Lose It!

MeredithK02 · July 2010

I'm about a month past reconstruction (lat flap w/TEs) and would like to lose 15 pounds before my exchange in October. I wanted to see if there's anyone else who wanted to start a thread for support and accountability.

I've gained a couple pounds since surgery and realize that I can't tell myself that all fifteen pounds are due to the saline in the TEs... Wink

I'm logging my diet and exercise with the "Lose It!" iPhone app, since without any logging I tend to slip pretty quickly!

Today I did 20 minutes on the elliptical trainer.

Breakfast: oatmeal with soy milk and almonds, soy latte, cup black tea

Lunch: Veggie salad with black beans and poppyseed dressing

Dinner: Lentil soup with French bread, glass of wine

Snacks: peach

I've still got plenty of calories left for the day, so I'm trying to decide between another glass of wine or more bread. Surprised This emoticon looks like it's hungry, right?

(Edited when I re-read and realized I'd logged one glass of wine twice)

Debwa100 · July 2010

I am a wine lover as well, but those calories just seem to creep up on me. We have so many family party's this summer, that there is constantly food and drinks abound. I am trying to following weight watchers, and i log using hte e-tools. I'll try to stay in check with you, but I must admit, i slip here and there. I am working out atleast 5 days a week. I do the elliptical, yoga, my stationary bike and my weighted hula hoop (20 minutes). Good luck!!

Debwa100 · July 2010

I am a wine lover as well, but those calories just seem to creep up on me. We have so many family party's this summer, that there is constantly food and drinks abound. I am trying to following weight watchers, and i log using hte e-tools. I'll try to stay in check with you, but I must admit, i slip here and there. I am working out atleast 5 days a week. I do the elliptical, yoga, my stationary bike and my weighted hula hoop (20 minutes). Good luck!!

everyminute · July 2010

Just popping in and caught your post. Feel free to tell me to mind my beeswax but (don't you hate when people start like that?) there is some concern about soy and soy products for those of us who are ER positive . If you have already researched and feel it is not an issue then never mind but on the off chance you didnt know I thought I would say something.

I am personally using Weightwatchers.com - have used it on and off for years (pre diag) and I think the logging is the only way to go. I lose 18 lbs about 7 years ago and mostly kept it off but am working on trying to get back down.

Best of luck!

westiemom · July 2010

Hi Meredith, your menu looks wonderful. I just started (yesterday) the "7-day kickstart plan" of the Carb Lover's Diet. I finished chemo about 2 weeks ago - whew, glad that's over, during treatment I had zero energy to do anything. Since then, I've been walking briskly for 30 minutes per day but I think in about a week I should be ready to kick it up a notch, adding strength training. I too am logging all of my calories and activity online. I will try to check in. Wishing everyone good numbers Kiss .

MeredithK02 · July 2010

Hi everyone, thanks for your replies!

Debbie, good luck with WW! I did that a few years ago and hit my goal weight, but the pounds crept back when I stopped. Imagine that...Do you mind if I ask what type of yoga you do?

everyminute, thanks for your post. I e-mailed my doctor this morning (I have Kaiser Permanente insurance and I love the option to e-mail the docs!). I'd read about soy way back when I was diagnosed, but had kind of forgotten about the concerns with it. I just switched to a vegetarian diet a few months ago and am trying to reduce dairy, so I found a soymilk I like. Congrats on keeping the weight off!

westiemom, you'll have to let me know how the Carb Lovers diet is! I do love my carbs. I'm glad you're getting your energy back after treatments. I love the elliptical, but my plastic surgeon doesn't want me to do the arms on it yet. The gym in my apartment complex only has the ellipticals with arms, so I feel a little silly with my arms just swinging instead of holding the bars, but I figure it's better to feel silly working up a sweat than be comfy on the couch!

Today's food plan has the same breakfast and dinner as yesterday, but I don't know about lunch. I'm going out with a friend for her birthday, so she's picking the place. I'll log the calories, and if they're high, I'll plan to cut out some bread or wine from dinner.

Claire_in_Seattle · July 2010

Good morning Meredith!

I am still working at keeping it off as finally lost my post-divorce weight during chemo. The great thing about summer is that the fruits and veggies are just so wonderful. Right now, my weight is up a few pounds as recovering from the Seattle-to-Portland which I did over the weekend (204 miles over 2 days). It takes about four days to lose the excess fluid (from the electrolyte replacement and energy potions), and hard to take the long view.

