Question about weight after reconstruction?

Megan_C

I have another question regarding dealing withreconstruction. I had my reconstruction surgery on November 6,2019. I had implants placed (it was only implants, I was not a candidate for any kind of skin flap because I have no body fat). I've also been on Tamoxifen since the end of May 2019. I feel like I've done well in regards to keeping my weight at an even keel. I exercise like crazy because I've read that Tamoxifen can cause weight gain. My diet isn't great at all because I'm really picky. I'm 5'3 32 years oldand weigh about 101-102 lbs. the day of my surgery, from expanders to implants, I weighed about 100.5. Is 101-102 lbs my new normal? Or is it still possible to lose? I asked the question a few days ago about the weight of my implants. I got the response that my implants probably weigh about 0.77 and 0.88 lbs. I just feel like if I don't stay (or really try to) on the small side and then Cancer returns in some way I won't know it. Even though all my testing showed no evidence of it anywhere else in my body and my genetic testing was normal. Sorry for the long post..... I figure if I can't ask it here, where can it be asked? 😀🤷♀️ I also know that these AREN’T big numbers at all

Thanks ladies!

hapa

I'm not sure what your actual question is.

At 5'3" and 102 lbs nobody is going to suggest that you lose any more weight. Large population studies show that all cause mortality is lowest when BMI is 21-23. They don't know why you are more likely to die with a lower BMI, it could be due to factors that correlate to weight, not the weight itself (like malnurition due to poor food choices, which will affect you more the less you eat). I don't know of any evidence that losing weight when you already have a low to normal BMI has any benefit; in fact letting your BMI slip below 18 would be detrimental. Keep in mind that just because you've had breast cancer, that doesn't mean it's the only thing that can kill you. You can still die of all the other things. I think this fact often gets lost on cancer survivors.

Keep up with the exercise though. There is a growing body of evidence that people who exercise are less likely to recur, and it has huge benefits for all cause mortality. If you want to do more for your health, find a therapist that can help you with your anxiety. That will probably pay the most dividends at this point.

Megan_C

I guess I’m NOT exactly sure what my original question was either.... I guess I was just wondering what others thoughts were... this is something I’ve thought about a lot. Your response has been helpful.
thanks!

MinusTwo

Megan - it would help if you go to My Profile and fill in your diagnosis and all your treatment to date. I don't think recurrent cancer would be hidden either by your implants or by weight, but it might be trickier to diagnose quickly.

So yes, keep up the exercise. If not for cancer, do it for your heart & your bones & your cholesterol and.....

WC3

I'm also 5'2 and about 120lbs. I got down to your weight during chemotherapy and at that weight, my doctors were concerned.

According to the American Cancer Society, healthy weight for someone who is 5'2 is between 104lbs to 131lbs.

I think my implants together weight about a pound or two but I don't think such small changes in weight are anything to worry about if it weren't the implants.