Illnesses and trying to lose weight

[SunsetRunner]

Hi there,

I have multiple conditions that all seem to have a symptom as weight gain. Add in the medications for each of them, not helping the weight loss. I'm finding it hard to be motivated still as I've been trying hard to be active and eat better for many months but still not losing weight. I gained all of the following diagnoses in the space of about 6 months. 

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to manage having to take the medications, and actually losing significant weight? 

[Dominique]

I can’t offer suggestions as I have no personal experience of the matter, but I recently listened to a podcast with Dr. Spencer Nadolsky on Medications and weight gain that you may find of interest and relevance.

It’s a complex issue since western medecine tends to be compartmentalized into silos and doctors who prescribe medication for one health issue do not necessarily realize (or care about) their possible side effect on weight.

[HokieHoo]

Talk to your prescribing doctor(s) about your weight loss goals and how your medication is affecting your progress. Are there alternatives? Is a lower dose possible? Could weight loss eliminate the need to take any of the medications? Also consider talking with a weight-loss specialist/expert who has experience in this area.

Last, remember that weight loss is not the only benefit of eating well and staying active. There are many other benefits including higher energy levels, better heart health, and setting a good example for those around you. While you are trying to figure out the medication puzzle, try to focus on the other benefits and keep up the good habits. Hang in there!

[LoveBadger1]

Hi Joanna22,

My thoughts are with you and I understand 100%.  After going through cancer treatment I gained 75lbs less than a year. I physically hurt, emotionally wounded and spiritually down. I started to do research on my own, and before too long people started to fall upon my path who had travelled down the same road and understood which caused me to start researching more and asking questions. I finally became my own self advocate with a voice and started to push back. I understand medical providers having to choose between the lesser of two evils per say when making choices to save ones life, but if you are not being heard, how far can the treatment go to truly be successful?  With that said, there is only one you, one Joanna22, you have every right to have your voice heard and find those who hear your voice. Empower yourself to ask questions, demand answers and find providers who not only see your illness, lab reports, test results but see and hear you as a human being! After I pushed back I found providers who treated me as me, not a test result. Upon doing so found other medications with fewer side effects and eventually allowed me to start getting healthier again. Its truly hard to find hope when you take a medication that cures one thing but takes away something else.  At my lowest I couldn't move, my joints hurt so bad, I wanted to sleep all day and wanted to give up. During that time a message of hope came through, my cancer results came back clear and it was time to change. Once I knew I made it through the cancer I started to really do research, ask question and be my own self advocate! I truly wish you the very best, don't give up on HOPE to find something more, getting results and having the quality of life you deserve.  My biggest non medical advise is even if the scale doesn't change continue now, continue to find time to move first thing in the morning-the movement feeds the spirit to continue to have hope until something else comes your way.

[Coracora]

@SunsetRunner

I certainly can relate!  In fact I’ve thought of starting a post titled “ the things our doctors don’t tell us “.  I’m on many meds that I need to take to stay alive, but the side effects listed and not in those little pamphlets the pharmacy gives you are not fun.  I’m 9 months into recovery from a liver transplant so I’m really not complaining, happy to be here, but yea, I’m complaining a little 😉.  

So I religiously track everything daily.  Food, water, exercise, bms, weight, bp, temp,mood, energy level, sleep and anything else I can think of.  I look at this with a critical eye, especially when I get meds switched on me.  I research as much as I can any drug I’m on ( 7 right now, but down from 17 originally ) as well as known interactions.  I dont even consider adding a vitamin or supliment without discussion with my docs.  I write down every concern and question I have before I see my docs and I ask the specialist doc, the nurse and run the questions by my GP when I see her.  It’s a lot of work.  But I’ve succesfully gone off unnecessary meds, switched a few to others, and have started slowly to loose weight, NOT gain.  (And I’m on prednisone). I also suggest if you have the opportunity to meet w a nutritionist.  I’m pretty savvy when it comes to nutrition and physical fitness, but was getting so much conflicting info from multiple docs I got so out of whack.  With a fresh set of eyes I was able to get on track. 

The other thing, and I’m saying this for myself as much as you, is find patience.  Your body has changed, your lifestyle has changed, you’re on meds.  It’ll take awhile to find equilibrium ( I was told a year to 18 months in my case ).  You will have setbacks, but you’ll also have victories.  I’ve dealt with extream  weight loss ( causing weakness and fatigue just to get to the bathroom! ) weight gain, bloating and my new favorite, muscle weakness causing a muscle tear from sneezing too hard.  Some of these are meds related, some are related to my conditions some are a combination of both.  

Im also going to second that weight is not the only metric to go by, and how you think about weight might need to change.  I know it has for me.  I’m down a bit in my weight, but I’m leaner, and stronger and down a full pants size, way more than the scale reflects.  

Please keep posting  about how your doing.  I find this community v v helpful and a great place for ideas and support.

coracora

[danielpatrik]

Dear @SunsetRunner,

My heart goes out to you. I personally feel that you should focus on managing your health conditions first. Well, most of the times you can actually self-manage various health conditions easily. Managing the symptoms and disease itself will help you in losing weight naturally. The best thing you can do here is to not lose hope and patience. Indulge in at least 45 minutes of walk each day and watch what you eat. it is advised to eat whole and well-balanced meals.

Good luck

Regards