I'm quite discouraged in my weight loss journey.

cahjah75

My gyn suggested a weight loss plan his wife did last year with fantastic results. I see him tomorrow and I'm afraid I've only lost 2-3 lbs in 2 1/2 weeks. I can eat protein and veggies and EAS (protein) drinks. The Prozac doesn't seem to be helping my awful hotflashes either. I've been drenched several times this week. I'm hungry and frustrated because this is the smallest weight loss I've ever had. I'm sure my onc would say Arimidex doesn't affect one's weight but the dietician said that women taking Arimidex find it much harder to lose weight. I gained 30 lbs in the past 6 months and want to get rid of it. I'm on Arimidex for 5 years.
It's hard to believe that I weighed 106 lbs when I got married and now I've lost 3" in height and weigh 190 lbs! Life is not fair. My Bell's Palsy is almost gone but I still notice my eye doesn't close all the way and my mouth is still a bit crooked. Thanks for letting me vent. I think it went in my husband's ear and came out the other ear.
Char

lizzie17

it's hard!!
Weight loss is my ongoing battle and I am also on Arimidex. I thought weight gain is a common side effect. (?)

For me, I switched to mainly organic foods and try to eat in moderation, 500 calories per meal. I get weighed every morning, even though you are not supposed to. It took a year, but I have lost 19 pounds. You are on track with a little weight loss, just an average of a pound a week.

That would be 52 in a year!! Just hang in there, I know it so hard.

RE

•♥•♥•♥•♥ BIG HUGS ♥•♥•♥•♥•♥•
Ah Char I am sorry you are having a time with this, if you are interested and have a weight watchers near you you may want to give that a try it has been quite helpful for me and I do not find it too difficult, you can also do it online if you want but for me I need to be accountable to the weekly weigh in ;-). I am glad the Bell Palsy is easing up that is a very good thing.

RE

sbmly53

Oh, Char - I hear ya!
It's so hard to do. My hubby works evenings, so I don't have a decent dinner most nights - you know, toast, soup, chips. I never seem to have time in the morning for breakfast - grab a bagel & coffee @ Dunkin. Lunch never gets packed, buy whatever, pizza, sub. Sometimes a salad!!

So I'm my own worst enemy. Also, a stressful job where I'm tied to a desk and I blame lack of excercize on the weather or just plain exhaustion.

But we are starting a walking team at work, encouraging each other to walk more. I used to walk 3 - 5 miles a day, but just the thought of it tires me out. So, ever hopeful, I am working on meal planning, no snacking, drinking water and walking.

Remember, we need to lose a few extra pounds so we can stuff ourselves at Hershey!!!

Sue

BlownAway60

Char,My onc told me in Feb
Char,

My onc told me in Feb to try and lose some weight. That's when I started Weight Watchers. It seems to be working or me. I have lost 20 lbs since I started in Feb. They recommend you only lose between .5 and 2 lbs a week. It is pretty easy to follow and I am never hungry. I pretty much eat whatever i want only in moderation. Fresh fruits and vegs are free items and I get at least 5 sevings in a day.

This is just my experience and I know we are all different. What works for me might not work for you.

My onc said that chemo changes your body and makes it harder to lose weight.

I am taking Femara and it isn't much fun either. It gives me a lot of joint pain. I was having a lot of hot flashes but they have kinda settled down for now.

Sure hope things are better for you soon.

Hugs

Donna

Gabe N Abby Mom

Losing weight is one of the
Losing weight is one of the hardest things in the world to do, for me anyway. And you're losing about a pound a week! I say congratulations to you! And at that rate you have a better chance of keeping the weight off permanently...no rebounding for you missy!

