I have gained weight and was wondering if HCV could be a result

[scorpio72]

I am getting very frustrated with my weight gain.  I am about 20 pounds heavier than I was 2 years ago despite my working out nearly everyday.

I recently gained 5 pounds in one month.

I am new to this forum, but decided to get serious after my tongue turned color and I did a query and found this site.

I was diagnosed 10 years ago, but after some negative life changes, I started drinking heavily (and I know this is bad), started my sobriety today.

Can someone help me if this weight gain is a result of my liver failing?  I haven't seen a doctor for over 4 years, guess I am afraid of what they will tell me, but I am going tomorrow.

[GreatBird]

When I first found out I had HCV, I went on a very healthy liver diet (no processed foods, trans fats, artificial ingredients, mainly organic, no alcohol, drugs, etc.), and I lost twenty pounds over the next six months.

I think it was because my poor overtaxed liver didn't have to work as hard to filter all that **** out of my body and deal with the virus at the same time. Of course, I'm not a doctor and that isn't a medical opinion.

[Trinity4]

Do you have:

Some symptoms of cirrhosis in the early stages of the disease.  Not to say you have cirrhosis but if you have unusual weight gain it may be attributed to the following.  However, the very best thing you are doing to yourself and your liver health is NOT to drink.  Primary care physicians and most GI's are not as knowledgeable regarding hepc and the latest treatment protocols as is a hepatologist.  They specialize in diseases of the liver.  Glad you will be seeing a doctor tomorrow but seriously consider finding a liver specialist.  BTW, if you are eating more calories than you're burning, weight gain is inevitable.  Also, hypothyroidism can cause rapid weight gain.  Below are some symptoms associated with cirrhosis which can also cause weight gain but what I have listed may not apply to you at all.  Only a qualified physcian can give you an acurate diagnosis.

Fluid in your abdominal cavity (ascites) in which the stomach becomes distended.
Swelling of your legs and feet from retained fluid (edema)