Weight Loss Challenges with a Stoma and Crohn's Disease

I have had a stoma for 28 years now. I can't lose weight. Yes, I've changed my eating habits and exercise. I was wondering, is it something about having Crohn's that is making it so hard?

Hi.. welcome to the site.

Nice having a fellow chronite here as I too had Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) since age 20..

To answer your question about trying to lose weight.. I'm surprised you aren't trying to gain weight. You lose a lot when you bleed. Become anemic. Have a flare..

I'm guessing your weight gain or question of losing weight is due to the meds you are on.. so please explain those meds. I won't be surprised at the massive amount of this medicine you probably know all too well..

Prednisone is the culprit in my case of gaining weight. This was over 40 years ago. I was almost 230 lbs. Am now at 195 lbs just under 6 ft tall.

I can't stop taking this damn steroid. Now at a maintenance dosage and many years later and having had a total proctolectomy recently, my weight has stabilized and in fact lost weight to a safe number by tapering to this point..

It sucks, doesn't it? My guess is your meds have you gaining weight for now..

You said for 28 years you have had a stoma? And CD? How much longer before the surgery were you plagued?

I'm always curious to hear and offer some advice about how daunting this illness is..

These stories make my eyes bleed. So please expand - more details. Thanks.