Hugs,

Linda

24242

Not like the old days
The older we get the slower our motabilisms are so that is why we often have to do more moving to keep it ramped up for burning.
I eat less than I ever have in my life but can gain weight which just doesn't seem right but the difference is in the calories I am eating. I use to be the health nut eating mostly the natural sources something I gave up and need to get back to since the pounds come quickly. I swear no one can gain 20 lbs as fast as I do and takes 4 times as long to get rid of it. When I work hard I fight to keep weight on can't seem to eat enough but the times I don't work shows on my frame.
I heard once and try to do it though people think I have a nervous tick, I am constantly moving my legs or something never sitting still burning all the time. I even do inside exercises waiting for things to happen in my life. It works too and one doesn't have to do something real physical.
Tara

camul

It is really hard. I am
It is really hard. I am gaining, up 20+. Last week I was down 2. Now I am trying to watch everything that goes in. I will have chemo #12 and with each one, as long as I did a little grazing the nausea isn't so bad. Well I am now deciding that the nausea isn't as bad as not being able to zip my jeans!

I am so bald, white, and puffy that I look in the mirror and see the Marshmallow woman and crack up! Going to a wedding tomorrow and now have to go and buy something that fits and I hate, hate, hate, to shop!

I wonder if I can do WW while I am on chemo!

Jean 0609

Hey Char,
Don't be so hard on yourself. Losing 2-3 pounds in 2-1/2 weeks is good! Look at it this way, you didn't gain weight. If only weight could come off as easy as it goes on!

xoxo,
Jean

Angie2U

RE said:

•♥•♥•♥•♥ BIG HUGS ♥•♥•♥•♥•♥•
Ah Char I am sorry you are having a time with this, if you are interested and have a weight watchers near you you may want to give that a try it has been quite helpful for me and I do not find it too difficult, you can also do it online if you want but for me I need to be accountable to the weekly weigh in ;-). I am glad the Bell Palsy is easing up that is a very good thing.

RE

So sorry Char
Sending big hugs to you!


Hugs, Angie

BioAdoptMom

First, losing any amount of
First, losing any amount of weight in any amount of time is great! Congratulations!

I am not on anti-hormonals yet, but have heard that it is indeed difficult to lose weight while on them. Have you considered joining a gym? I found when I started going faithfully about 5 to 6 days a week I actually started to lose some weight, without doing anything else (that was about five years ago before my BC journey began though). I also lost weight because I cut portions intentionally. I ate whatever I wanted, still do, but try to just eat less of it and it seems to work. Again though, I am not on AH medication yet and I am sure that makes a difference.

Good luck to you, and ((((HUGS))))!

Nancy

jnl

Gabe N Abby Mom said:

Losing weight is one of the
Losing weight is one of the hardest things in the world to do, for me anyway. And you're losing about a pound a week! I say congratulations to you! And at that rate you have a better chance of keeping the weight off permanently...no rebounding for you missy!

Hugs,

Linda

Trying to lose weight is
Trying to lose weight is hard for anyone. Don't be so hard on yourself Char. I think you are doing great!


Leeza

missrenee

BioAdoptMom said:

First, losing any amount of
First, losing any amount of weight in any amount of time is great! Congratulations!

I am not on anti-hormonals yet, but have heard that it is indeed difficult to lose weight while on them. Have you considered joining a gym? I found when I started going faithfully about 5 to 6 days a week I actually started to lose some weight, without doing anything else (that was about five years ago before my BC journey began though). I also lost weight because I cut portions intentionally. I ate whatever I wanted, still do, but try to just eat less of it and it seems to work. Again though, I am not on AH medication yet and I am sure that makes a difference.

Good luck to you, and ((((HUGS))))!

Nancy

Don't get discouraged, Char
I'm on Arimidex too--and I think it's really making it difficult to lose weight--in fact, I just gained another 5 lbs (on the cruise). Admittedly, I did eat and drink whatever I wanted! I look at the pictures we took on the cruise and I'm disgusted. I'm going to start my weight loss plan on Monday. I've followed Weight Watchers in the past--I know how it works--and I have lost weight on it. I weigh more now than I've ever weighed in my life (even while 9 months pregnant!) and it is so disheartening to see that number on the scale.

