years. I've yo yo dieted and now after being on prednisone for a solid month then going to a 3 month course of entocort, I've ballooned to well over 200 pounds. I literally put on 4 pounds in a week. I cried at my GI appointment and said, how's that possible? Went camping with the kids, walked around Disney world for 3 days and I only had a couple bites of the kid's ice cream, not to mention I'm doing the low carb thing. The doctor kindly said it's not just diet and exercise that play a part, don't give up. He said it's hard to lose weight on steroids, if not gain. Good luck to us all.
 
Ann Morgan said:
Gina : Nothing showed up wrong with my colon after the doctors performed an Upper GI and also a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis after my first colonoscopy. I think a colonoscopy would be the best way to find out what is going on ? Hope you are doing better.
Click to expand...

........ hey ann ty for reply i got my biopsie results back today n my colonoscopy was clear n biopsie is normal n they r refuseing to do anymore testing i go back to my reg dr next week n see if he will get me a new referal for another gi who will do all the tests that need to be done
 
Ann Morgan said:
Gina Kay : I have lost weight more than once due to my Ulcerative Colitis symtoms, probably from a lack of appetite. My diagnosis came after my first colonoscopy in 2006. I have lost 30 pounds this year because I wanted to. I am counting calories. I want to lose 20 more pounds, but I seem to be stuck right now. At least I am maintaining my 30 pound weight loss and not gaining any of it back. Over the past 35 years my lowest weight was 130 pounds and my highest was 230 pounds. I am now at 177 pounds. I am sorry to hear about your diabetes, as sometimes it is hard to control. I did not know you could be diagnosed with Crohn's by having a blood test ? A Specialist should help you with your diagnosis and treatment. : - )
Click to expand...

Hey Ann this was the results of the bloodtest i was refering too maybe u will understand it better then me n i have lost well ova 100 lbs n still losein from feb to may it was just ova 100 lbs i had lost ............................................... ok i ask my drs office to send me a copy of my bloodwork n its that asca test

s. cerevisiae igg was 11.9
s. cerevisiae iga was 59.8 h
says its highly specific CD
any opinions on this?
 
I am currently undiagnosed after undergoing a battery of tests to find the reason for my GI symptoms, but I am also overweight (right on the borderline of overweight and obese according to my BMI). I lost a lot of weight, intentionally, while following a modified Paleo/Primal diet, but I've been eating a lot of carbs (especially GF white bread which I didn't eat on my diet) which have not helped in maintaining my weight. The carbs help with the GI symptoms - white potatoes, white bread, white rice, etc. It sucks when you have to chose between the two - feeling sick or gaining weight.

The worst thing is that my mom keeps telling me that I'll feel better if I just exercise because lack of exercise is probably making my hips hurt and I need to stop laying around so much. When my gut is sore, bloated, and yucky and my hips are aching, the last thing I want to do is exercise. But, then I also know that it helps keep my weight down. UGH! Vicious cycle...
 
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Did my weight loss screw me up? I've been really reducing what I eat and starting some simple exercise -- ie walking!! Have lost 10 pounds in 6 weeks, but have been lightheaded and dizzy three times this past week. Calling my GP tomorrow to make sure I haven't become anemic again or some other random problem. Just pissed because my iron has been behaving since my last infusing in September and now I'm scared I turned things around. Not fair that moving in the right direction with my weight can screw up other things.

fingers crossed my iron is ok.
 
I doubt that a small weight loss like 10 lbs would put you in a flare unless you're not eating at all. I think you're smart to check it with your doctor. Getting dizzy & light headed is very disconcerting - I have vertigo and hate when I het dizzy. Here's hoping your iron levels continue to be good.
 
I have always been slightly overweight, I think it's pretty much just my body type and something I am completely fine with about myself. One thing I have struggled with though is that when I am sick with Crohn's, I do tend to lose some weight and then people compliment my appearance when really it's because I'm having a bad time or in a flare up. So then it kind of creates this backwards relationship in my mind when I am getting better health wise but sometimes putting weight back on. This is just one reason I think that people shouldn't comment on a person's weight unless you know them really well and know their relationship to it. Losing weight is not always a compliment!
 
