Pity party weight gain...need help.

Bren-2007

I agree about how hard it is to lose the weight again after you've already lost it.  I lost 45 lbs and gained back 15 after a couple of years.  It wasn't hard to drop the first 5 lbs, but I am totally stuck on the last 10!  I just want my clothes to fit me good again.

Beachbum ... 5'10" at 155# is pretty small ... but it's all relative.  You are more comfortable at 130 lbs.  I'm very comfortable and look good at 150 lbs.  I'm 5'6" and nicely proportioned. 

GrammaKathy ... Congrats on losing the 50# ... not an easy task.

The only way I can lose is if I change my calorie intake and stick with it FOREVER.  arghh.

I only took Tamoxifen for 6 weeks and Arimidex for one week, so it's not from the anti-hormonals in my case.

 

hugs,

Bren

SpecialK

I think it is important to acknowledge that slowing metabolism as we age is another factor in weight gain, regardless of anti-hormonal drugs.  One of the best ways to combat this is by adding weight training to your exercise regimen. Too many people - men and women - rely on cardio only and can't take off the weight. We lose muscle mass as we age and muscle burns calories more efficiently. The more you have the faster your metabolism should be.  My husband used to run marathons and was always fit.  He had knee surgery and had to stop running distance, although he still runs short runs - 3-5 miles with no problem.  He ate well, but gained 10-15 unwanted pounds and could not rely on the intensive cardio to lose it.  He went back to the gym and started to lift and the weight came off.  He is in better shape at 55 than he was at 45.

RaiderGirl

SpecialK I didnt mean suppress estrogen I meant how a person absorbs/uses it. I think it actually effects how estrogen binds to cells.

My bad, I thought most pre-menopausal women where put on ovarian suppression.

Please can you recommend where I can get information on the Elimination Diet.

Of course what I really believe is that I need to eliminate baked good, wine, chocolate, cheese, nuts, ice tea...........lol

RaiderGirl

Bren 2007 Even though you have been on the meds only a few weeks you have our permission to use it as an excuse for weight. Someone has to cut us a break so it might as well be ourselves.

Its interesting how we really are unique snowflakes. Beachbum at 5'10" feels best at 130lbs.

I feel and look really good at 150 and I am 5'5" . At 150 I wear a size 8. ( oh I long for those days)

SpecialK

RG - the plan is the Virgin Diet, by nutritionist JJ Virgin.  She has written a few books, I have both her original book and the recipe book.  If you buy one, skip the original and go straight to the recipe one - it has all of the info you need.  It is basically eliminating sugar, peanuts, corn, soy, gluten, dairy and eggs. The concept is that these foods cause inflammation or food sensitivity (not outright allergy) in the body and can make it difficult to lose weight. These seven things are the foods most likely to cause this.

I stick to organic (where applicable) I use the dirty dozen clean fifteen rule.  Here is a link:

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02985/Foods-You-Should-Always-Buy-Organic.html

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02984/Foods-You-Dont-Have-to-Buy-Organic.html

I buy pasture raised, grass fed, or the cleanest sources of protein, and aim for low glycemic index fruits and vegetables.  Here is another link that has excellent info on this eating plan.  I will add that I did not put the prohibited foods back in after the elimination period except for eggs.  I have occasionally eaten dairy - definitely a problem for me.  Sugar contributes to joint issues for me, so I really try to avoid it. 

http://www.chewfo.com/diets/the-virgin-diet-by-jj-virgin-2012-what-to-eat-and-foods-to-avoid-food-list/

The way I do this is not to limit portions so much, so I am not hungry.  I have my listing of foods I like and just eat them in different combinations.  I read labels extensively to look for hidden sugars, corn and soy and have identified brands or items that are good that I now stock in my pantry.  The avoidance of soy and corn, in terms of the diet is to avoid GMOs - because much of the corn and soy crop in the US is doused in pesticide or genetically modified, but I was already avoiding soy.  I use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.  I sometimes use corn starch, but I buy GMO free or organic.  There are times I can't avoid a small amount of the things that are restricted but have not had problems - other than with dairy.  I will say that eating this way makes eating in restaurants a bit problematic, and I look like Meg Ryan's character in When Harry Met Sally when ordering.  When I go out I usually get steak and a salad - that is the easiest thing to do.