I use cycling events to stay in shape and x-country ski during the winter. Otherwise, a weekday routine of weights and crunches plus at least a one mile walk. I did this throughout chemo.

I want to add that you need to watch energy bars in terms of keeping soy out of your diet. Most of the high protein ones are laced witht the stuff. I found though, that Larabars have real fruit and nuts in them and are fine. So I have switched to those. Also use whey protein based energy drinks. You don't need any of this stuff for short runs, but you do need it for hours of aerobic exercise, in my case anything over something like 30 miles of cycling.

This AM, I am back to my industrial strength tea w/milk and blueberrry-yogurt-muesli combo. I have figs, cherries, melon, blueberries, and peaches in the house. Made a ton of fresh beans to have with dinner last night (locally made brats and a rice-lentil mix). Had red wine with.

Will hit the farmers market in Thursday. Hope that we have fresh local summer veggies. YUM!!!

On the subject of weight, I find I do better when I have a scale. Reminds me early on when things are headed south. Then things like a pair of white summer jeans.

I think those help me more than anything else in keeping me moving. - Claire

Anonymous · July 2010

Claire and all - I fit into my white jeans that I have not worn for 2 years! SO HAPPY! I started running 2 months ago. Have NEVER been a runner, more of a dabbler in the exercise world. With chemo, instant menopause (you all know the story) I found myself with some extra pounds on top of a few extra pounds that I already had.

I have lost about 10 pounds. MY femara side effects that were minimal are almost gone, which is strange. I thought joint pain would get worse. I am also following the Anti cancer book - Dr. David Servan-Schreiber. Yes, the amazing fruits and vegetables at the farmers market really help. My husband is fishing for fresh salmon this morning - that helps too!

Claire - you are one of the women that inspired me to start running.

Every one of you is an inspiration - happy to read what is working for you.

Debwa100 · July 2010

I just started running again a little more than a week ago. I have run a mile on three separate occasions since then (I used to run 5 miles, and after my surgery found it killer to walk 5 miles). I am lucky as I didn't need chemo or rads (bilateral mast). I may have to take the tamoxifen and am afraid of weight gain. So I am keeping up on the exercise as much as possible. You guys should try the weighted hula-hoop, it kind of hurts at first, but you get used to it. As far as the soy, i have heard that, but i did not know that it increases chances of breast cancer in estrogen positive women (me). So, I will definately stay away from that!

Debwa100 · July 2010

Sorry, i didn't answer the yoga question. I have been taking a hip opener class, and some of the mild to moderate classes. I just modify what I have to. It's great for getting your range back after surgery (I also go to physical therapy 2x/week). There is a yoga thread on here, you should look it up.

MeredithK02 · July 2010

Claire, congrats on keeping the weight off and WOW, great job with that long cycling race! Muesli sounds pretty tasty, I might try making some soon. Do you make your own?

aprilgirl1, congrats on getting into those white jeans! I usually wear semi-casual dresses to work, so there's plenty of give. Much easier to fool myself than trying to pass the jeans test! Hope your husband caught some salmon and you had a tasty dinner!

Debwa100, do you mind if I ask if you'd had reconstruction? I'd like to get back into running eventually, but I think I'll wait until after my TEs are switched out to the permanent implant. The hula hoop sounds intriguing, but I can't remember the last time I used a real hula hoop. The Wii Fit has a hula hooping exercise, though, but I always have to pull the shades down before doing it, since I don't want anyone walking by to see me shimmying around with no visible hoop...

I e-mailed my doctor about the soy issue yesterday, but haven't heard back yet. I figure that until then, I'll keep drinking the 1/2-3/4 cup I use each day between oatmeal and coffee.

Yesterday, someone brought in a dozen cupcakes from a gourmet bakery. I split one with a coworker, then logged it and stayed on track the rest of the day! Without logging, it would have been really easy for me to just give up the rest of the day...week...month...you get the picture!

Here's today for me:

Breakfast: tea, coffee with 1/2 cup soy milk, OJ

Lunch: Veggie salad w/black beans, poppyseed dressing

Dinner: Lentil soup with a little parmesan, baguette slices with caramelized onions and goat cheese, glass of wine

Snack: peach, apple

Claire_in_Seattle · July 2010

I have made meusli in the past, but found some on sale at the local gourmet grocery. It's from England, so none of the added sugars and fat.