I do exercise (gym, walking the dog) but my problem is that I always seem to be wanting food. We try to eat a healthy diet, but sweets are my downfall--candy, cookies, cake, pie--I love it all.

I feel your pain, dearheart. Let's try to do this together.

Hugs, Renee

aysemari

FRUSTRATING with a capital F
Char,

I can relate. All my life I have always been very active and ha d a nicely
toned slender body. 3 weeks after my first chemo, I had already gained
10 pounds... wow. And I really didn't change my eating habits. But I know
I exercised less and less with each consecutive chemo... Looking back, I
wish I would have done some exercise no matter how small... but I would
go for a walk and would out of breath already after 20 mins or so. And
worst of all my feet, ankles and knees would swell and hurt like... you know what.

But I am doing better now and it took a lot of patience on my part. I had to stop
barging into 5k runs, which would knock me off my feet for a week. I do yoga every
morning now, very gentle yoga and walk for 30 min in the evening. On the weekends
I do a little more but I also take time and rest up.

My diet is mainly plant based. No dairy, no milk. I cheat sometimes I'll have pizza
and even sushi. The juicing has done wonders for me. I feel so energized and
alert after I drink it in the morning. It's best on an empty stomach. I stopped worrying
about my weight. Instead I am focusing on nourishing my body with great food, I
know what which plant does what for me and I think about it while I eat it. The same with
yoga I know how the moves effect my body and I concentrate on that. I am focused
on feeling well, I figure the weight will drop off as I feel better and better.

So in short, I choose nurture over torture.. (:

Please don't feel discouraged, your body needs you to nurture it.

Love,
Ayse

TraciInLA

aysemari said:

FRUSTRATING with a capital F
Char,

I can relate. All my life I have always been very active and ha d a nicely
toned slender body. 3 weeks after my first chemo, I had already gained
10 pounds... wow. And I really didn't change my eating habits. But I know
I exercised less and less with each consecutive chemo... Looking back, I
wish I would have done some exercise no matter how small... but I would
go for a walk and would out of breath already after 20 mins or so. And
worst of all my feet, ankles and knees would swell and hurt like... you know what.

But I am doing better now and it took a lot of patience on my part. I had to stop
barging into 5k runs, which would knock me off my feet for a week. I do yoga every
morning now, very gentle yoga and walk for 30 min in the evening. On the weekends
I do a little more but I also take time and rest up.

My diet is mainly plant based. No dairy, no milk. I cheat sometimes I'll have pizza
and even sushi. The juicing has done wonders for me. I feel so energized and
alert after I drink it in the morning. It's best on an empty stomach. I stopped worrying
about my weight. Instead I am focusing on nourishing my body with great food, I
know what which plant does what for me and I think about it while I eat it. The same with
yoga I know how the moves effect my body and I concentrate on that. I am focused
on feeling well, I figure the weight will drop off as I feel better and better.

So in short, I choose nurture over torture.. (:

Please don't feel discouraged, your body needs you to nurture it.

Love,
Ayse

Cut yourself some slack, girl!
Char, your body and your spirit have been through SO MUCH this past year. I mean, as if cancer wasn't enough, what kind of a crazy a*s illness is it that you just typed the words "my eye doesn't close all the way and my mouth is still a bit crooked."?

You have dealt with more health issues in the past year than many people handle over a lifetime, and you simply MUST NOT be so hard on yourself. I won't allow it!! WE won't allow it!! I know for a fact that some of the ladies here live close enough to you to drive to your house and slap you upside your crooked little mouth if necessary! :-)

I do believe laughter is sometimes the best medicine (my grandpa always said, "You might as well laugh as to cry"), and it happens that a friend of mine just emailed me a link to her hilarious medal-winning Toastmasters speech on weight loss. (The link is good -- I just watched it myself) If you need a laugh, check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr5fhmp_xP0

Big hug to you,

Traci

VickiSam

TraciInLA said:

Cut yourself some slack, girl!
Char, your body and your spirit have been through SO MUCH this past year. I mean, as if cancer wasn't enough, what kind of a crazy a*s illness is it that you just typed the words "my eye doesn't close all the way and my mouth is still a bit crooked."?

