Weight Loss on Prednisone

Most wait gain with prednisone is fluid. Ask your docter about a diuretic. Cut out as much salt as possible to keep from retaining additional fluid and DRINK TONS OF WATER. The more water you drink the more excess fluid you will flush. Do not add the flavor packets or tea or anythign just straight water and within a week you will be able to tell some of that bloated feeling is gone.. WATER WATER WATER

1 mom found this helpful

I dont have a clear cut answer on how to lose the weight, but dont be embarressed to leave the house. There are a lot of overweight people :(myself included). And there is no reason to quit living because of your medical condition. If you had planned to lay down and die... you wouldn't have had the transplant. So enjoy life and do whatever you can within your limitations.

Also remember muscle weighs more than fat, so even though you may be gaining weight, you may be converting the fat into muscle. I certainly hope this is the case, I would speak to the trainer and the doctor before stopping the exercise regimine. Exercise after all (I suspect)would be good for you.

If a rude someone was to say something... speak up for your cause and let them know that you had liver transplant and you are on a medicine just so you can be alive which causes major weight gain. This will quickly back most people down and they'd wish they'd never said anything.

Good Luck,
J.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi R.. I feel your pain. My son has been on and off of prednisone for over a year. He gained A Lot of weight. He went from a size 5/6 to 8/9 in a months time. He is starting to lose the weight, but I parish the thought of him having to go on it again. Don't give up the dieting and exercising though. We exercise with Bradley and try teaching him healthy eating especially because of being on prednisone. It is NOT a waste of time. It will only help you stay healthier, make your heart stronger, and make you feel better physically. Then once you are off this medicine you'll really be ready to get yourself back to your old self. Don't get discouraged. Keep fighting, your worth it. I did find that taking Bradley off of anything high sodium and sugar-free helped. His body would not break down sugar-free items very well leaving him bloated and puffy. Keep the faith and just ask God to help you. God Bless.

1 mom found this helpful

Honey, don't be embarrassed about the way you look right now. You have a health problem and the weight can't be helped.
I would keep going to the gym if I were you even if you gain a little because at least it will help you stay healthy and give you a whole different outlook on life. People can be mean and crude even when they don't know the circumstances. You won't always be this way. The people that are going to be nice to you and help you are the people that you want to be around and the ones that judge you before knowing you or knowing your reasoning are the ones that you never want to be around anyway.
God gave you a second chance with this new liver and I am sure that the person that gave this liver to you would have wanted you to have it with pride and they are rooting for you from above to do great things with it. And sometimes things happen for a reason. You may make the best friend that you have ever had by going to the gym and by letting others know your situation. You never know who is in the same situation that you are in and they are scared to talk about it. You could actually be an inspiration to others. Maybe someone else is on the same medication for different reasons or maybe even the same reason and you can give them that little pep that they need.
Please keep going to the gym. If you don't, you will sit around the house and get more depressed and eat more than you would going to the gym and I have always heard that an operation like that causes depression to a certain extent anyway.
By going to the gym, whether you gain a little weight or not, it will help you feel better about yourself and develop a whole different attitude. You will feel better all the way around.
It won't be this way forever and then you can really start losing the weight. But by staying on a regular visit to the gym, you are that much ahead and probably will drop weight faster because you will have already given your metabolism a boost. Not to mention that you muscles will be stronger.
Where are you located? If it is close to Murfreesboro, I will go to the gym with you and walk with you when it is warm. I would give anything for a walking or working out partner. I have a 16 month old so when my husband comes home, I would enjoy the time with a friend.
Keep it up! You are already an inspiration to me. Going through what you have been through and then having the energy to even go to the gym..... you are my hero.
If you ever want to talk, send me a message through here and I will give you my personal email.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi R.,
Just wanted to let you know there are some ladies from my church who meet on Thursday nights who are working with thier weight too the church is First Assembly of God and the one you can e-mail to find out more is Derba at ____@____.com I'm hoping you live close to Heber Springs, AR and if not still e-mail her and she can get you in touch with some one . Have a great day God Bless

1 mom found this helpful

I just wanted to give you some encourgement! Keep it up girl! And, remember that muscle weighs more than fat. Sometimes you may have to get out the old measuring tape to "see" results, but I'm sure you'll see it when your clothes fit looser. Also, as far as the cravings go, maybe try eating a spoon of peanut butter. It will help you to "feel full" and satisfied.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi and i hope your doing well!

