Coping with weight loss and uc

Looks like I am destined to join the ranks of the skinny ucers as I've lost 26 pounds since before uc. It would seem I loose about 1/2 a pound a week pretty much indefinitely.

How do you skinny ucers cope with the weight loss? Do you eat tons of junk food, extra meals, bulk up at the gym, or something else?

I obviously don't want to eat lots of extra food in a day, as there is a simple input-output issue (the more food I eat the more I poop out, with a guarantee of more bathroom visits). If I eat like a pig at a buffet or whatever then I always pay for it the next day.

I'm not sure the junkfood route is what would be healthy for me (chowing down some chips, sodas or whatever each day).

It's fall now and I'm going to start my gym membership again, and work on mostly weights as muscle weighs more than fat. It isn't necessary to focus on cardio for weight maintenance anymore, at least.

The problem is you's flaring. Tell your immune system to stop attacking and you'll gain wait back.

if you are losing weight, you are either flaring or just not eating enough/expending too many calories. you're right. cardio exercises won't help so stick with strength training.

only way i cope is not weighing myself and not looking in the mirror too often. besides that, can't really do much to put on weight while in a flare.

soystud: haha a good point.

bananagirl: I think my calorie intake has been sufficient, I eat like I always have, no change in diet since getting uc. I don't weigh myself that often, maybe once a month, but the weight loss has been noticeable to myself and others. I'll give just the weight training a shot.

Post Edited (ipoop) : 10/3/2012 10:52:32 AM (GMT-6)

hekela: A belt has become my only answer, as there is a point that I've crossed in which they just don't make the waist on guys pants any smaller.

quincy: Yeah I am on nightly enemas now. I just updated my meds in my profile.

I don't know about your diet specifics, but have you tried protein shakes? Or even weight gainers that body builders use? I've never looked into weight gainers, but protein shakes come in a variety of flavors and mixes (whey, egg, and I think I saw pea protein one time!).

Also, Odwalla makes some tasty protein shakes. They typically have about 300 calories for 12 ounces and actually taste pretty good. Odwalla is a company that tends to not put in unnecessary additives - they try to go for the "natural" market. I find mine in the refrigerated section near the "alternative foods" section in the grocery store.

It sounds like you can add more potato, pasta, & nut butters to your diet. Extra calories lead to weight gain, unless you're still flaring. / Old Hat (32 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)

A few of you have said 'my weight loss might be related to me still flaring'. Can I be flaring if I have 2 solid bms a day without urgency, signs of blood, or mucus? Certainly, I feel healthy.

ActiveUCer & Sierratrinity: I've never been a fan of protein shakes, power bars, or other things of that nature. I've never found one that is enjoyable but I'll keep an eye out for the ones you've mentioned.

Old Hat: Certainly adding on some extra carbs (potatoes, pastas, and such) could help, especially combined with weight-training. The eating extra thing is still a challenge and the thought of it does give me some apprehension (I guess after spending so much time getting uc under control for the 1st 1/2 of this year).

I generally don't go to the gym over the summer as I am active enough through hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. I generally feel like a slug in the colder months unless I work out (I gotta pick up xcountry skiing or something physically active in the cold months in New England here).