I have Lupus:Standstill with weight loss

lovemylapband · October 30, 2006

:help: Greetings everyone!!! At the age of 48, I had my lapband surgery( or should I say re-birth) on 10/15/2004 By Dr. George Fielding At NYU Hospital. My weight the day of surgery was 268lbs., and by 02/2006 I weighted 131lbs. At that time I was hospitalized due to complications of Lupus and put on high dosages of steriods, which I am still on now but at a very small dose. In the process I now weight 184 lbs. and my weight just keeps slowly creeping up. I am so fearful of gaining back all the weight I gained that It has me depressed. I justam looking for helpful suggestions or encouragement. I am so glad that this forum is here. If there is anyone out there who has had to taken steriods ( prednisone) for any medical conditions and you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks:)

vinesqueen · October 30, 2006

Hi Lovemylapband

I don't know anything about lupus, other than it's one of those diseases that they have to use steroids to treat you with.

And that's the problem, the steorids. I know how awfull it is to be on prednisone and just watch your body swell, semingly of it's own accord. The rapid weight gain, the 'roid rage, the round red moon face, the acne, I could go on, but anyone who's takine steroids knows all too well.

I think with steroids you are looking at a double edged sword. The increased steroids in your body make you hold onto the just about evey calorie you take in. The calories in/out thing doesn't work if you have a high level of steroids in your system. The other edge is that for many people, the steroids make them hungry. I'm not sure what mechanism get flipped on here, but this is what happens.

I don't know if this makes you feel better or not, but since they have you weaned down to a lower dose, your weight gain should really slow down. Once you are completely weaned off the prednisone, you should be able to lose weight again. I'm so sorry about the lupis, from what I understand it's a difficult row to hoe. (((((hugs)))))

leatha_g · October 30, 2006

I have systemic Lupus as well, however, I have been very lucky and not had to deal with steroids (YET). I do have an extremely slow metabolism, however and every indiscretion I have surely shows. I certainly understand the slow or non-existent weight loss.

I hope your able to get back on track soon!