First make sure your doctor wants you to exercise. Then there are a few thigs to remember. Muscle weights more than fat!!! Staying healthy is your goal (at least it should be) So keep going to the gym. You need the cardo! Also remember to get long lean muscles do more reps and less weight. At this point I would be careful of high weights this will cause you to get big muscles and the medication will probly make that happen too. I joined a gym with the idea of getting healthier not skinner. I have always had a good diet but my thyroid wouldn't work properly even with meds! I finally found out I was alergic to wheat, barley , and rye. Once I couldnt eat those I starting droping pounds! I was 130lbs over weight. Now I've lost 47 pounds without trying! So my best suggesting is wipe out wheat of any knid from your diet. My sister has dropped the wheat because I have and is loosing weight like crazy (she does not have the same conditions as I do). It not eazy for the first few weeks and you really got to read those lables (alot of sauses and marinades have wheat). But if you can totally eliminate it from your diet you will stop craving it. Just my 2cents! Believe me I know how hard being heavy can be. just hang in there and don't become house bound.

Keep your head up and a smile on your face.
M.

1 mom found this helpful

I am absolutely NO authority on this subject, but it is definitely worth it. Don't give up. I know that everybody says when you work out you gain muscle and it weighs more than the fat you lose, but it still isn't very uplifting when the numbers don't change. How much longer will you be on the steroids? I definitely wouldn't wait until you're done, b/c as so many people say losing weight is definitely a lifestyle change, and I would tink that the pounds will come off easier when you're done with steroids if you're already using the proper diet and exercise regimen. What gym are you using? There are some that have women only workout areas and people really don't stare at you all of the time.

Good luck to you and don't ever give up!!!!

1 mom found this helpful

I think you need to focus on the awesome gift of life given to you by this transplant. You cannot control your size with effectiveness on your meds. GIve yourself a break, love the fact you are living, and don't worry about others. If you get a postivie feeling from exercise, stick with it. If not, you can go back to it when you have more strength. My best friends son has had 2 liver transplants, and both times it took him a long time to get his strength back. He was puffy and chunky when his prednisone was high, but slimmed back down when he was able to lower the dosage. I am so impressed by you and wish you a wonderful recovery.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi R.. I am a group exercise instructor, and I too believe you should stick with the work outs. Going to the gym is a great way to meet friends and other people w/simular situations. Find a workout Buddy that will help keep you motivated. I know its not easy, stay positive, find an activity (exercise) you like to do. Try some cardio class, Cardio Kickboxing, step, and cardio circut class are all fun, and my personal favorites. If you dont like classes-- find 2 or 3 different cardio machines that you like. Alternate the machines--mix up alittle--that way you wont get bored doing just one machine all the time, and you dont want your body to get use to the same work out routine. Dont forget to Weight train too,(Toning), this is very important especially for women. I would suggest a toning class, that way you have an instructor there. Nomally you will work all the major muscle group and then some. The instructor should be able to help you with the proper form to make sure your doing it right. If your interested most gyms have personal trainers on staff. It may cost a little extra, you'll need to ask, but that way you get one on one attention. Your trainer will design a program for you (normally) and show you proper form so you dont get hurt. So, R.---KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK--- YOU GO GIRL--- WE ARE ALL HERE ROUTING FOR YOU.--MOST IMPORTANTLY DONT GIVE UP....YOU CAN BEAT THIS. Stay postive. God Bless you.

1 mom found this helpful

Keep on exercising you don't want to lose your muscle mass. Ask your Dr about the weight gain it could be a side affect from the drug. Also, I have never heard of anyone being on prednisone for longer then 7 days

1 mom found this helpful

R.-
My three year old son has a kidney disease that he has to take prednisone for. The weight gain has been unreal.
But the good news is that it should all drop off once you are off the steroid. My son's dose was reduced dramatically and now he looks so much like he used to.
Hope that helps!

1 mom found this helpful