You have dealt with more health issues in the past year than many people handle over a lifetime, and you simply MUST NOT be so hard on yourself. I won't allow it!! WE won't allow it!! I know for a fact that some of the ladies here live close enough to you to drive to your house and slap you upside your crooked little mouth if necessary! :-)

I do believe laughter is sometimes the best medicine (my grandpa always said, "You might as well laugh as to cry"), and it happens that a friend of mine just emailed me a link to her hilarious medal-winning Toastmasters speech on weight loss. (The link is good -- I just watched it myself) If you need a laugh, check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr5fhmp_xP0

Big hug to you,

Traci

Char, You and Your body have been thru so much ...
in such a short period of time! Take a deep breath, and say -- I can get thru this! Our bodies, mind and spirits have been thru so much abuse -- just thinking about what helll we endured during our chemo infusions -- wants to make me cry tears of anger. Most people think the worst thing about 'Chemo' is lossing one's hair -- my big concern " what damaged did chemo do to our internal organs ---!!!

Char .. you are just a handful of what Oncologist call ' the minority',which means that you and I are part of the very few -- that do not fit 'Bell Standard Charts', or Clinical trials research buckets. Our side efforts, and lingering long term - and often permanent health issues -- are rare, or what is medically preceded as undocumented.

I took a step back 8 days ago .. after yet another head cold,and chest infection -- and said to myself .. Okay -- what I have in place for recovery, is not working -- so let's scale it back a little, and cut myself a break. I was fully prepared to give up, curl up in a ball and cry -- until a good friend, and fellow Survivor - Aisling8/VICTORIA opened my eyes -- with hope and encouragement

===========================================

So I am playing this forward .. Give yourself a pat on the back! .. Now, look into a mirror and say "I am a SURVIVOR" .. Congratulations, Char! I am important to my family, and myself. I will no longer judge my weight loss on charts or others. I will put my health recovery = first. I will 'LEARN' to say no to loved ones. I will give myself gentle hugs daily -- !

You are a WARRIOR, and Kindred Spirit, please never forget that.

Vicki Sam

lynn1950

Char. Congratulations on
Char. Congratulations on losing losing a pound a week! That's the way to go. Losing weight is one of the hardest things to do. We are ALL addicted to food. Sorry you are feeling hungry. You'll reach your goal before you know it. Also glad to hear that the Bell's Palsy is resolving itself. xoxoxoxo Lynn

natly15

VickiSam said:

Char, You and Your body have been thru so much ...
in such a short period of time! Take a deep breath, and say -- I can get thru this! Our bodies, mind and spirits have been thru so much abuse -- just thinking about what helll we endured during our chemo infusions -- wants to make me cry tears of anger. Most people think the worst thing about 'Chemo' is lossing one's hair -- my big concern " what damaged did chemo do to our internal organs ---!!!

Char .. you are just a handful of what Oncologist call ' the minority',which means that you and I are part of the very few -- that do not fit 'Bell Standard Charts', or Clinical trials research buckets. Our side efforts, and lingering long term - and often permanent health issues -- are rare, or what is medically preceded as undocumented.

I took a step back 8 days ago .. after yet another head cold,and chest infection -- and said to myself .. Okay -- what I have in place for recovery, is not working -- so let's scale it back a little, and cut myself a break. I was fully prepared to give up, curl up in a ball and cry -- until a good friend, and fellow Survivor - Aisling8/VICTORIA opened my eyes -- with hope and encouragement

===========================================

So I am playing this forward .. Give yourself a pat on the back! .. Now, look into a mirror and say "I am a SURVIVOR" .. Congratulations, Char! I am important to my family, and myself. I will no longer judge my weight loss on charts or others. I will put my health recovery = first. I will 'LEARN' to say no to loved ones. I will give myself gentle hugs daily -- !

You are a WARRIOR, and Kindred Spirit, please never forget that.

