4 yr post-GS =pneumonia, steroids & weight gain

[1AnnieOkie 0]

Post GS I went from 208 to 125lbs. I bounced between 125 to 128 was rarely hungry, could eat pretty much whatever I wanted. Three months ago I was diagnosed with pneumonia and prescribed prednisone and antibiotics. After 2 weeks was hospitalized for iv antibiotics and iv Solu-medrol followed by 3 more weeks of prednisone. I ballooned up to 147lbs and it’s been about 3 weeks since I stopped steroids. I am now hungry almost all of the time! I have cut down my caloric intake to a fraction of what I ate “pre-steroids.” Currently I weigh 139, it’s been a constant struggle, it’s like preGSV

Did the steroids permanently screw up my system? Will I get my “system back” as it was before the steroids; if so how long will it take? Any suggestions? Or should I start saving $$$ for a revision? What scares and confuses me is I am actually eating LESS than I was before getting ill. The steroids slowed my metabolic rate.

[_Chonk_ 28]

Hi @1AnnieOkie, have you tried a "reset diet" yet for your sleeve, or focusing on high Protein foods? Diet pills like phentermine to curb hunger are likely very off-limits for you if you just had pneumonia. I am hopeful that someone more knowledgeable chimes in with their experience, as I have not had the surgery yet. In the past, steroids caused a lot of Water weight gain for me, which I was able to lose after a while. At least you are catching it early, and not letting this get out of hand. Although I don't have VSG experience yet, I would say stay positive right now and don't assume the worst about your metabolism being permanently damaged by the medication. Your body has been through a lot recently, and may need some time to heal. Good luck to you

[catwoman7 11,234]

supposedly, yes - the weight generally WILL come off after you go off steroids.

[Meadow76 150]

Ah the dreaded prednisone. I have severe asthma. Until we could find drug protocol to calm my asthma I was on prednisone for better part of 3 years. It’s what got me in this predicament to finally explore weight loss surgery. But did finally get off of it. However cause I was on it for so long I needed more time to withdraw from it than I did. Quite a few side affects. All good now.
In January 3 months after my sleeve surgery diagnosed with bronchitis (or Covid-waiting for antibody test results) which produced bad asthma attack. I did shots of steroids shots immediately & nebulizer with steroids but still eventually was hospitalized. I was given steroids intravenously. I stayed on point with program but didn’t lose for about 2 months. My dr did prescribe phentermine to kick start my metabolism. It slowly started working & have been on track losing ever since.
I would definitely check with Dr if you can go on it after pneumonia clears up.
it helped me fir sure.
I lost another 25 lbs during isolation then stalled for 3 weeks. I did 5 day reset & that kicked it up again.
Reason for this long explanation- if I could undo prednisone’s detriment to my weight loss journey you can too!
Hope this helps. Good luck!

[mamabear2141 0]

Thanks! I have found that just adding ketones has helped a great deal and my children can even drink it to help the whole family with its other benefits. Trying to all involved to start them off on a better path with their eating habits than I did.