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Weight gain

Tue, April 07, 2009 12:31 PM

I was diagnosed with Crohns 3 years ago and have been on Entocort off and on for the past 2 years. Each time I have been on it I have gained 40lbs. Even with a low fat diet high in proteins and vegetables, along with exercising 2 hours every day, I gained weight. Once I figured out it was the medication causing the weight gain, and not alleviating any of the symptoms, I went off of it. I am now trying to lose the 80lbs I gained and am having trouble. Its seems that the more fruit I eat, the more my stomach hurts. The more vegetables I eat, the more I have to run to the bathroom. Carbs and fish tend not to bother me. However, pasta and potatoes do not lead to weight loss. I am allergic to flaxseed and most wheat pastas contain it. I am calling a nutritionist but was wondering if anyone had some advice. Its as if everything that is good for me makes me sick. And no matter how healthy I eat, I cant seem to drop the lbs. My thyroid is fine so I know its not that. I am so frustrated. Im sick of the pain, Im sick of the weight gain, I sick of the doctors not listening, Im sick of being sick. Im wiling to try anything.

princessinpink
Joined Jan 7, 2009

Tue, April 07, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for princessinpink.

I am a Registered Dietitian and also have Crohn's. Your predicament is not as unique as you might think. Entocort EC contains a steroid that will make you gain weight. It can also wreak havoc with your blood sugars. I take Entocort EC, Asacol, AND 10 mg Prednisone, so I am constantly starving. I have gained 30 pounds since being on steroids. I tolerate dairy products well so I eat a lot of lowfat yogurt, and make protein shakes with 1% milk. Try eating cooked fruits and vegetables, and none that have seeds like squash. Also try lean proteins. Are you able to tolerate whole grains at all? Exercise is also a good suggestion, but very hard to do when you are tired or not feeling well.

lasinda1
Joined Jun 19, 2008

Mon, April 06, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for princessinpink.

I think you're absolutely doing the right thing seeing a nutritionalist. You seem to have some special dietary restrictions, so seeing a professional has got to be the best way to sort it out.

Generally, you should stay away from raw fruits and vegetables. They grind away at your intestinal wall. You can steam vegetables and take the skin off fruit to alleviate some problems. (Too bad steaming and peeling take away a lot of nutritions :-\ )

I think your problem is a little more on the unique side. From the looks of it most CD/UC people have problems gaining weight, not losing it.

Beyond that, all I can recommend is the obvious: cut bad fats, exercise more.

griffn
Joined Apr 5, 2009

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