Question:
I'm gaining weight like crazy and getting depressed.

I guess it's not a question, but I need some support. I'm almost 14 months post-op and I've gained 10 pounds this week. I had a recurrence of asthma symptoms and have had to increase my steroid dose back to 60 mg./day. I can't believe how quickly I've gained. I am getting in my water and protein, and I've been faithful about working out at the gym. The damn steroids are what got me into trouble in the first place. I want to cry! I've worked so hard to lose the weight and I'm still about 30 pounds from goal. I am SOOOO afraid. I'm on anti-depressants already, and don't know what else to do. I just need to hear that things will be OK. I am away at school, so I am not near family or friends, and have a hard time finding anyone who understands how scared I am. I know I'm rambling, but I really need some support. Anyone else on long-term high dose steroids? Did you gain and then lose it? I need some good news!    — Maria H. (posted on February 8, 2002)

February 8, 2002
Hi Maria, sorry you're having such a hard time. I too gained much of my weight on oral steroids. I am off them now and doing pretty well. I had to take a hard look at how I was treating my asthma. I started on allergy injections about a year ago and they have helped a lot. I had to start at a much lower dose of injection than most and gradually build up. I also got off Flovent and started using Pulmicort in the nebulizor. This avoided the use of the propelant in the inhaled steroids, which I found was actually making my asthma worse. Also, if you are also using inhaled steroids, the meter dose inhaler never provides the amount of doses listed on the label. I found this out the hard way as many of my attacks occurred at the end of the can. Also, the oral steroids can exacerbate depression, and many of the antidepressants cause weight gain- a vicious circle, I know, I've been on that too. You can check out The National Jewish Research Hospital website. They are the foremost respiratory care facility in the United States. They do a lot of work with difficult to treat asthma. Good luck, and e-mail me if you have any questions. Kathleen
   — Kathleen C.

February 8, 2002
I have MS and am often treated with steroids. I gained 100 lbs. from 1997 (when I was diagnosed) to 2001 when I finally had my WLS. It seemed like I just "packed it on" whenever I was on steroid treatment. Since WLS, though, I find that I can at least control the gain somewhat, which is better than what I could do before. I'm so sorry you're seeing a gain, but hopefully you will only be on steroids temporarily (?) and will be able to take off this water weight soon. Good luck to you--
   — Terissa R.

February 8, 2002
I started steriods on July 12, 1988 and put on alittle over 100 pounds in the first year. Never could lose it other than with the bypass last year. In my case I'll be on steroids for life, and I hope it does'nt do it again. In your case, hopefully the steroids will be "short term" and no where near the high dose I have to take. Good luck.
   — Danmark

February 9, 2002
Hi Maria, I know how you feel. Pre-op I was on high dose oral steroids (60mg daily) for two years. I gained 175# and was absolutely miserable. At that time I was receiving all my care from my PCP. She had me on 900mg of Theophylline a day along with the steroids. I decided that I was not benefitting from the care that she prescribed and asked for a referral to a pulmonologist. My medication was changed but I still continued to have severe asthma episodes. It was suggested that I go to see an allergist. I am allergic to just about everything except for dogs. Perfumes and colognes were even a problem for me. I was also having problems with strong cleansers. Well my allergist and pulmonologist and I were all very aggresive in the treatment of my asthma. I started allergy shots and am now on maintenance and will continue to take them once a month for the next five years. Just as recently as two months ago I started taking a new medication called Advair. I have used my rescue inhaler twice and have not used a nebulizer treatments since. I have been blessed and not used any steroids since my surgery. And have not been to the Emergency Department since 04-21-01 for my asthma. I hope and pray that you get better and get off those steroids. They can cause a multitude of problems. You are more prone to osteoporosis and avascular necrosis when you are on steroids for a lengthy period. Talk with your doctor about changing your current medications because steroids are very dangerous. Good luck and God bless.
   — Margaret M.

February 11, 2002
I always gained on Prednisone in the past but have been able to maintain since surgery even though I am six months pregnant right now. It's a battle, though. I have to take a lot of walks and drink a ridiculous amount of water. My Pulmonary Specialist started me on Advair last month so I am only two days away from being weaned off of the Prednisone and I haven't used my albuteral in an entire week. I was using it at least four times every day. Also, I have been able to resume daily exercise for the first time since Thanksgiving. Advair has been a blessing for me. It has given me my life back. Now I'm just fighting my insurance company to pay the $199.00 per month it costs. You may want to ask your doctor about trying it. It has been a miracle in my life.
   — [Deactivated Member]