SummerSun

Raider Girl glad you started this thread. I am also having a terrible time loosing the 22lbs I put on after my DX. I started exercising regularly in December when I started Arimidex and stopped eating meat and processed food. I also watch my carb intake. So, here I am 3.5 months later and have only lost 9lbs. It just blows my mind that I could try so hard to loose weight and nothing! I can definitely tell I am getting more toned - I do Zumba and strength training. Unfortunately, the only thing that does is push the fat to the surface in all its lumpy glory! I just ordered a FitBit last night and have high hopes for that. I am also considering a tummy tuck during my exchange. I look at it as a medical necessity - I can't loose the belly fat and since estrogen is made in this fat, getting rid of it should help my risk of reoccurrence, right? :-)

Everyone hang in there, even if the weight is not coming off as fast as we would like, all the changes that we are making to our diet and exercise is improving our overall health. I just got my annual blood work back and my triglycerides were down to 45 from triple digits!

RaiderGirl

Wow thanks for the information. You're fast girl! I don't know if I could stay on that diet...let me rephrase that. I KNOW I couldnt stay on that diet. If it weren't for diary I would have nothing to eat. Yogart, cottage cheese, skim milk, are a daily thing for me. I have a hard time with south beach and its less restrictive.

I leave for Italy in May, I can see myself asking for gluten free pasta and sugar free gelato, they would roll their eyes..

Kidding aside, I have heard of the Virgin diet and that it does work very well. My SIL nearly cured herself of ulcerated colitis with an anti-inflammatory diet. We know shes not cured but if there are no symptoms that is close enough. Her MD couldn't believe it.

Like all diets for me, the issue is staying on it.

You were very kind to post the information.

thank you

bobogirl

Dr SK, you are the best! Again with the JJ Virgin! You guys, can you believe that woman's last name is 'Virgin'? Poor woman.

I concur wholeheartedly with SK, and I do everything SK mentions, including ordering like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally. I am vegetarian and have several allergies, so it isn't hard for me to stick to it.

And then I was thinking: What if some of you guys have allergies? You could do the virgin diet and just eliminate those things. But maybe you also could see an allergist and get tested? I know that when I was tested and found allergic to dairy, and stopped having anything with dairy in it, I lost eleven pounds immediately. As SK says, some allergens cause the body to bloat (because allergies carry with them a kind of inflammation). I had a friend who had a similar weight-loss thing with peanut butter (although peanut butter has a lot of calories as well...)

SK, like your hunky DH, I used to run long, and now I haven't in a couple of years, as you know. **sigh** I worry about gaining weight in funny places, in whatever fat cells I have left, since I'm not burning as many calories as I used to. I am not lifting weights. Unless you count lifting myself.

RaiderGirl

Friends,

I've been reading the posts and getting both discouraged and motivated at the same time.

I thought about the ways I have lost in the past and the ways I have gained.

I feel punished on most diets or they consume my days with details.

So, here is the new decision. I am going to try the Mediterranean diet. it the closest to how our household eats but of course without the bad stuff. It allows for fruit and wine and diary which are three things I don't want to give up. Portions small, lots of veges. I can do this I can do this I can do this......

As of this morning Im up another friggin pound.

Beachbum1023

RaiderGirl, I thought it was just me. I hate to even look. I was hoping my scale broke! But one foot in front of the other, we can do this. After everything we have done we just have to get game on.

Bren-2007

Hi Gals,

Raidergirl and Beachbum ... I feel your pain.  What the hell ... I lost 5 of the 15lb I gained back this year ... and now the scale is not moving.  I don't get it.  My metabolism must really suck.  Good thing spring and summer are on the way, as I get so much more exercise then.  I hate that feeling of having my belly smoosh up under my boobs when I'm sitting down. 

