I weighed 135 back in april. by late july I was 170.
im currently 170. its crazy. i hardly ever eat any fattening food. I just dont know what the hell is going on.
I'm definatly holding toxins in me though because I get detox reactions from detox baths all the time.
maybe its my body holding onto toxins? Ive heard your body stores them in fat cells so maybe thats what it is. How do I release the toxins from the fat cells?
How much weight did you gain. Please tell me I'm not alone on this...its sooo frustrating. keep buying bigger clothes. I miss my old body!
Posted by LaurenMiddleTN (Member # 35174) on :
Lol, I'm not laughing at you,,, I'm laughing with you. I am EXACTLY the same way. I went from 135 to 187 in a matter of months. The weird thing is I only jumped 1 size. What is that all about??? I asked my doctor how we can address this issue and he said, let's tackle one thing at a time. So Lymegal23 - you are not alone. I too miss my old body, and if you find out how to get it back - let me know! Posted by jackie81 (Member # 27031) on :
before I had symptoms I gained like 30 lbs..once symptoms hit I lost 50 lbs..ive gained 15 back
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
you just had to ask didn't you...ok I gained 80 pounds....
Posted by ItsMyTurn (Member # 31469) on :
I haven't started treatment but I continue to gain weight. I am a small person, so 15 lbs to me is a lot. Once you start treatment is the weight supposed to fall off? Hoping!!!
Posted by hopeandfaith (Member # 19884) on :
Lyme and co-infections can mess with your endocrine system and affect cortisol and thyroid levels, which can cause you to gain weight. I go to a holistic practitioner that monitors those levels and prescribes medication when they are off.
Posted by jackie51 (Member # 14233) on :
I was 20 very stubborn pounds from my desired weight when I got sick (end of 06). I am now 50 pounds from my desired weight. 65 pounds from when I got married.
Supposedly, it's the infections and allergies that keep the weight on. If I just only knew what I was allergic to, I could probably lose some of the weight. For a while there, some weight was dropping off. It has snuck back on with a vengeance. Posted by Dmc2282 (Member # 32453) on :
I have the same weight problem. Gained almost 20 lbs in about four months and can't get rid of it no matter what. The only diet that moved the scale a few lbs downward was the Super Immunity diet (by Furhman) but it is a Vegan diet and very hard to follow. It is so depressing! If I could get rid of the joint pain and fatigue, then maybe more exercise would help. Seems like a vicious cycle and I' waiting for the end!
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
thyroid people, thyroid...I gain 40lbs in couple months...didn't eat anymore. Just swelled felt like was walking in waist high water. I went from size 4 to a 10.
turned out throid was/is out of wack due to lyme.
I finally went to a hormone specialist (one who works w/natural hormones) who happened to have lyme.
She knows how lyme dessimates the thyroid. Took a couple years but finally things stable on Nature Thyroid.
Thyroid also affects pain. Fibromyalgia type pain can be exacerbated by thyroid issues.
do a search here on lymenet. Some grat ino discussing the tyroid & lyme &things affected by messed up thyroid.
Posted by MannaMe (Member # 33330) on :
My husband is around 30 some pounds heavier.
Posted by momintexas (Member # 23391) on :
I gained 30 lbs in what seemed like overnight. Strangely enough....my clothing size did not change.
My weight would also fluctuate daily by 5-7 pounds.
This summer the weight has started to drop back off. Clothes are still same size, but the swelling has gone done considerably.
It continues to slowly drop and I'm almost back to where I was.
Hang in there....it will come back off.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
For some, early weight loss is followed later by gain - for seemingly no apparent reason (as many maintain a healthful diet).
This book & site explain why lyme, and Cpn, caused serious weight gain in some patients and how, once the infection(s) were addressed, it just seemed to nearly fall off.
One of the important points, though, is that even thin people can have fatty veins (a sort of "interior obesity"), so this book is for everyone, not just those carrying more weight:
The authors above show HOW that can happen but - other than the obvious "treat the infections" advice which is vital - don't detail the range of support techniques for the adrenals along the way.