All this talk of prednisone causing ridiculous weight gains is freaking me out when Im pretty sure im going to be prescribed this after I do the pill camera test. I have already gained close to 30 pounds in the last year without any medication at all. But because I cannot tolerate my previous food choices of lots of raw veggies and fruit I have had to resort to bananas, fish, eggs, potatoes and avocados. And when im not at work im either laying on my couch or in bed sleeping. I literally have no energy at all! Sigh I finally cancelled my gym membership after one year that I could not attend. I also have Hashimotos so although im treated and my levels are good I know that doesn't help. Im pretty sure that my low thyroid which causes constipation has been masking the crohns related diarrhea that most get. Not that I don't get any but not much. I have much softer stools than before but they seem to get stuck at some point and then things become quite painful and its a long process to eliminate. I guess ill just pray that whatever prescribed, the result will be to prevent the inflammation and bleeding in my bowels and hopefully my energy will return so I can have more of a life.
 
You've described the problems that most of us have dealt with. Crohns isn't just diarrhea - it can effect multiple systems in your body all at once. The dreaded prednisone - we almost all recognize that it helps with the symptoms and seems to get the gut inflammation under control but it carries a lot of side effects that we all hate. Effects like huge mood swings ( my husband calls them my " bitch" pills), weight gain, sometimes joint pain, constipation, insomnia. Not nice but if you have to go on it, try to get your GI to limit the duration. At my worst, my GI only has me on them a month - she then gets me to try another Crohns medication.
 
Hi. I lost 60 pounds before being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2006 ( although I had been real sick since 1997. ) I always thought my extreme weight loss at that time was due to emotional / psychological reasons ( a family member with extreme health issues and problems at work. ) But after I have read some posts here, I realize that the 60 pound weight loss could have, after all, been from my Ulcerative Colitis symptoms ( watery diarrhea. ) I was already obese at the time, so losing the 60 pounds did not put my health in danger, it actually put my weight in a good place for better help against obesity. Wishing you all a day of relaxation and hope. Lynda:rosette1:
 
Hi, i''m new but it looks like there's no one with a weight problem recently! I would love to know how Chronies get fat while spending half of their life on the toilet?Any ideas anyone?
 
The last time I was on Pred I lost weight, but that was years ago. I think it may be partly be the meds side effects anyway. I just wish I could get it back off!
 
I also don't get this. Daily diarrhoea but Im still overweight. If someone can come up with a good scientific explanation? Some doctors think you can't be sick without weight loss?
 
me. I can’t lose weight. I workout, I eat right and every shot I gain weight. It’s depressing me terribly.
 
Hi everyone, new to the forum and new to this support group. I am currently deciding on which biologic to start on and a bit worried about gaining weight. Please share if you have any thoughts on biologics and keeping a healthy weight.

I have been overweight for most of my life, but got to a healthy weight when my Crohn's was generally in remission for several years and I was able to consistently exercise and eat healthy/well. I had a bad flare last year and was put on prednisone, and gained 20-25 pounds, which has been hard to work off since. When I start a biologic, I'm worried about putting on even more. Any general words of advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.
 
I’ve been on biologic since 2010 - on Remicade right now. I cannot lose weight - doesn’t matter if I don’t eat for days. I saw a dietician who figures my metabolism is at a low point and there’s not much I can do at this point to “rev” it up. I don’t think the biologic has caused weight gain but it’s not helping me lose any.
 
woowoo said:
Hi everyone, new to the forum and new to this support group. I am currently deciding on which biologic to start on and a bit worried about gaining weight. Please share if you have any thoughts on biologics and keeping a healthy weight.

