Weight Management & Fibromyalgia/CFIDS Patients

Hi!!! I'm totally new to this forum. My name is Jessie and I've was officially diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue/Immune Dysfunction Syndrome 5 years ago--4 days before my 21st birthday--and after successful treatment from a beyond brilliant doctor, I am overall feeling a million times better. However, over the past few weeks my body has made other plans of its own and is up to no good, sending me back into a major flare.

The most frustrating part right now is my weight; which is all over the place in terms of numbers, and it adversely affects how I feel physically on a day to day basis. A number too high and I feel like I'm lugging around bricks on my limbs and a tire around my tummy and hips. And that only exacerbates both my pain and fatigue. Does anyone have any tips for managing weight with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue/Immune Dysfunction Syndrome?

Post Edited (IceeFlute) : 5/9/2012 7:21:42 PM (GMT-6)

Hello, IceeFlute,

Welcome!    I'm glad you found this forum.  It's a  great place for learning about fibro and also for sharing all that we go through. It's a terrific support system. I've had this baffling condition for over 20 years, and I still learn new stuff all the time. Like you, I have great faith in my doctor, which makes a huge difference.

Do you also have family and friends who "get" fibro? Check out Fibro 101 - 2nd thread - if you haven't already...I know I was surprised by a lot of the facts I learned, even being an old-timer when I joined.

I don't really have a problem with gaining too much weight, because I also have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and can only eat so much without feeling really crummy. (I used to, though, when I was young, and I came to the conclusion that the more I thought about avoiding food, the more I ate. It was a self-fulfilling cycle...but that's just me.)

We've all learned through trial and error how to eat best for ourselves...of course, what works doesn't stay totally static. One of the most confusing things about fibro, I think, is that very wide difference in what works best for us, not just with food, but with meds, exercise, supplements - and the list goes on. No wonder it's so hard to diagnose!

I'm sure lots of other members will want to welcome you aboard. I seem to be on a late-night jag lately (which I shouldn't be)    but when the sun comes up, it'll get more active around here.

Debbie

Hi, Iceeflute, and welcome!  I count carbohydrates and limit myself to the amount of carbs I eat.  I lost 85 pounds doing this and now only fluctuate a few pounds up or a few pounds down.  There are so many terrific foods that have now carbs and some great foods that do have carbs.  I am an avid label reader, too.  But I've been doing this a while so I really don't have to think about it now.  I know what I can eat.

 

I see Debbie directed you to the Fibro 101 thread.  Do take time to read this.  It's loaded with good info about fibro and you know what they say....knowledge is power!

 

I'm looling forward to getting to know you better.  Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you.  Hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine

Hi and welcome to the family :) I've also gained from some of my meds. Once I was super active and my metabolism was able to keep me on the leaner side....now I really need to watch portion sizes.

I definately have a sweet tooth, so I try to put a limit on all that junk food. I make sure to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day...choose lean protein and eat plenty of fruit and veggies each day. I also eat whole grain and fiber rich cereals.

Snacking on frozen grapes is a treat for me. I've been eating sherbet instead of icecream to save a few calories too. Chocolate is my weakness and if I completely deny myself, I end up eating more calories in search of my chocolate fix.

Recently, I bought myself a pedometer and I was trying to get 10,000 steps a day.It isn't always possible...you have to listen to your body and try to pace yourself...that is something that takes practice too.

Good luck to you...I'm glad you have joine us!

hugs, Robin