has anyone gained 35+ pounds from prednisone and been able to take it off?

I tried to use the search bar here and didn't come up with this specific information. I feel ashamed asking because I should be thankful I am in a pseudo remission compared to the times where I was trying to up my weight because I was losing it so rapidly but the weight gain is now affecting my joints, ability to breathe, stamina, and now my self esteem.

I have had 4 flares since last Dec and have gained weight every time they put me on that evil pred. Unfortunately, I have not been able to lose any of the weight. The first 20# I was so happy to not be in pain that I just accepted it but these last 15 pounds are seriously wearing on me. Im one of those people that cannot eat too many raw fruits or vegetables or high fiber stuff because it feels like glass is going through me so trying to lose weight with healthy foods are a bit challenging. I'm open for any suggestions.

Have a great weekend and thank you for any information you provide!

p.s. on top of the pred gain, I also have used food to give me energy after the tapers because i run out of energy pellets and have to force myself to keep putt putting. (I am a full time student and work 20 hours a week) One solution I have thought about is to ask my boss for a laptop so I can go home and rest (instead of eat) and then work when I get more energy pellets. She seems pretty receptive to it and has been flexible for those 4 times i flared.

Post Edited (malakai) : 12/3/2010 11:56:47 PM (GMT-7)

gained as much as 70lbs,when i was younger and lost it eventually, the drug affects your system for a very long time over a year in some cases, so dont expect it to just fall off... also it causes a redistribution of fat in the body, from arms and legs to the abdomen, nothing you can do about it im afraid.. its wierd though as i got older even when i still had guts, i didnt seem to gain as much... and i didnt really care anymore either. ;0)

thank you guys. yeahhh the fat going to my gut is really getting to me because I'm an apple shape to begin with and now it's like I'm the female version of santa claus! haha. hearing you guys acknowledge it makes it so I don't feel like I'm the only one. =D alright at least I know that it is possible to lose it. that's a hopeful sign.

I've been walking and riding the stationary bike little by little but I think I need to do it more often. I'm 38 so I think my metabolism slowing down isn't helping things any. Will also look at my diet

I don't miss my moon face and humped back since I stopped the Pred.

I understand exactly what you are talking about!  I am clumsy from the weight gain.  The doctor is going to try a taper down or off in January.  I do resemble Santa Claus.  I was underweight before steroids now I waddle.  I lost my balance today getting cloths out of the drawer.  I hope it comes off easily.  I carrying weight all over where before any weight gain was only thighs and backside and no more than 20 pounds over the normal.  My thyroid quit working, and I am now menopausal from my blood work at 40? 

Cindy

I totally can relate!!! I really liked pred. because it has helped me not to have so many flare ups with pain, but at the same time I feel like a giant whale!! after I have had the drug in my system. It has been a about a month since I have switched medications and my moon face has gone down, but my thighs still seem to be the same looking, it just makes my self-esteem go down. :( I can't eat a whole lot of veggies, or fibrous food. So I have noticed that some of you in this group have changed their dieting plan, too only eating a very low amount of veggies and high fiber foods. Any suggestions of how much veggies is good to eat? or how long should I stay away from eating white bread? Should I only eat it once a week?

First time I was on it I was 8 i forget my starting weight pre Dx however I dropped down in the hospital to 32 pounds while they were trying to figure it out and then with pred I went up to 75...When I got off the pred I went back the the weight I was pre Dx....back in 07/08 I had a major issue had to have 4 surgeries and yo-yo'd went in at 115ish (when intestines perforated) had a few surgeries etc and my "typical" weight is between 90 and 105ish when not having major flares. I went up to 150 in the hospital with post surgical weight and pred weight then after the 4th surgery I was down to 85..took me about 8 months to gain 5 pounds thereafter and now since I moved to OR and have met someone great in my life I am about 105ish again (that and on Entocort...was about 98-100 pre entocort...get weighed again this week)