Lupus and Putting Off the Pounds

Losing weight with lupus is a challenge, especially when prednisone is in the mix.  Recently the Rheumatologist noted that upward creeping weight was not a great thing.  Blood pressure that had always been a non-issue was slowing rising over time.  Over the past couple of years, the pounds had inched up about five pounds annually.  The thought of where that trend logically might lead in just a few more years was disconcerting, to say the least.

After consistently reaching successively new all time high weights, the alarm bells were definitely ringing!   Walking between the hotel and conference center on a business trip a few months ago brought on uncomfortable windedness and fatigue.  Put that together with lupus and a little mild asthma, clearly it was not a great situation..

Besides,  the “large clothes” no longer fit.  Nothing in the closet gave a sense of feeling just right, and just getting dressed each morning for work or church was frustrating and stressful.  It seemed the growing frustration over accumulated weight gain had begun to take on more importance and was finally demanding attention.  It was time for some serious problem-solving.

Recent family photographs clearly provided graphic illustration of the new peak weight.  The outside appearance clearly did not match the inward mental self-image.   There was a gap several sizes wide between the outer and inner gal.  Accepting the truth meant coming to terms with that gap and accepting reality.  The stark reality of the doctor’s online chart notes in the patient portal was clear. She simply diagnosed the malady with the single word, “obesity.”

Before

Before

A weight loss plan was devised based on a basic math formula: calories burned > calories consumed = weight loss.  With the help of a Fitbit watch to track the calories burned, and a food scale, and scanned bar codes for calorie counting, the journey began. Removing all the junk foods and empty calories came first, followed by adding a morning protein shake and plenty of other proteins, vegetables, and fruit.

It has  now been four months.  23 pounds have burned away and body mass index dropped from 25 to 20.  Two dress sizes were lost, and about 2-3 inches each from waist, hips, etc.  The Rheumatologist was very pleased with the progress, and especially happy that lupus was the best she had seen over several years.  Increased exercise has also helped improve strength and energy levels, and changes in size and health are getting noticed.  After putting on more and more pounds every year, it was now time to turn about and put off those pounds, one calorie at a time.  Still working toward a few more pounds, but happy with the improvements in health due to trimming down a bit.