2 replies to this topic

[Betty40]

I just started Jenny Craig because of the weight gain that I have experienced over the last few years due to having to take steroids as well as the medication that I have to take for Multiple Sclerosis. I am on my 4th week and I have lost 6 pounds. I am very happy about that but I am concerned that I may have a slip whenever I have to take another steroid whether it be oral or IV type.

I am probably concerned about something that hasn't happened yet but I am wanting to lose about 50 pounds and that will take at least 6 months. My MS will not care about my weight loss or my trying to lose. It is so unpredictable because you never know from day to day what you will have to deal with that day. You might not be able to walk or walk well, or for any distance as your legs will not work for you. You might have a problem with your eyes, or have a problem with your balance. Presently, I am not able to do a lot of exercise but I do walk. I am not able to go a long distance but I am doing something. I was not able to walk a few years ago so I am grateful that I can now. I also have that problem with balance and a foot drop so I use a cane and an AFO to keep my foot up so I don't stubble because my foot will not pick up.

I get so frustrated that I am not able to do what others may be able to do and I am uncertain about whether I will be able to succeed. I also have a struggle with wanting things I am not supposed to eat. What do people do to help with that desire to have the things you used to have and now are trying to stay away from.

My husband is supportive and does know that it is a struggle for me and encourages me. He will eat what he likes though, but does ask if it would bother me, in front of me but I try to eat something at the same time. My weakness is ice cream or chocolate. He will eat ice cream and I can't fault him for having it but I do want to have that taste but I know it would cause me to desire the ice cream more than I am right now.

I guess I would like to know if someone else is dealing with an illness/disease and weight loss and what you are doing to accomplish your goal?

[claudia12]

I was hit by a drunk driver about 10 years ago and nearly crushed one foot entirely. Many bones were broken. Have you asked your doctor about a realistic weight loss plan while on steroids? I know that I have to find ways to exercise instead of the running and walking I loved. Some days I can walk and other days I have to lift weights, sometimes even forced to work out while sitting down.

Like you, I have to adjust my exercise routine daily. But I do stick to the eating plan...most of the time. I am learning a new way to eat and the learning isn't automatic yet. The way I look at it is: I may not lose as quickly as others but I can do this.

My tips and tricks? I try not to think beyond each day....sometimes even just the next hour. Eating every 3 hours really helps does drinking water. reading a good book or watching a movie can keep my mind off food. But I have had to avoid " trigger". situations like movie theaters where I automatically yearn for popcorn. In time, I think I can be safe in trigger places.

Hope this helps some.

[I Called Jenny]

I'm sorry about your MS. I actually know quite a few people that have been hit with it (chronic and relapsing/remitting) so I understand the problems (as much someone who doesn't have the disease can), but having said that, I also know that at least two of them were on steroids and JC and they lost the weight!

Yes, because your exercise options are limited (one of them does swimming exercises) and the meds, your weight loss might be slower, but is IS possible if you stick to the plan!

Heck, I know a couple of folks in wheelchairs and they do arm exercises (well one does; the other doesn't do any exercises) and they both also lost weight. So it's possible to lose weight without exercising.

Now it's POSSIBLE to lose 50 lbs. in six months but don't hold yourself to that goal. ON AVERAGE people lose 1-2 lbs. a week. Most of us, however, simply because of age, lose/lost in ounces (I was one of them) rather than pounds. So don't limit yourself to a certain time.

Remember, what you are going to learn on JC about food and portion control and ratios (protein to carbs to dairy, etc.) is going to change your eating habits for a lifetime, so you might as well settle in and realize that your lifetime starts NOW and will hopefully last a VERY long time so you don't need to put all of your attention on the scale loss but rather working on the program and losing as consistently as possible.

The motto here is progress, not perfection.

Please come to the boards often and tell us how things are going. We all want to cheer you on, offer tips and tricks, and offer whatever encouragement we can - as well as you inspiring others by sharing your own journey.

You're not in this alone and you CAN and you WILL do it!