WEIGHT LOSS (FEAR OF )

WOODSEER

I  know how weird this sounds but hope someone out there may identify with it.

Before my mastectomy I'd lost 14 pounds on Weight Watchers diet----I found it relatively easy to stick to and lost it steadily. I want to lose another stone. My daughter is getting married in April and so I have a great incentive. A few days ago, I was given the all clear after my op and am totally free now from cancer. Also i don't need any follow-on treatment.I was eager to get back to the diet plan but instead, I seem to be constantly eating.I have always associated cancer with weight loss ,which may be true of terminal cancer and  so I believe that on an unconscious level,I don't want people telling me how slim I look.How the hell can I stop thinking in this totally illogical way

I

rreynolds1

Cancer is frightening and we all handle it our own way.  I have been craving carbs since my treatments finished.  Those of us who are weight challenged use foods for lots of reasons.  My only advice would be to get back to Weight Watcher meetings to get back on track.  Don't over think it.  Thin and fit is healthy.  Fat and flabby is not healthy.  Cancer and obesity are linked so there are good reasons to be slim.  My doc told me that losing even 7 lbs. would reduce my chance of recurrance.  Hope that helps.

Roseann

Claire_in_Seattle

Dear Woodseer,

I would be looking more at my overall general health than just weight loss.  So please think of fitness, weight management, nourishing your body and spririt,  Weight Watchers may be part of this, but exercise should be too.

I can think of nothing as wonderful for all this as a weekly walk in the English countryside.  Perhaps restraining yourself a bit at the pub of tea room might be a good idea, but I have just loved those.walks when I have been fortunate enough to do them.

Then some general toning exercises and half an hour of walking every day.  You will feel fab, and look wonderful for your daughter's wedding.  One month is just enough time to see major results.  Good luck.

BTW - I am doing a cycling event today, and I am still doing chemo. - Claire

bookart

My mother died of BC in 1997; not long after that I injured myself and put on 50 lbs.  I have not been able to take off the weight and just before my own diagnosis Dec 2009, I realized that I was holding on to the weight because I felt like I needed it as a hedge against illness, like BC.  Ironic, eh?  My own BC is DCIS, and I had BMX with no reconstruction, no follow-up needed.  I hope now that the big shoe has dropped that I can lose the weight - maybe I can feel like I don't need it anymore?  Of course, spending the last 2 months lying around and eating didn't help.  I tried to be moderate, but there was a definite temptation to indulge after what I've gone through.  And I know that my current stamina isn't up to much in the way of exercise, so I am meeting with a PT/LET therapist to help me work on a plan.