I'm glad you guys are here so I have someone to talk to about it.  It can get discouraging.  Like what Beachbum said about one foot in front of the other.  I need to appreciate my little victories along the way!  I didn't eat any jelly beans today.  Yay!

hugs

Bren

 

Beachbum1023

Hi Bren, Spring and summer, that means shorts, no tan, and fat thighs! Good job Bren, no jelly beans for today. I am saving up for Easter, and when I get that rabbit, I am just going to bite its head off. Ugh......one foot, one foot...........walk away from the candy bowl.

We got this!

vettegirl

You ladies are too funny   Like RG, I dont want to give up my wine   I know we are not supposed to drink but my dads old cancer dr told him 6 oz of red wine a day was part of his treatment as it contains reversatol.  Sounds good to me   I have decided though that come Monday I am going to not drink through the week.  I bought a three pound bag of lemons and am gonna drink water with lemon in my Fosters glass-LOL-make me feel like I got something.  I am also motivated by grammy and am gonna start moving more.  Starting Monday, it is game on.

vettegirl

And I think I will put on my two piece bathing suit and alone-go out back to my pool-and look at all my glorious fat for a while.  That should get me motivated

RaiderGirl

vettegirl I decided that come Monday I will drink my wine, because I abstained all week and I gained a pound. Its not the wine, it everything else.

I am not a lush by any means. And I don't drink wine everyday just most days. The MO started talking about alcohol and BC , I put my hand up and said you can just stop there....I am not giving up wine until you guys come up with a conclusive study. He just grinned and said that I would probably live longer.

So, with every glass I toast to myself, To A Long Life.

Brenn2007 I would be elated with a 5 lbs lost, . Youre doing good.

BeachBum Below is a giggle for you.

Meow13

Just had my annual exam. Uggla I hate the scale. I need to get back on the treadmill everyday I want to eat. The only way is for me to keep track of what I eat so I don't take in too many calories. And I need to see results in the 1st week for motivation. I like the reward of getting into my old jeans.

We need other things beside food to make us happy

Bren-2007

Meow ... other things that make me happy include shopping!  Maybe treat myself to a new pair of shoes when I lose this extra weight.

No wonder the scale is not moving in the right direction ... I ate all the jelly beans.  arghh.

hugs,

Bren

RaiderGirl

Brenn-2007

Shoes? did you say shoes? You must be a long lost sister. I bought 3 pair this past weekend. Its the only part of my body that has not gained and I NEED shoes.

Beachbum1023

Shoes, glorious sandals!! I am so glad that Spring is almost here, I can wear all of my sandals, and give my chemo toes and toenails a break from being squished into winter socks and shoes!

Bren-2007

RaiderGirl and Beachbum ... sisters after my own heart.  I bought a pair of boots on sale and a pair of sandals this past week.  I got on the scale this a.m. and the damn thing moved in the wrong direction.  I don't understand why it is so hard to lose 10-15 lbs this time.  I don't remember struggling with it when I lost the other weight a couple years ago.  I can only fit into one pair of my shorts!

Meow ... my six-month check-up is this Thursday.  I hate getting on the scale.  They don't even let you take your shoes or coat off first before weighing you.

Vettegirl ... I'm going to see my family in San Diego in two weeks and I'm bringing my suit with me ... yikes!  Not only will I look lovely with my extra blubber, but the whiteness will blind anyone who sees me!  I need a tan.

Oh well ... like you guys said ... one day at a time.  I'll just try harder today and be grateful for any progress at all.

hugs

Bren

Beachbum1023

Bren, Congratulations on the ONE pair of shorts, I am afraid to try mine on, it may be a ZERO fits! So far I have one pair of stretch jeans that cannot possibly stretch enough, and one pair of capris to wear. Can't wait to get the bathing suits out, I am already challenged with one boob. I haven't been able to figure out how to wear creative scarves and jackets for summer......LOL.

