Weight-gain in nursing school

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I really hope I'm doing this starting-new-thread thing right...

Anyway, about gaining weight. During orientation last summer with the 2nd year students, everyone said to order our uniforms a little big, since we'd all gain weight. I poo-poohed it because it's not like I'm a freshman who's never been away from home and would be eating cafeteria food every day. And the truth is, I really haven't changed the way I eat at all. BUT I'VE GAINED WEIGHT JUST LIKE THEY SAID I WOULD!! BUGGARS!

Is this true for a lot of people? What causes the weight gain - could it be stress? It's crazy! I've gained probably 7 pounds since first semester and I hate it! I've cut back on my calories but haven't lost any weight. I really do feel like it may be a stress-reaction.

Anyone?

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Stress, eating on the go, and of course sitting in lectures and studying or hours are all causes. I gained weight as well as everyone else in my class. Just find a half hour a day if you can and use it to work out. Also, don't visit the vending machine: it's evil! :chuckle

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Cardiac, Med-Surg.

I gained about 10 lbs total then lost almost 20 in my first 6 months on the job.

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Specializes in ICU, Med/Surg, Tele.

i gained crazy the 1st year..now i have it a lil more under control..but i still eat crazy be4 tests lol

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Specializes in Neuro.

I'm the type that never gains weight. Ever. So I got the uniform pants that fit "perfectly."

Now they are a pain to get over my hips. Literally. I can't decide if I want to be a cheapo and do something like slit the sides so they're easier to get on, or pay almost $50 for another two pairs of pants that will fit in the waist and the legs will be too long. :(

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

I gained the "freshman 15" plus ten pounds my first year in college while earning my first degree. Therefore, I have not dismissed the notion that weight gain will happen if I do not have a plan.

I purchased a cooler to hold healthy snacks (fresh veggies and fruits) and heathy meals for my long days on campus. I also purchased lots of bottled water as well as very low calorie whole wheat breakfast bars for a quick boost of energy during clinicals. This should keep me from purchasing fast foods on campus and at the clinical sites.

As for exercise, well that is not optional as it was with my first year in college. You do not have to block out a chunk of time to exercise, you can break up an exercise routine throughout a day and still condition your body and maintain health.

I have lost weight all year eating right and exercising. I do not starve myself or use fad diets because they do not work over a long period of time. So, with proper planing I am sure I can either maintain my current weight or continue to lose more! Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC, med-surg, critial care.

I'm doing an LVN to RN bridge program. When I entered the program (third semester for the rest of the students) they informed me that all but one of the students gained at least 20 pounds in the first two semesters! They said I would l lose my little figure quick but I doubted it since I didn't gain in LVN school.

I gained nothing. I worked out as much as I could fit in. I made time on weekends, after clinic, in the morning before my late class...and I worked four eight hour shifts a week. I made my lunch or ate Subway (still fast food!) drank diet soda and water.

I know that some will say that they cant afford a gym membership, I couldn't either when I was in LVN school (I was a CNA working three days a week). I walked around the park for an hour at a quick pace while listening to lectures on tape. I got exercise, sun, fresh air and still learned. Now I can afford a gym and I make time. You'll feel wiped out the first week then you realized that you have a lot more energy throughout the day. I study better, sleep better and have a better attitude in general.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I gained a total of 35 pounds during my VN program in 2004 and 2005. Some causes included eating on the run, adopting a sedentary lifestyle via sitting through lectures, and plenty of stress. Increased stress raises an individual's cortisol levels, which can lead to weight gain in the most unsightly places on the body. :(

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Specializes in SDU, Tele, Hospice, Radiology, Education.

I have gained almost 40 pounds!!! *Gasp* Between taking a desk job and sitting in a classroom for nursing classes, I have cut back my excercise so much that it was inevitable for me to gain weight. Stress really added to my weight too, but I think that is more of the lack of excercise for me.

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Specializes in med surg, school nursing.

I have lost 15lbs since starting school. I had just had a baby 6 weeks before the start of my 1st semester, so most of that is baby weight. I work out 5 x week and eat 2 x day plus snacks. You don't have to gain weight!

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adding to the freshman 15

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I gained about 25 pounds last semester. But I have started to watch what I eat and started to do pilates. They are great. I have lost about 15 pounds so far. Another up side- they are great with stress reduction. I also do some cardio but pilates are awesome.

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