This is the old Delia Smith recipe. I substituted toasted hazelnuts for the peanuts. The one I got has some Brazil nuts and dates in it too. Basic recipe:

1/2 lb of each: wholewheat flakes, rye flakes, whole oat flakes, barley flakes

3/4 pound roasted peanuts (I use hazelnuts, but you could also use almonds in the mix)

1 pound golden raisins

1/2 pound regular raisins.

Mix up and put in an airtight container. So much healthier and better than regular granola. Another variant would be some other dried fruit like blueberries or cranberries.

Delia Smith also mentions adding in wheat germ which would also be good.

Debwa100 · July 2010

Hi Meredith, you are so dilligent with your logging i commend you! I do have TE's in, and yes I started running. It really doesn't feel that weird. The problem is my endurance, because I'm just not used to that level of exercise (I can make it a mile) My surgery was May 12th, and I was done being filled last Friday, we are going to do the switch sometime fall/winter. I don't even want to log my food today (had a day at the beach with the girls, and a few cocktails). I am torn between getting myself back together, and enjoying my life (I don't usually have summers off). I will certainly behave tomorrow.

westiemom · July 2010

Debby you enjoy those cocktails!!

Today I was fairly disciplined...powerwalked 30 minutes, pilates for 20 minutes. I started tamoxifen yesterday. I've read mixed reviews, some gain weight, some lose weight, but my hope is if I stay on a good food and exercise plan this will help control any appetite increase. I also started taking Black Cohosh for hot flashes,(again, some good comments, other comments were negative) let's see if it helps. But I checked with my oncologist before taking the supplement and he said Black Cohosh is fine.

Meals today....

Breakfast: Strawberry Banana smoothie with honey and fat free milk

Lunch: Toasted whole grain pita stuffed with grilled chicken breast, fresh spinach and bell peppers

Snack: String cheese and a pear

Dinner: Grilled Salmon, steamed veggies, salad

Debwa100 · July 2010

Love your menu!!!! I am still exercising, but diet is so so. I need my discipline!

MeredithK02 · July 2010

Claire, thanks so much for posting your muesli recipe! I love dried blueberries, so I'll have to try that variation.

Westiemom, kudos for exercising, and what an impressive menu!

I've fallen a little off the wagon food-wise (but not so far off that I can't run to catch up), but I did get to the gym today for an hour on the elliptical trainer. I felt really good afterwards and noticed when I was stretching how much of my range of motion I've gotten back. I went by the farmer's market yesterday and got a lot of great veggies. I made them into a somewhat disappointing brown rice and vegetable casserole, but even though it didn't taste great I've got some healthy leftovers. I'm sure it'll taste better if I add a lot of cheese...

Claire_in_Seattle · July 2010

Hi Meredith,

Recommendation on the veggies and brown rice. Separate dishes. So some sort of roast veggies or veggie stew. Then dump over brown rice. I like Trader Joe's brown basamati...just so tasty.

I got to take a blackberry eating break while cycling. Yes, they are starting to come out. YAY!!! Just so good. Then stopped at the salmon burger place for lunch.

But was out in too much sun, and I think a bit tired from all the exercise recently, so will back off and only do a short walk tomorrow (plus weights/crunches which I do on week days).

Don't see any change in the scale from the past 10 days, but do see some in my tape measure. Will take it either way. - Claire

westiemom · July 2010

Ugh! Didn't do well today. I made the mistake of buying frosted mini-wheats yesterday and I can go thru the entire box in two days. I knew better than to buy them because I have NO self control with sugar coated cerals, yes, I'm a sugar coated, frosting on anything junkie. I LUV my mini-wheats!!

So I've been on a sugar high all day today - can you tell, huh, can you tell? Cool I had them for breakfast, snack and lunch. My hubby is grilling this evening (thank goodness) or I would probably finish off the stuff!! Will get back on track tomorrow. Have a great evening everyone!!

Debwa100 · July 2010

Westie, you are hysterical!!! I did pretty good today, but I dabbled in the red wine again yesterday. I don't know why i can't get myself on track! Hmm...maybe it's because I was dx with BC in March, and had a bilateral mast in May, have been undergoing breast reconstruction, have bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (right hand surgery this thursday), just sold my house and will have to move out by the end of Aug, blah blah blah

westiemom · July 2010

Debby, you have alot going on. Same with me, you know...we went thru some ugly stuff. I'm determined to get fit but at the same, but I'm also treating myself or having drinks with family and friends and I so appreciate wine! I had a bi-lateral in April and in August will have an oophrectomy (good times). I hope your surgery went well yesterday - take care of yourself, get lots of rest! Wishing you a very speedy recovery and a wine glass to glass toast ("bing") to a great weekend!

