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Weight Loss

cahalstead
cahalstead CSN Member Posts: 118
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Can anyone or some of you share your experiences with weight gain (during chemo) and how to get rid of it afterwards??

I hope it's okay to ask

My chemo treatments ended a week ago last Friday, (thank you God). I'm now left with 20 lbs of weight that I didn't have before chemo. I'm going to go back to Weight Watchers but thought some of you pros may have some suggestions. I'm totally miserable with the way I look and the way I feel.

Thanks.

Char
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Comments

  • vinny3
    vinny3 CSN Member Posts: 928 Member
    #2
    I didn't have that problem but many have. One of the contributing factors is the use of the steroids during chemo to lessen the side effects. The only suggestion I have is to get some regular aerobic type exercise, such as long, brisk, walks and , of course, some mild dieting (I don't think it needs to be severe). Be patient, you don't need to lose it immediately. A slow, steady loss will work fine. Others, will likely have some specific diet advice.

    ****
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  • spongebob
    spongebob CSN Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #3
    Char -

    **** is right-on about the steriods causing weight gain/bloating. They did me - whew!

    WATER! Seems to be the magic potion... 3-4 liters a day. Nice and cold. 5 or 6 small meals (featuring fiber) a day. Almonds! 10-12 a day (good for your skin and hair, too). Light aerobics as **** suggests and also some light weight training (don't worry, you won't bulk-up). Aerobics raises your metabolic rate for about 4 hours post-exercise. Weight training raises it for 18-20 hours post-workout. Joining a gym versus "doing it with the TV" is worth the investment - in a word, peer-pressure. And invest a few bucks in a personal trainer your first week - let someone who is trained help get you on a program that is right for you and show you how to use the equipment correctly. Then, it's all up to you to make your investment in yourself pay-off. You CAN do it!

    - SB
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  • taraHK
    taraHK CSN Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #4
    Weight Watchers is an excellent program and I commend you for doing that. That, plus some exercise, should certainly see a nice steady drop. As I'm sure you know, loosing it relatively slowly (1-2 lbs/week) helps keep it off. I'm trying to walk 5 times a week. With some hills! (Natural or treadmill). Same amount of time commitment, burning a few more calories! Good luck to you. It's a little discouraging but hey -- you finished the chemo (yea!!!) and you are now on the path to getting STRONG and FIT. I'm giving myself 6 months.....
    Tara
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