weight gain after treatment?

tkd3g
tkd3g Member Posts: 767
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi all.

Has anyone experienced a large weight gain after finishing treatments?

I am the heaviest that I've ever been. I endulge once in a while, but certainly not enough to gain what I am putting on.

It has been suggested to me that my thyroid may be out of whack. ( early menopause because of surgery and treatment)

Any suggestions? I'm going to have the thyroid tested.

Thanks.

Barb ( who now has 2 reasons not to wear ( or smoke) a bikini this year. UGH!!)

Comments

  • littlejulie
    littlejulie Member Posts: 311
    #2
    Hi Barb,
    My mother and I had an appointment on Tuesday with the doctor and he asked if she's been putting on weight. She lost while she was on treatment but has now started to gain.

    The doctor mentioned that A LOT of people gain weight after treatment so to be very careful about that.

    Julie :)
  • Shandle
    Shandle Member Posts: 204
    #3
    Hi Barb, How long have you been off treatments? Dr. gave me a 9 week break off mine. So far.. I'm staying the same. It's been about 7 weeks now. I'm about the same, just way out of shape from not exercising this past year. I've gained inches. I'm not sure I want to be seen in a swim suite period! Right now my summer clothes are a bit too tight. Another battle huh? Good girl for not smoking! ~ Wanda
  • jsabol
    jsabol Member Posts: 1,145 Member
    #4
    Hi Barb,
    I lost over 20 pounds during chemo, back under 120 for the first time since teen years. (Which is also the last time I was in a two piece suit, let alone a bikini!)
    Since treatment ended in July, I have put on the 20 pounds plus, and am looking more out of shape, despite being back at the gym.
    At first it was great just to taste and enjoy food again; now I am back to the reality of having to watch what I eat!
    By the way, my thyroid is fine; I had mine removed, am on replacement therapy and monitored closely. Good luck to you. Judy
  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #5
    Barb,

    Oh my gosh, I'm so glad you brought up this topic!! Yes, Yes............during my chemo I gained 20 lbs., even though I was throwing up and had diahrrea - I attribute it to the steriods they added to my cocktail. I am having one heck of a time taking it off too.

    Thanks for bringing this topic to the forefront for all us post chemo tubbies!

    Kerry
  • MJay
    MJay Member Posts: 132
    #6
    I am glad you brought this up!!! I put on the weight I lost after chemo pretty quick and am now watching the scale creep up there despite my returning the gym for regular exercise and watching what I eat. (And not always just watching it go into my mouth. Usually I pay attention to the calorie vs. healthy stuff too).

    I was concerned about the weight being gained due to the hysterectomy I had during my surgery for the cancer. Now I wonder if it can be attributed to my treatments as well.

    Not fair. Not fair.

    MJAy
  • CAMaura
    CAMaura Member Posts: 719 Member
    #7
    Hi Barb,
    Lord, I cannot wait to put weight back on....I am in the regimen(six of twelve) and cannot keep my weight.

    Does the aftermath of chemo mess with metabolism? Maybe the body does a compensatory gain.
    Maybe it just kicks in.
    I don't know, but I would give anything to be posting your posting!!


    Best of luck and I wish you more info (surely than i have given you!) from others on the site; and maybe from the nurses?

    Take care.
    Cheers,
    Maura
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #8
    Hi. I gained about 15 lbs after my treatment ended. Ugh. I have wondered about possible causes (instant menopause, chemo?? "psychological buffer"). Finally accepted that I may never know -- and that the "cure" is the same regardless -- eat less, exercise more! I've lost 5lbs recently -- 10 to go. One side of me says -- hey -- don't get worked up a about being a little overweight -- your alive and healthy. But another side of me wants to be as fit and healthy as possible -- and also to fit in those clothes!!
    Glad you raised this point.
    Tara
  • potsy
    potsy Member Posts: 24
    #9
    Hi Barb,

    I also gained weight after surgery / treatment. I lost 30lbs (my ideal weight), and gained it back within 3 months of finishing treatments. I work out 5-6 times a week (including 2 toning classes), and eat fewer calories, but cannot drop more than a pound. For whatever reason my body likes it at this particular weight.

    I am thinking of having my doctor, who I see next week, have my thyroid tested, as I had a full hysterectomy at the time of my re-section.

    Not much help, but at least I can share my frustration. If he gives me any insight, I will share it with you.

    Lorraine

Discussion Boards