I was on prednisone basically all year in 2010 due to asthma. I'm not trying to get you down but I will be honest. I gained at least 40 pounds, I quit looking at the scale every time I went to the hospital and though I was already big, the doctors never commented about how much i was gaining, I'd ***** and whine and they just said it's normal and there was nothing else that could be given to me at the time.
Now, the thing that I learned near the end was not only did I eat a lot but I had A LOT more energy to work out. Living with prednisone is doable, and especially if you start early. So good for you! I'd really get into a good normal work out routine, drop as many sugars as you can handle (for the rest fo your life) I'm not saying all, I am saying try to limit it. Drink a whole bunch of water, stay away from extra pointless calories such as cokes. And exercise hard- you'll be surprised what you can do when on prednisone. I got to where my 250lb? (Not sure how big I was but I was up there) self was running on an elliptical machine 45 minutes in the am and 1 hour at night and then going for a walk until I felt like stopping.
Think of it as a bit more food that you can use for a bit more energy on top of the pills. If you do plan to use that energy and work out more be sure you are eating enough calories. I wish I'd known what it would do to my body. Really, just try to eat as healthy as you can, things you like and don't deprive yourself. You have a lifetime to perfect it.
Congrats on the kidney, that is an amazing thing. And, since you are searching for ways to deal with prednisone for a lifetime at the start I am sure you'll find ways to be healthier/continue being healthy. If not, unfortunately the weight will pile on.
When on prednisone water is the best thing imo, other than healthy foods. A lot of the bloat you see or will see or could see is just fluid. That is why you'll need a bunch of water and minimum salt. I got the "moon face" really bad.
Of course, talk to your doctor about any changes you want to implement, I bet he or she will give you some good advice as well. I am not a professional it's just what i learned being on prednisone.
Here is a site with some tips
http://www.livestrong.com/article/41...ng-prednisone/
Here is a page on 3fc about it as well
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/diet...ight-loss.html
Don't get discouraged- Prednisone is a double edged sword. And I'm glad you are on it, because it means something good happened for you. Tweak meals, watch what you drink and what you eat.
Apparently, low carb seems to work for many, low carb and water. Cutting sodas is amazing period- but it's really amazing for people on prednisone that's just an extra ton of calories that we don't need!
Good luck and good for you taking action at the start of the problem!
The best thing you can do is research it and really buckle down. The weight gain is something horrid when you aren't paying attention to how fast it can come on.