While not a LL doctor and not discussing lyme (but does acknowledge infections as stress), THIS author offers great advice that can benefit those with lyme.
While it's a great resource for herbal and nutritional supplements, it's not just about what supplements can help, or about low dose Cortef (hydrocortisone), but also about some self-care, habits, and such that some of us may never think about as being so important:
In addition to adrenal support to help reduce elevated cortisol, inflammation control would be another avenue, too to address weight gain.
One of the best is curcumin. Those with gallbladder issues might need to use the weaker turmeric, itself and not the stronger extract which is curcumin. Magnesium also helps address inflammation.
Mitochondrial support, too. That can help the heart, so that we can better enjoy moving about, even if in a measured pace.
Also one of the huge reasons for weight gain is the tendency to want to run like the wind when we can - or push punishingly hard even when we can't.
I ruined my body trying that and was bed ridden for a year. Could not do a thing. So, aerobics can cause weight gain if they ground you.
Aerobics are not allowed during illness (due to mitochondrial, cardiac, liver, adrenal and brain tissue stress, etc.) but many other great ways to move are and they can help achieve strength, balance.
Light Weight Training can help the muscles. Also good to add to that: Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Pilates, Yoga, Gentle water exercises, Walking. If up to it, slow biking. Avoid over exertion that results in "payback" or set backs.
A habit of dancing when the mood strikes, just move to the radio - but this is not Dancing With the Stars. Just enjoy a bit of movement often during the day, where ever you are, even if in a chair, wiggle that butt to some tunes.
A rebounder (mini trampoline) is excellent for lymph movement -- but, again, this is not a competition and try to resist the urge to bounce sky high. Without feet even leaving the mat, just gently bouncing is good.
For those who are bed bound, massage therapy may be needed to get the lymph tissue and all body tissue moved around. Massage would be great for everyone, really.
Those with vestibular issues (inner, middle ear) face more challenge as even moving the head can be hard. Massage is especially helpful here but when exercising, try to keep the head stable and focus on on a tree or plant, etc.
A GLUTEN FREE diet also helped a lot to reduce inflammation and puffy weight. Many LLMDs want their patients to be gluten free as they see many benefits from that. But that's another whole set of threads, too.
I'd forget thinking about weight and just focus on a healthful life style. With great food, there will be more energy and better endurance.
I have to focus on the nutrients that my cells need. From there, strength happens.
Whether weight is high or low - it's all just the same process of enjoying flavors of healthful foods and enjoying, as best we can, the joy of movement. -
Posted by ItsMyTurn (Member # 31469) on :
So there is hope that with treatment, diet, and exercise, this too shall pass?
Posted by Brussels (Member # 13480) on :
I had the opposite problem, no matter how much I ate, I kept losing weight with lyme. I was afraid I was going to disappear one day.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I say it's yeast, yeast. I lose weight on a yeast free diet.
Posted by WPinVA (Member # 33581) on :
So glad you raised this. It's good to know I'm not alone. I'm not sure of the amount in lbs (too depressing to monitor) but I've definitely gone up a pants size since this whole Lyme thing started in July.
I did just start an adrenal support regimen so I wonder if that will do anything. My doctor said to just focus on being healthy and not to tackle the weight now on top of the Lyme. She said the illness has caused stress on my body and the body's natural response is to store fat.
I am improving, so part of me thinks that if I have to gain some weight to feel better, it's not that big of a deal. The other part of me thinks, "really, now this on top of everything else?"
Posted by Tammy N. (Member # 26835) on :
I didn't read everyone's replies, but.....
If you try going wheat free, dairy free and sugar free, you can't keep the weight on. I have lost too much weight and CANNOT seem to gain no matter how much I eat of the "other" stuff. Literally, you cannot be overweight if you try this anti-inflammatory diet. I don't think I can stick with it, I'm too thin right now. But I do feel much better on it... much more energy, etc.
Hope it works for you (it will!!!!) Good luck.
