medication weight gain

[straybebe]

There are alot of things a person of IC and/or chronic illness give up , one being a trim figure. I've gained 40 lbs in 14 yrs, not to bad but it's too much for my 5' 1" frame. Also due to my FMS it's really hard to exercise, I was finally able to purchase a used treadmill. But I don't think that's gonna help me lose weight, only will (hopefully) get circulation and stretch my atrophed muscles?
I don't really eat that much, almost everything hurts my stomach. Plus there's the gamut of what food effects what illness? Cereal seems to be my main course. The huge problem is a few of the meds cause me to feel hungry all the time and every night just before bed I have to eat cereal or ice cream. It's not a habit, it really helps my stomach, if I don't have this snack I'm restless and have alot of trouble getting my maximum sleep in one stretch of 4 hrs, otherwise I'm up all night. I spend most of my sleep time in my chair, 1-2 naps a day. OK this sucks, I know I'd feel better if I lost weight , the feeling better is the only aspect that makes me "want" to lose weight otherwise I don't really care if I'm obese.
If anyone can suggest something low fat, filling or whatever that I can eat at bedtime, I'm all ears. Thank you all for being here. My path is lighter having you all to talk too. TTYL

[cinder]

how about airpop popcorn

[trytosmile]

complete opposite for me, I lost 53 lbs in the first 2 yrs of having this disease. Couldn't eat a thing without bringing it up. Stabilized for quite some time but now back into the upset stomach thing again. They have done all the testing to rule out any other stomach issues. I can't afford to lose any more weight.

Is it just me or there an awful lot of people tapping the keyboards in the wee hours of the night. Guess there are a whole wack of us that can't sleep.

[ICNDonna]

I can't lose weight if I eat anything in the evenings. If I nap too much, however, I can't sleep at night. I get into that cycle occasionally and it's really hard to get out of it. And the treadmill just might be the key for you. I know I sleep better when I get adequate exercise. And if I sleep at night, I don't feel the need to sleep in the daytime.

Warm encouraging hugs,
Donna

[kadi]

I have the same problem. You might try a smal cup of oatmeal in the evening, instead of dry cereal. I can eat less & feel fuller from oatmeal than dry cereal. (Saving a bunch of calories). I've also read the same thing about eating 1/2 a baked potato. (But the thought of eating that right before bed grosses me out.)

That said, I think Donna's idea of gentle exercise is a good one. I definitely feel better the nights i've taken a walk or gone to a gentle yoga class. I need to get back into doing those things...

Hugs,

[VickiB]

My 'gotta eat something' snack fix is oat bran muffins. My husband began making them when trying to get his weight & cholesterol down. (Remember that '8 week cholesterol diet?) He had great results on it, by the way!

Anyway, they're really filling, and at the same time rather low fat/calories. Add a bit of fruit (like blueberries, or?) to the basic recipe and they're actually tasty!

[yvette]

Everyone here has had really great suggestions! I think if you really *need* the icecream and cereal -- you need to measure out ONE portion. Both foods are commonly and easily eaten right from their container and can add up to OODLES of extra calories.

Basic science dictates if you burn more calories than you consume you will lose weight. JulieB told me you need "X" amount of calories to just live and perform daily functions --
Maybe keep a food diary (such a pain, but can really help in hte longrun) and you might be surprised how much you really are eating...

Julie: if you see this can you explain why we each need a certain amoutn fo calories per day??? :D

[SharonA]

Since you can eat ice cream, I assume you can tolerate milk. Try an 8 oz. glass of skim milk. That is if you can handle the extra liquid that late at night. Sip it slowly. I have been known to add a few ice cubes so it stays cold.

You might also try one oatmeal cookie. I make these with half Splenda and half regular sugar to reduce the calories. Don't know if you can tolerate Splenda or not. IF not, make them with regualr sugar. Eat it slowly so your brain catches up with your stomach so you feel full.

Speaking of Splenda, there are several ice creams out there that are low fat, no sugar added. They use Splenda in them. Again, if Splenda causes you problems then forget this one.

:) :) :)

[Julie B]

Julie: if you see this can you explain why we each need a certain amoutn fo calories per day???

Well, you all have given good suggestions. I eat a yogurt or cottage cheese at night. It also does help with the medications to write down what you are eating. A good and FUN place to record your intake is at www.FitDay.com

They allow you to record everything. As for needing so many calories a day? Well, the body burns calories to make new muscle, breathe, pump blood, digest food etc. In fact, the lion's share of calories burned is from your metabolism. If people email me privately, I can send you a PowerPoint show that explains things a bit more.

NutraConsults@aol.com

Hugs......thanks Yvette for emailing me on this! Julie B