Trying hard to lose the pounds!!!!!!!!!

There's a story out today from the FDA. I always like to read what that do-nothing group have to say.

Well it's about green tea and how it doesn't help ward off BC. Ok, but then it got me thinking, maybe it doesn't do anything for BC but it may do other nice things to our body and sure enough I found this:

For mechanisms of the anti-obesity actions, green tea significantly reduced glucose uptake accompanied by a decrease in translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in adipose tissue, while it significantly stimulated the glucose uptake with GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle. Moreover, green tea suppressed the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and the activation of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 in adipose tissue. In conclusion, green tea modulates the glucose uptake system in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle and suppresses the expression and/or activation of adipogenesis-related transcription factors, as the possible mechanisms of its anti-obesity actions.

So let that be a lesson for us. HUH? Well it sounds good anyway.

I was also reading that 20 oz of green tea daily reduced LDL cholesterol. I thought I'd pass that on.

Have a happy 4th everyone.

Hi, I am a 3 year breast cancer survivor. How are you staying motivated to lose weight? I am on tamoxifin and I have found I am gaining weight all the time. I have gone up two dress sizes! I am tired, nauseous,depressed, etc. I had a masectomy and tram flap. Tell me your trick. Are you on weight watchers? I tried Curves and did well the first year but not the second. I seem to gain weight more now since I have been on the tamoxifin for awhile. I'll pray for you.

Eileen: Congratulations on the 37 lbs. That's FANTASTIC. Keep up the good work (which must be especially hard having your MIL visiting). Isn't it nice when we get to pre-pregnancy weight. I know I haven't been this thin in 21 years. I will be thinking of you and saying my prayers in the next few weeks. Why New Orleans?

Teri - I am on weight watchers and doing their new "core" program (i've been a ww member for a long time and have found that I have the most success ever on their new program). I started Tamoxifen and doing the WW "core" program about the same time last August. I've lost almost 18 lbs. since then (30 lbs. total - slight slip up when I was diagnosed in 2/04). It's been a lot of hard work (gym, walking, weight watchers). I don't know if it is easier for me since I didn't have chemo but the Tamoxifen hasn't really been a problem for me as far as weight gains. Don't give up, you can do this. We're here for support if you need it.

Hope all you other wonderful ladies had a great 4th. I did and now it's back to reality (although I am NOT going to my meeting today). Pat - How is Reilly? Any pictures yet. - Janet

Lois,

What treatment are you getting closer to having? Thanks for the blurb about exercise. Today I've taken a day off from the routine. I'm happy that it's coinciding with a no hunger day because it would be too much effort to chew.

Welcome Teri,

I had a friend who went through the same thing with tamox. She gained a lot of weight suddenly. Out of the blue it hit her. I never did find out if she suddenly got hungry all the time, or what happened. The subject got changed quickly.

I think it's good to have a doable goal short term. It keeps you motivated when you reach it to start another one.

I'm working on two goals, to reach my BMI weight and have a waist under 35 inches. My third goal is never to stand next to a skinny woman. They can be taller then me, that's ok, they can't help it.

I'm doing the healthy eating thing without counting calories. Let them count themselves.

Good morning Ladies,
I have been reading all the posts and am inspired.
I have been a member of WW for many years off and on and joined "again" last Oct. I was doing very well on the Core program when I was diagnosed with BC in Dec/04. Up to then I had lost 12lbs. I continued to go to meetings but I found it hard to get into the program, had too many other things on my mind, tests, blood work, doctor visits etc etc. I went on to have double mast. with tissue expanders, weekly fills, Picc line, chemo and finally when chemo was over I rejoined WW. I picked up where I left off. I had gained 3lbs of my original weight loss. I have been very dedicated to the program since then because I heard Tamoxifen seems to include weight gain and estrogen is stored in fat cells. My 5.5cm breast tumor was 100% ER/PR positive. I have lost 34lbs to date and I get weighed in every Thursday. It is a struggle though but reading this thread is getting me through.
Good luck to everyone, and THANKS!

Tina

I have been on WW Core since Feb. Had that fateful mammo on March 1st! I have lost 32 # and so glad I did not go off program! My oncologist said waliking 30 to 45 min a day is the best thing I could do for any side effects I might encounter! He is also my neighbor! He said would help depression, anxiety, arimedex side effect, radiation side effects etc!!!!! I am 67 and hoofing it every a.m! I walk to my treatments!

Hi Lois,

I'm sorry to hear about the new treatments your not looking forward to. Of course your mind is not on dieting now. For sure, yukkers on having to give yourself a shot every week.
How did that class go?

You'll get back to the dieting again. The scale forces us to do it.

I'm impressed with all the weight loss connected with doing WW. Losing 35+ lbs seems to be the norm. I can't even pick up 35 lbs anymore. It kinda puts it into proper perspective.

Susan, I was overweight prior to bc. I was probably one of the few that did manage to lose weight while on chemo - it was only about 10 lbs. But when I finished I thought I'd do the healthy thing and I lost another 15. But circumstances have brought be back up again.

Rosemary, the class was very informative. My girl friend went with me so it wasn't too lonely & depressing. We went to lunch and shopping afterwards. I did learn how to do the injection. Didn't seem too bad but of course I was injecting into a "fake" body part not my own. I got the prescription and another order for blood work. So I'll probably start in 2 - 3 weeks. YUCK!!!