Posted by Life+Lyme (Member # 33568) on :
When I first got sick, I was about 105 pounds. Then, I lost over a tenth of my body weight. I was absolute skin and bones and was going down hill. Several years later, I have gained the weight back with a vengeance. I used to have a great metabolism, but it is awful now! I also don't have the stamina to exercise, so it will just have to do.
Posted by SouthPaw (Member # 35229) on :
I'm glad I saw this thread.....I've been wondering this myself.
I lost 15 pounds just before I got sick last June (excercise). I gained it all back after I got sick, but was hospitalized for a couple of days, then 2 weeks in bed, then lots of rest as I recovered over the summer and went back to work. Gaining the weight back was no big mystery.
I was back at my original weight when I got sick again last month. I was fighting fatigue and headaches but my activity level pretty much stayed the same...it was just harder to make it through the day. I quickly put on another 10 pounds - this is the heaviest I've ever been. I'm back on doxy and already feeling better so will see if the weight falls off. I've been taking meds for hypothyroid for about 5 years, and last weeks test showed normal TSH levels. I was wondering if Lyme caused the unexplained weight gain, looks like a distinct possibility.
Posted by Jennifer70 (Member # 30280) on :
I have the same story! I was about 140. Total wt gain almost 80! the first thirty came on out of nowhere for no reason. After that If I looked at food I would gain. Im walking every day and eating pretty healthy and only lost 8 so far. Im desperate to get my old body back.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by Tammy N.:
If you try going wheat free, dairy free and sugar free, you can't keep the weight on. I have lost too much weight and CANNOT seem to gain no matter how much I eat of the "other" stuff. Literally, you cannot be overweight if you try this anti-inflammatory diet...........
Hope it works for you (it will!!!!) Good luck.
- AMEN TO THAT. Make it gluten free.
Posted by tickbitt (Member # 33753) on :
The opposite for me too. Went from ~137 to 125. Took more care to have enough probiotics and I'm holding steady around 128.
I think the biggest reason was all the abx wiping out the normal healthy gut bacteria. I doubt the disease itself had that much to do with it in my case.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Once the good bacteria is wiped out you will crave everything bad.
Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
Tammy is right, the anti inflamatory diet works. Burrascano spells it out in his protocol. I have to do his anti candida diet (like Atkins). Do that and the weight will fly off.
Posted by katiebobatie (Member # 28753) on :
i've gained 100lbs over the past 2 years
i eat like a bird too... most food makes me want to vomit, and nothing ever sounds good, so i never overeat.
i had an eating disorder for years to keep my weight down, and once i decided to eat healthy i ballooned
you definitely aren't alone!
Posted by momlyme (Member # 27775) on :
I was on the gluten free, starch free, sugar free, dairy free diet when I was in our toxic home. I was still 40 pounds overweight.
This extra weight that some of us gain is inflammation. Our inflammation gets turned on... and we blow up like balloons.
My husband and I got married 6 months after we moved into this house that made us sick. I had an wedding dress that no longer fit by the wedding. I had gained weight and everyone kept saying it was because I was "happy" Everyone gains weight when they are happy!
At month 8 of living in that house, I was in the ER, unable to stop throwing up.
I have had my gallbladder out, scopes up and down the GI tract... and no one could figure out what was wrong with me. Finally, got a diagnosis of Sphincter of Oddi... also bogus.
Three years later, my son was very sick with Lyme Disease and coinfections, but he was not getting better with treatment.
After Four years, I figured out that the house was making us ALL sick. And I mean all of us. Even my hubby didn't THINK he was sick... until we moved out and he realized how much better he felt out of that house!
And --- I have lost 40 lbs. I haven't lost weight. I lost mold.
Posted by koo (Member # 30462) on :
I don't think it is just thyroid...it's the whole HPA axis along with inflammation. I had hormones I didn't even know existed out of whack.
Posted by showmemom (Member # 34213) on :
DD gained 40 pounds in a year. She is an awesome basketball player, so this is definitely a problem. Ds, gained 65 pounds over the course of two years. He is 5'4" and weighs 165. Luckily he has his dad's broad shoulders already.
