Does Everyone Gain Weight?

Hi Alice,

I found that with extreme effort I was initially able to very very very slowly lose weight over a 6-year period, and got back to my pre-dx weight. I had given up caffeine, alcohol, white flour, all sugar, all corn products, used 1% organic milk, etc. to do that, and never ate any fast foods or ready meals to begin with. I jumped rope 30 minutes a day. However, even with doing all of that, as my metabolism slowed further with time and aging and more complete menopause, I gained all 25 pounds back, where it still sits despite steady diet and exercise. The only thing that has stopped the weight gain for me has been the use of a low dose of metformin.

The definition of menopause has loosely been noted to have occurred when one has not had a period for a year. There hasn't been much research to actually analyze hormonal basis for being considered truly postmenopausal, but some research has indicated that one can stop having periods and yet hormonally not be fully menopausal clear into one's 70's.

A.A.

I lost weight during my chemo treatments, TC x 6, q. 3 weeks.  I would lose about 5 lbs. the first week after chemo, but as soon as my appetite and taste buds would return to normal (about 7-8 days after infusion) I would eat regularly and I would re-gain those few pounds.   That seemed to be the pattern for me throughout my treatment.....so, basically, my weight fluctuated, but I never gained weight....UNTIL NOW! 

I had my surgery on 2/28 (BMX)  and lost a few pounds after surgery.  I ate normally but did not exercise for good five weeks though.  In addition, I started Tamoxifen!!  So, since my surgery, I have put on about 6-7 pounds and I am not liking it at all. 

Granted, I'm not watching what I eat......but it seems to be harder for me to lose weight since I started Tamoxifen, despite exercising!  From what I've read, that is typical........

I started running over a year ago lost 30#, got diagonise in August. Started chemo in November and gain 20# back. I ran 5ks during chemo, ate healthy, and did 1 hour of exerices and still gain weight. I'm still pissed about it. I plan on loosing it this year. 

I lost weight during and after chemo.  Have not gained any back since but do have to keep an 'eye' on weight to be sure I don't loose more.  Size 4 is as 'small' as I want to be and retain energy and strength.