I think by the time I figure out how to swim with a wig, wear scarves, paint on eyebrows, pile on make up, hide my fat, cover my port, disguise my scars, and paint Taxol toenails summer will be over...........this is Ohio after all. First time ever I thought living with the Ohio cold and snow could be a good thing! Gotta love the layered look. But sandals, I am going to rock 'em!

RaiderGirl

BeachBum "Swim with a wig" Girlfriend you crack me up.

Bren2007 : The word "let" is allowed to be used by any nurse or MD only so many times and only with some things. I AM the patient. I have a unique talent of putting people in their place with so much sugar they don't even realize what happened. There is no way on this planet that I would EVER get on a scale with my coat on. I dont even wear jeans which weight 2 lbs BYW. Last time I wanted to take my shoes off and the RN said that won't e necessary and I told her "Honey for my mental and emotional well being I need to see the best weight possible . Thank you so much for understanding I cant express how much I appreciate it" Then I proceed to strip off s much as possible while she rolls her eyes.

Meow _ Just curious , how often do you see the MO. I have to go every 3 months.

Cindy_K

Raidergirl LOVE IT - my coat and shoes will come off also! With all that is happening in our lives --- No need to add an extra 2-5 lbs.

Beachbum1023

LOL, RaiderGirl and Cindy, you are the best! I have to go for my port flush tomorrow, and I am wearing a pair of capris and sandals, I will just have to strip off my winter coat. And maybe my wig........heck I will pass on the bra and fake boob too. I hope that gets me 5 pounds less:) and if it doesn't, I am out of removable parts.

I feel like a Build A Bear.............ugh, big sigh.

RaiderGirl

BeachBum and Cindy K

I have corrupted both of you. Follow me to the dark side.

Tobycc

Oh my Just found this thread and laughed out loud! Rang the bell and read the poem today after 8 months of chemo: Rads in April. clean Pet Scan.

Lost 70 pounds 2 years ago. In these 8 months I have gained 2 a month- 16. i was told today 15 is the average, and it should be about 2 months before I start losing it. Yeeks!

So tomorrow I go to work with beet red (fixable with the painting of the face), moon face- more blush. Stomach roll. big shirt.

Truly, thankful to Him for this day and for this site to have gotten me this far

How much did folks gain, and how long to lose? I have NOT been exercising. Will be starting with pilates in comfort of living room and comcast exercise show

Kat

Tobycc

I am 5 11 and at 185-190 tops I can fit well into size 14 and feel good there. Now do the math: add 10 plus 190, wearing hand me down 16 pants now, some 14s still. shorts still okay; but printing out the virgin diet. When I lost before I used my fitness pal, 1200 calories, watched EVERYTHING and exerrcised 3-4 times a week

farmerlucy

This is sooo funny.

Beach - The thought of that wig floating in the pool reminded me of the Baby Ruth bar in Caddy Shack.

You all need to audition for Breast Cancer Standup Comedy!

Meow13

Raidergirl, I go every 6 months now but I have nerve pain on right side (good side) I am worried. Damn I hate this constant worry. I am getting serious about weight loss I am taking my father to DE day 70 year celebration in washington dc in May. I do not want to be the fat one.

RaiderGirl

Meow- Crap, another thing to worry about. Sorry for this. This is your mantra " Its nothing, until its something" Repeat multiple a day. Sending you healthy vibes.

FarmerLucy- I thought the same Caddyshack image. Indeed Beachbum gets the comedy prize.

Beachbum - You need one of those fabulous Ester Williams swim caps. You would look like Hollywood old school.

Tobycc- Congrats to you. I hope your rad experience was like mine. It wasn't all that bad. What poem? No one told me about a poem. I missed something. BTW: I am 5"5" and am now weigh 170. I wear a 12. My ideal weight is 150-155 which puts me in a size 8-10 .