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Originally Posted by ksims7572
I've been on various levels of prednisone for almost 2 years. Seems like every time I get below 10 mg, something happens and the doctors bump me back up. The first year I found this website and following some of the tips for the 1500 calorie diet, I was able to keep the weight gain minimal (about 10 lbs). This last bump up packed on 15+ more pounds. I got the hump, the moonface, the shoulder pads, the pot belly - I don't even recognize myself anymore. I had to buy new clothes after the first 10 lbs, now I'm on the verge of outgrowing those. I hate to go out to my kids' activities or even to my part-time job because I hate the way I look. I've tried the "better fat than dead" mantra, and it helps keep a basement on my depression, but it's not helping me stay motivated to stick to a diet. Exercising is a little easier to stick with because it does make me feel better, but I'm a total failure at resisting overeating or eating the "wrong" things. I asked my doctor if this weight would come off if I ever got off the steroids and she said the moonface should go away when I get below 5 mg, but the weight I'll just have to work at.
I joined this site today because I have to have someone to tell all this too. My husband tries hard to be sympathetic and encouraging, but somehow all his kind words just feel hollow. If I talk about it too much, then he gets blue as well, and at least one of us needs to be "normal" to deal with the kids.
Thanks for listening.
If you have read this thread you will find many things that help with the weight gain. I was on and off high doses of Prednisone for 6 years for a blood disorder and once I got my diet straight things improved 100%. Lots of water, keep sodium intake to under 500mg day, little to no sugar (which for me included fruits), and no bread (when I look back I eliminated Gluten without realizing what I had done).
I ate lots of veggies and lean proteins (fish, tofu, chicken, turkey, pork). I think if you keep your sodium level to under 500 mg a day it eliminates many of the weight triggers automatically.
You are more in control than you realize - every bite you take can bring you closer to your goals and give you some control of what I am sure feels like an uncontrollable situation, I know mine did.
Best of luck.