Fitness/Diet: I just started back to work Thursday, was working from home during chemo. First day back was good. Got up early, did a 20 min powerwalk, 10 minutes on the stationary bike, a few squats and upper body stuff, still slowly working up to it. I had greek yogurt and added honey and oats for breakfast, snack was a pear and string cheese, lunch was a turkey sandwich, dinner was 2 chicken fajitas. I will probably repeat my meals except for dinner today. Have a great weekend!! Take care everyone!

hymil · July 2010

You can do it! You can all do it. It's simple and it's tough, you exercise more and/or you eat less. And you might need to switch a few foods: cut some out altogether, switch to low fat options. substitute,, smaller portions, no seconds, lots of fresh stuff, blahblahblah.

We all know that, and yet how hard it is to do it. I am telling you that you can, because I have been doing it since I decided not to go back on Tamoxifen, and it really does work eventually. It's tough but hey we have done cancer, we can do this weight thing. Great idea for a thread Meredith, Thankyou

MeredithK02 · July 2010

I've been doing pretty well. I'm making a big batch of minestrone soup today to last most of the week, and I've got salad supplies to bring to work for lunches. My doctor says it's ok for me to start lifting weights again, so I'm going to hit the gym later today!

Claire, I'll try your suggestion next time for keeping the rice and veggies separate. Even my husband agreed that it was mediocre, and he's usually much less picky about food than I am. He's got a cooking blog and is making French bread and fettuccine alfredo this weekend, so it's a good thing I'm going to the gym!

Westie, I've got problems with cereal, too...I would end up having it as a late night snack pretty often. Now I'm craving mini wheats! But your next post sounds like you found some yummy healthy foods. I end up repeating a lot of my meals, since I don't like to cook much on weeknights. I think it saves the mental stress of trying to come up with a healthy option for each meal when you find something you don't mind eating over and over again!

Debwa...yeah, sounds like you might be under a wee bit of stress! How was the surgery? Can you type a reply using only your left hand? :-)

Hi hymil, I like your point about "we have done cancer, we can do this weight thing." Did you find that Tamoxifen made you gain weight or made it harder to lose? I've been on it since March and have gained about five pounds, but I also had to switch my antidepressant from Wellbutrin to Effexor, as Wellbutrin lowered the efficacy of Tamoxifen.

Anyway, happy weekend everyone!

MeredithK02 · July 2010

Oh, I forgot to mention that I'd heard back from my doctor's office about the soy. They sent a long message, but it boiled down to the most recent studies not showing a connection of increased risk for ER positive women eating whole soy foods and not to worry about the small amount of soy milk (even though it's not a whole soy food) I was having each day.

westiemom · July 2010

Hello all! Meredith thanks for posting the info about soy. I started Tamoxifen two weeks ago, no side effects thus far, probably too soon to know for sure, but when I started the medication I also started taking black cohosh, same thoughts as soy about ER positive use, according to research by MD Anderson no increased risk for ER positive women and my oncologist confirmed it was safe to take. Now this could all be in my head but for the past week I've not had hot flashes/night sweats at night.

I know the struggles with taking Tamoxifen. I'm going to give it a chance, the benefits of the medicine are great, but if I experience side effects this will force me to reconsider or ask if I can take some other medication.

Fitness: powerwalk 20 minutes.

Breakfast: Whole grain tortilla with grilled chicken, slice of avacado and a glass of fat free milk.

Snack: Strawberry banana smoothie with flaxseed

Lunch: 2 black bean tostadas

Dinner: Going out with in-laws, gals say a prayer for me, I will need it in order to tolerate my mother in-law tonite. I swear if she says anything about my wig......

Have a great weekend!! Luv and hugs to everyone!!

Debwa100 · August 2010

LOL. how did dinner with in-laws go? You've got the best menu.

westiemom · August 2010

Hi Debby! Surprisingly the dinner went well and let me tell ya...I was shocked. I saw her checking out my wig, saw the attenna's rising out of her head like she wanted to say something but she refrained. Overall it was a nice, uneventful dinner. I started work again last week so my menu is off a bit. Still doing the smoothies for breakfast but in addition to adding flax I'm also adding oats - makes it even more filling. Trying to continue with grilled items too. Still walking for 20 minutes, will try to up it this weekend. So far so good. Take care!!

Lose It!

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