We are trying to cut out excess sugar from drinks, sweets, etc.
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
I don't know if i ALL READY POSTED ON THIS...OOPS hit capital key...
But, I was a size 8, 10 or 12 depending on the product...before lyme
Now I am a size 18. I don't like it but I have heard once the lyme is under control the weight will come off.
This is over a 10 yr period. I went up a few sizes after starting gabapetin.
tried to stop taking it but the pain was worse than the weight.
Posted by manybites (Member # 33750) on :
From size 8 to size 16 after the car accident where everything exsploded fully relapsed.
Posted by klutzo (Member # 5701) on :
I went from 148 lbs. to 222 lbs. and can tell you exactly which drugs put on which amount of pounds. For me it was mostly the drugs, specifically Elavil, Inderal, HRT, and lastly, Zenpep, which put on 44 lbs. in less than 2 months, and which I must take for the rest of my life. It sucks and I really empathize with all of you.
I have never taken ABX, due to allergies, and was already taking daily Probiotics when I got sick, so I can't blame it on losing my gut bacteria, but I gained weight faster than you could gain it eating from sun up to sun down all day, every day, while on my usual diet, so it had to be the drugs or a totally slowed metabolism or both.
I agree thyroid plays a part too. Because of TSH, free T3 and free T4 numbers that look normal, even by the newer standards, my doctor refuses to increase my dose of thyroid, because I get hyper symptoms at a higher dose. I know this is most likely an adrenal problem, but I have high blood pressure and can't do anything much about it because of that. I have non-pitting edema in the lower extremities, which is classic for under-treated thyroid.
I work out to the extent I can tolerate it 3 times a week, do some mild exercises daily, and eat healthy. I look 8 months pregnant but am much too old to fool people with that excuse. My waist used to be smaller than normal for my height. A fat gut is really dangerous. It makes me furious when I think about this, so I mostly don't.
klutzo
Posted by Liz D (Member # 16739) on :
50 pounds 'overnight'. A year of gluten free, sugar free and no booze has got rid of 30 pounds
Posted by LaurenMiddleTN (Member # 35174) on :
Hi All Went to my doctor yesterday and was afraid to step on the scale. The LPN looked started when I said "Yes!" it read 185. Last time I weighted in; 189.9,,,so depressing for me.
In all of her 120? lbs, she asked is that good? I just laughed.
It has taken a while. I eat a plate size of salad EVERY day. Mostly a veggie mixed with 50/50: Spring greens/Spinach.
I top it with a handful of blueberries, dried cranberries, walnuts, diced & whole baby carrots, and I cheat with a tbsp of O'Charleys Honey Mustard Dressing. I drizzly it across the tope; it is sooo pretty and it makes me feel like I'm eating something besides my lawn, Lol.
I make my salad my dinner and side it with either a bowl of homemade soup, a baked sweat potato, butternut squash, or a fresh veggie or two. I eat chicken, turkey or fish 3 times a week. Now my biggest guilty cheat: a pizza from my favorite restaurant ONCE a month.
My MD said she couldn't believe the changes (no processed sugar - I use AGAVE Necture). Quit smoking - 2yrs now. The only thing she suggested was adding protein drinks, or increasing my (current) meat intake to 3-5 times a week.
I have noticed too, (like Catgirl) the Anti-Candid diet does help tremendously with the after dinner bloat that I used to have. It doesn't show it's head unless I cheat.
To cheat with chocolate (which is the hardest to give up) I put Hershey's Dark Chocolate Nuggets in a White (can't view it's contents) Canister on my counter. If I remember they are there I might eat 1 a week. Lauren
Posted by kelmo (Member # 8797) on :
My daughter was 15 when she started getting sick. She put on 90 pounds in three months. She started at 98, ballooned to almost 200. She is back down to 108. But, she is now 23. It took about a year to lose.
Doctors would look at her and just say, "you have a healthy appetite". WHAT?!! 90 lbs in three months? If someone lost that much in three months you would have them in the hospital!!!!
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it read 185. Last time I weighted in; 189.9,,,so depressing for me.