I'm a 24 y/o woman who suffered from a bout of gastroenteritis on holiday two years ago. Prior to this, my weight had always stayed at about 9st 6lbs, however after the immediate weight loss as a result of the illness I've been steadily gaining weight. I'm now 11st 11lbs, and as someone who is 5ft 3in, I'm much heavier than I would like to be!
I've been exercising fairly regularly and watching what I eat for the past year but haven't lost any weight. I'm starting to feel a little hopeless, and I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem after this illness and how you might have dealt with it or overcome it?
I'm new to the forum and an avid snacker (crisps are my weakness) so any advice you can give would be brilliant.
Thanks, guys!
H x
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Holly_5
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Did you realise that just one packet of crisps per day, over your daily calorie allowance, could result in a weight gain of 19lbs per year?!
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It's only left for me to wish you well on your journey
If you have any concerns about your digestive system I would check with your doctor, but a bout of gastroenteritis two years ago shouldn't normally cause a steady weight gain. Is it possible this holiday was coincidental with something else like a change of education or job, being less active or a slight increase in the crisp comsumption which wouldn't show weight gain straight away but could creep up over time?
I'm sure an admin will be along soon to direct you to the newbie information, this is a very friendly forum and good luck 😀
Well done for trying to turn things around before your weight becomes too much of an issue.
Those crisps have to be saved for a once a day treat and counted in to your overall calories. Find a calorie counting app like myfitnesspal or nutracheck, and you will see where you have been eating those extra calories, if you record a whole day's food intake.
If you still have a sensitive stomach following your nasty gastric upset, try avoiding gluten for a while or maybe spicy foods - you can sometimes find what it is that gives you indigestion that way.
I have heard of bad gastroenteritis triggering an immune response and also upsetting the delicate balance of good bacteria in the bowel that can take many months to re-balance. But there could also be something else lingering. GPs recommend getting checked for any changes to bowel habit.
I'm not saying this is the cause of weight gain, so well done on tackling this issue now 😊
Have a good read of the links Moreless suggested and ask if you have any questions
Hi Holly_5 Welcome to the forum and to the next chapter you choose to write in your life story!
You would be wise to talk to your GP regarding your concerns about why you feel you've started gaining weight. If the gastro-enteritis wasn't cleared up properly, a course of antibiotics might help? Do seek a proper opinion.
I am 5' 2" and am 11 stones, 1 pound, like you too heavy for my height and not comfortable.. Working slowly to change it.
Wishing you good progress, on each new day, Cheering you along 🎉🎉🎉
Hi Holly. I too am 5'3" and when I was weighed prior to minor surgery last month I was 11 stone 11 lbs too, and had been on or around that for a couple of years after gaining weight steadily on anti-anxiety meds. My diet got healthier and healthier over a period of a few years, as I read more and more about eating well, but my weight didn't change at all (not downwards, anyway!). Now after joining this forum four weeks ago and counting calories and exercise with MyFitnessPal, I am down to 11 stone 7 for the first time in years! I'm sure you will also see the benefits. Stick with it, and let me know how you get on. x
Thanks Julie! I've actually just signed back up to MyFitnessPal today and am intending to be really strict with recording everything I do and eat - even the bad stuff! I think it's the only way to know whether I'm just not exercising enough or whether I'm eating too much! Good luck to you too!! x
Hi Holly, my weight gain happened after alcohol-induced gastroenteritis at age 33 (4 years ago), at the time I had to take various meds and also turned out I had ulcers, so it took a while to recover. It actually took me until I was 2 stone overweight to realise I needed to do something about the weight gain. I started by doing couch to 5k, as my fitness was at a real low point, then lost the rest following the nhs 12 week plan. At the end of the day it was peer support on here, calorie control and a lifestyle overhaul that did it, as well as examination of dietary triggers (I found out I'm dairy intolerant). Good luck, and I hope that helps
Hi there it sounds familiar, please ask your doctor for a Dysbiosis test and if it is positive you are welcome to contact me. It causes weigh gain due to bad gut bacteria.
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