Chenelle’s Chronic Life: My ongoing battle with weight

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In a previous post, I talked about how medications caused significant weight gain. My struggle with weight isn’t new—it has followed me my entire life.

Family History and Early Struggles

My weight challenges are genetic.

• My father’s side of the family has always been on the heavier side.
• On my mother’s immediate side, no one was heavier.

My mother only struggled with weight later in life due to long‑term prednisone use. However, my father battled weight fluctuations his entire life. He often told me stories about gaining and losing weight over the years.

Before I began my own weight‑loss journey, my father lost 100 pounds simply by changing his eating habits and exercising. His success inspired me to finally commit to losing the weight I had carried for so long.

The Start of My Weight‑Loss Journey

About two years ago, I began my journey. By the end of 2015, I had lost 60 pounds.

In January 2016, my doctor prescribed an anti‑anxiety medication to help with my energy levels. I never paid much attention to side effects unless they were serious. Unfortunately, even though my doctor knew about my weight‑loss progress, he didn’t warn me that this medication could cause weight gain. I also didn’t check for myself.

The medication made me feel better—but within a month, I noticed the weight coming back.

Confusion, Frustration, and a Doctor Who Didn’t Listen

At first, I blamed myself. I had slipped at the gym because of grad school and a new relationship. I got back on track, but the scale didn’t move. Months passed, and despite more doctor visits for sinus issues, the weight kept creeping up.

Then my doctor looked at me and said, “So what are we going to do about the weight?”

I was furious. I had been doing everything right:

• No red meat or pork for two years
• No soda
• Water with sugar‑free juice packets
• Limited bread, and only whole grain
• Exercising two to three times a week

It felt like everything I said went in one ear and out the other. I knew he assumed I was eating fried foods and pasta every day. I walked out of the office determined to push harder.

A Medical Procedure, Pain, and Depression

In August 2016, I had a routine upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. Days later, I developed unbearable stomach pain. The doctor said it was normal, but the pain persisted for weeks. By September, I fell into a deep depression.

During a follow‑up visit, I learned I had gained most of my weight back. I broke down in the doctor’s office. I told him I was doing everything right, yet the scale kept rising. While eating clean and exercising, I had gained seven pounds in one week.

One year after my lupus diagnosis, I had my weight under control. The next year, it was all back.

Finally, the doctor reviewed my medications and said, “Oh yes, this medicine can make you gain weight.” He lowered his head. He immediately took me off it, and by the end of 2016, I lost 15 pounds.

The Standstill and a New Approach

Since then, progress has stalled.

• Constant stomach pain
• Multiple rounds of prednisone
• Ongoing lupus challenges

It has been hard to lose weight, and I reached a point where I felt like giving up.

After speaking with several health and fitness professionals, I decided to try smoothies. I make them myself—no pre‑made mixes. My goal is to replace breakfast, then gradually breakfast and lunch, and keep dinner to chicken or fish with vegetables.

My smoothie ingredients include:

• ginger
• cherries
• raspberries
• strawberries
• almond milk
• a hint of honey

Moving Forward, One Step at a Time

My weight has always been a challenge. Even as an athletic child, I was never the “skinny” girl. Over the years, I managed my weight when it got out of hand. But today, I am the biggest I’ve ever been. It’s depressing. It’s hard. But I know I can do this—one smoothie at a time.

This week, I’ve already lost five pounds.

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