Vicki Sam

Wow Vicki I needed this
Wow Vicki I needed this post, thank you from the bottom of my heart. The more I agonize over weight loss the more I sabotage my good efforts. I'm still trying to get baCK to what we call this new normal, and It isnt easy. I think all us people on here are and always have been Big Doers and this cancer stuff has thrown us or at least me pretty much off base.

natly15

aysemari said:

FRUSTRATING with a capital F
Char,

I can relate. All my life I have always been very active and ha d a nicely
toned slender body. 3 weeks after my first chemo, I had already gained
10 pounds... wow. And I really didn't change my eating habits. But I know
I exercised less and less with each consecutive chemo... Looking back, I
wish I would have done some exercise no matter how small... but I would
go for a walk and would out of breath already after 20 mins or so. And
worst of all my feet, ankles and knees would swell and hurt like... you know what.

But I am doing better now and it took a lot of patience on my part. I had to stop
barging into 5k runs, which would knock me off my feet for a week. I do yoga every
morning now, very gentle yoga and walk for 30 min in the evening. On the weekends
I do a little more but I also take time and rest up.

My diet is mainly plant based. No dairy, no milk. I cheat sometimes I'll have pizza
and even sushi. The juicing has done wonders for me. I feel so energized and
alert after I drink it in the morning. It's best on an empty stomach. I stopped worrying
about my weight. Instead I am focusing on nourishing my body with great food, I
know what which plant does what for me and I think about it while I eat it. The same with
yoga I know how the moves effect my body and I concentrate on that. I am focused
on feeling well, I figure the weight will drop off as I feel better and better.

So in short, I choose nurture over torture.. (:

Please don't feel discouraged, your body needs you to nurture it.

Love,
Ayse

Thank you Ayse for this
Thank you Ayse for this wonderful encouragement. I like your phrase" nurture not torture".

Hugs to you Ayse and to all my Pinks.

Rague

Exercise
I'm not talking about going to a gym or outside or doing anything strenuous to start but it will help at least some and basically anyone can do.

Many years ago I worked as an Aide to a Quad gentleman. He exercised the few muscles he had some control of several times a day. I do it often also. As you sit at the computer or watch TV or are sitting/laying/standing, you start with your toes and tighten the muscles and hold for a count of 5 or 10 and then relax - do several times then move to ankles and do the same, move to calves, knees and on up the body. Then go to hands, wrists, elbows and up. No - it's not going to make anyone an Olympic weightlifter or marathon runner but it is something and any muscle use increases metabolism and builds to some degree muscle and doable basically by anyone. If an area hurts then don't do that area - ship it an go to other areas.

Actually 2 -3 lbs in 2 1/2 weeks is a great realistic loss. More likely to stay off when slow. Also another point for those of who are older - our skin is not as pliable as it once was - so the slower wieght comes off the better chance of the skin not just 'bagging'. You did good to loose that much.

Susan

cahjah75

Thanks you all
for the encouragement. I sat down with my gyn Friday and he was pleased that I had lost 5 lbs in 2 1/2 weeks! He and I have both been WW advocates for several years. He said to me "you've been through hell this past year" and just encouraged me to keep doing what I'm doing. He modified my eating to fruit once a day/protein/low fat dairy/lots of veggies. He also said to keep a food diary like on WW. (I have their calculator because I was going back in January.) I can do this! My Bell's Palsy is almost gone. He took me off the Prozac because he said my mood was good. I complained about the hot flashes and increased sweating. Because of severe osteoarthritis in my knees and spine I'm unable to go for walks or go to a gym. (I have pain constantly.) I do however, ride a recumbent bike (up to 30min) and lift small weights (have artificial shoulder). I also do some PT exercises. I am my own worse enemy because I feel bad that I can't eat cookies, cake and candy without wanting more. That goes for nuts and chips too! I will try to remind myself that I am a survivor and this weight will eventually go away with hard work. Thanks again for every comment.
{{hugs}} Char