I have been overweight for most of my life, but got to a healthy weight when my Crohn's was generally in remission for several years and I was able to consistently exercise and eat healthy/well. I had a bad flare last year and was put on prednisone, and gained 20-25 pounds, which has been hard to work off since. When I start a biologic, I'm worried about putting on even more. Any general words of advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Hi, I've been diagnosed for 30 years and until Prednisone it was easy to not gain weight. I gained like crazy the first time I was put on Prednisone, but was able to take it off easily once I tapered off.
I've been on a biologic for about 15 years now and I've never attributed my weight gain to it. Mine came from menopause, quitting smoking and my youngest son being in Afghanistan for a year, all at the same time. Depression helped too. I am on a biologic that no one prescribes for Crohn's any more, but my gastro says it's working so he's happy. I tried Humira for a year and it didn't do anything for me including cause more weight gain as far as I could see. But we're all different.
I've tried Weight Watchers and had no luck. I've been eating clean and doing low carb for quite a while now with no success until i went to a dietician and she told me to cut my calorie intake and in the last 2 months I've finally lost 15 lbs but more importantly lots of inches. I took off my jeans without unbuttoning or zipping today. I'm sooo excited!! I also have a low thyroid, of course it's the autoimmune version so i have Hashimoto's Disease. They said losing would be almost impossible between the Crohn's and Hashimoto's, but I would like to prove them wrong. I still have 45 lbs to go, but at least I'm going in the right direction.
I would suggest you talk to a dietician or diet specialist. My ins covered mine since one of my doc's referred me. It was painless and I was told which of my meds was causing problems and how low to take my calories and carbs. We didn't get overweight in a day so don't expect immediate results. It's a process.
Good Luck, If I can help, just ask!!:ghug:
 
Ds has been on a biologic (three different ones ) from age 8 on
He is now 15
No extra weight gain - just normal gain /growth here for almost 8 years now
He did gain 30 lbs when he was on pred and eating normal food at age 7
He grew into that weight once pred was stopped
 
It's good to know that you don't have to be skinny and malnourished to have Crohn's. I am obese with a BMI of 42 due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and meds that I have to take for fibromyalgia and mental health that cause weight gain. Ever since I lost my job back in January 2018, my weight has skyrocketed because I am at home and have unrestricted access to food. Even though I suffer with GI distress, I still gain weight like crazy. I have not received a formal diagnosis yet but I have the positive blood tests for Crohn's. I am still awaiting tests for my small intestines and my biopsies from my scopes last week.
 
Hi all!

It's been a while since i've posted here. I've been in remission for a few years and for a while there I was keeping my weight in good shape. But sudden life changes and work stresses over the past two years have caused my weight to balloon up to about 250lbs which is more than I've ever weighed and I feel it because of how the weight is distributed in my body (my lower half primarily). During this weight gain transition I've also experienced inflammation issues indirectly related to crohn's and was diagnosed with arthritis in my knees.

I've been trying to find the motivation to get the weight back off but I admit at times I feel pretty defeated. This time around I've found it very difficult to get the weight back off and fear that it will ruin my remission if I'm not careful. You would think the fact that the weight could negatively impact my crohn's would be enough to change my sedentary and food habits but sadly that hasn't been the case (anxiety and depression are partly to blame)

I'd love to hear how each of you try to motivate yourselves and success stories related to keeping your weight under control. I think mentally it would help to hear from folks who understand and also help me get back on track.

Thanks in advance for reading. Peace and love.
 
Hi CrohnsChicago
Like everyone on this thread I too have put on a lot of weight over the last year.
I am not working now due to the Crohns so I don't think I am burning many calories like I did when I was working plus the menopause.
I am not on any meds as I have reacted to the usual ones. I take antidepressants for anxiety and depression, meds for blood pressure and Omeprezole
for the Barretts .
I think as we ladies get older it is harder to shift there are times it gets me down as I am only 5 foot and it shows.
I have come to the conclusion we have enough going on in our lives so why bother and enjoy your food if you can.
Sending you hugs
 

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