Beth: From one Long Islander to another, I just wanted to let you know how much success I've had with Weight Watchers. My situation is somewhat different than yours (almost 50, only lumpectomy). I have been a Weight Watcher for years having lost 30 lbs. over 7 years ago. Over the years I put it back on. Then about 3 1/2 years ago after my daughter left for college, I decided it was time to do something for myself (lose weight and get back in shape). I started having success immediately but then it gradually tapered off and I hit a 24 week plateau, at the same 2 lbs. However, the members at my weekly meeting and my leader were so supportive (mostly women, varying ages from your age to my age to women old enough to be my mom). Then I was diagnosed. During my treatments I continued going but gained weight. Each week my leader told me, don't worry once your treatment is over, you will get back on track. Last August, when my treatment ended, I slowly got back on track. I was also concerned since I started Tamoxifen. Then WW Core came. I was very resistant at first to the new program and vowed I would remain on Points. Gradually I slowly started Core. Today I couldn't imagine doing anything else but Core. Since last August I've lost almost 18 lbs. for a total of 31 altogether. It has been a struggle at times. I also walk regularly (4 days a week for 1 hour) and work out at the gym 2 times a week. Please don't think you are being stupid. Deciding to go to a meeting is a tough decision. Try to attend a meeting somewhere. You will be amazed how much better you feel (I'd love to have you at the meeting I attend, it's a really great group). Also I find that the meetings are not about the diet but helping you get "your head" in the right frame of mind for changing to a better way of eating. I'm here to help support you during your weight watchers process. Please know that it may be a slow process, anything worth achieving sometimes takes a while. My favorite motto during my weight loss process was "slow and steady, steady and slow, that's the only way to go." I wouldn't go back to my old body for anything. I don't know if I'd consider myself a "10" but my hubby of 26 years sure seems to like it (haha). I know I've rambled but I'll end with my ww leader's favorite quote of "If you believe, you will achieve." Please know I'm here for you. Good luck from a fellower Long Islander. - Janet

Morning Beth: I live in East Islip and go to meetings here on Tuesdays at 5. For me yes, Core has been the way to go. I've never had this much success on any WW program. I am also a cheese lover. Now I've just learned to eat it in moderation. On weight watchers you can have anything (even on Core - which does take some getting used to)you just have to count it. You can have anything in moderation. I don't feel deprived at all, I even get Edy's Slow Churn ice cream once or twice a week. - Janet

Beth- GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!! You have definitely taken the first step. You sound so motivated right now. A food journal is the best thing. On Core, WW says you don't need to journal. However, i MUST each week or I have a gain. For me, it is a way to keep myself honest and not "cheat" too much. I even have a note on my fridge that says "climb", meaning that I must keep reaching for my goals (even though I've met them already I still must keep reaching). Remember I'm here for any support you need. Keep up the positive attitude. - Janet

I fell of slightly this weekend. OOPS.
Friday night I ate the most heavenly icecream. It was INSANE.
I felt guilty, and heard the voice of my trainer in my head...so Saturday, in the nasty humidity I walked 4 miles.
Fell off again on Sunday... which is my planned "cheat" day, where I do not exercise, and I can relax about what I eat. Boy was that chinese food good.
However, I am happy to say, that I woke up on this wonderfully structured Monday morning, ate my cereal and skim milk with protein powder, and I can't wait to get into the gym.
Whats shaking with everyone else?

Patti,

Yes it's good info but every time I read something that is either healthy or fights BC, I have to add it to my daily regimen. There's not enough time in a day to eat and drink all that good stuff.

I'm still maintaining my weight. I seem to be good at that. I think it's time to get drastic and give up the frozen yogurt. That Ben & Jerry's can be a diet killer.

Lois..I'm happy that you brought a friend along and made a nice day out of it.

Everyone sounds so motivated we'll all be breaking the barriers soon.

Patti & Beth: You are both right, walking lately here has been horrible. I can't wait to get rid of the humidity.

Patti: Thanks for asking about my sil. She's not doing well. She needs more surgery and the chemo doesn't seem to be working. In fact we are going down to see them next week. Looking forward to seeing her, my bil, and my nieces and nephew. Thanks for asking about her. PLease remember her in your prayers.

I weigh in today. Been a tough two weeks. Trying to stay in control but parties and barbeques are tough. Hoping that all my walking in this humidity helps.

We are in this together and together will reach (and maintain) our goals. Have a great week all. - Janet

Patti and all my sweet Diva Friends:
Sorry to be so AWOL . . . I just got home from Milwaukee a week ago and trying to get my own stuff back in order. It was such a delight to be there with my daughter, son-in-law and of course, most importantly, my little granddaughter, Reilly!!!! She is such a sweetie and I love her so!!! I'm still trying to figure out how to post her picture and I am determined to find out how to do it, so keep watching . . . : I think I have to post them to some sort of website first???? I have them downloaded on my computer from my digital camera but that's as far as I've gotten.
Now, regarding WW and that weight/exercise subject . . . I didn't gain at all when at my daughter's house which is a mirace in itself because I didn't do any formal exercise at all. I did do washing, cooking and helping with the baby so maybe that kept me from gaining, not sure. Anyway, I'm back in the mode now and am going over to the gym in awhile. I still have four sessions left with a trainer there and then I'm on my own completely. I plan to go to WW in the next few days and get weighed there as well. I need to keep my weight in tow because my knee replacement surgery is coming up on August 10th - and after that I won't be 'working-out' in the real sense, only therapy for the knee . . .
I want to thank all of your for your sweet and caring comments on Reilly and on my being a first-time Grandma (Grammie)!!! You ladies are the best and I feel like you are all 'old friends' of mine. God bless each and every one of you!!
Again, sorry for being so delinquent but I think of you all everyday.
God bless,
Pat