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

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  • raven81
    raven81 Member Posts: 142
    edited May 2004
    Thanks Marsha--I'm going to try and take a walk everyday. The radiation tech did say yesterday that they prefer you maintain your weight during rads so that they don't have to make adjustments. So I guess I'm sort of off the hook for now--told my husband I'll just have to keep eating ice cream for the next 6 weeks [Smile]

    Patti--had no luck at the mall--But, my sister called yesterday, she's having the party at her house, and said due to the weather for today (going to be in the 80's), she wants everyone to dress casual! Only the grandparents are going to the church because of limited space -- so I picked up some Lands End shorts and a shirt and that's what I'm wearing. Of course it's a bigger size than I wore last summer, and I think I look horrible, but at least I'll be comfortable and get future wear out of them! Hope you have some luck today.

    I had a bilat with tissue expanders/implants--had really large breasts, they could not give me implants that big, nor did I want to have breasts that big again, but for the first time in my life my stomach protrudes further than my breasts!! So depressing.

    Enjoy your weekend everyone.
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  • floss
    floss Member Posts: 57
    edited May 2004

    2 weeks of going to the gym and gained a pound..... my husband says i have lost a little belly. Sure was hard to drag that extra pond to the gym this morning... Everyone assures me it is just muscle...

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  • trixiegram
    trixiegram Member Posts: 126
    edited May 2004
    Raven,

    I was told to wear one, as a preventative measure... when exercising or flying. When flying, the air pressure changes, supposively could cause a problem, possibly resulting in developing lymphdema or lymphedema effects, such as swelling. I don't think anyone knows for sure, if wearing the sleeve, will prevent one from developing lymphedema, when flying or exercising. Like everything else in our choices of BC treatment, it's a crapshoot! I wear mine in hopes of hedging things in my favor. Is it doing me any good... figure it's at least a 50% yes. I refuse to crawl in a hole and hope BC doesn't find me again. I try not to court danger but at the same time, I want to enjoy life as much as I can. So, I try and do what is reasonable and cautious but still have a life again.

    As for the necessity of a prescrition for a sleeve... I would imagine it depends on what part of the country you reside, your insurance requirements, etc.... For me, it was required by the Lymphedema Center and by my insurance co., if I wanted the charges to be covered. Your doctor should be able to tell you.

    I will add this to the mix. The first sleeve I got was horrible. The material it was made from, the way it was fashioned to be worn, was extremely uncomfortable. It had a strap on the top of the sleeve that you had to pull around your back, around to the front and that came back under your other breast and hooked to another stap that came across the front. It was a nightmare to wear. I was miserable. I wasn't told there was another kind until I went to the lymphedema center. They had never seen one like mine. They sent me to a different place and Hallelujah! The one I wear now is of a very soft material, just a tube - like sleeve... no straps. Very easy to put on and comfortable to wear. Just thought I'd warn those of you out there who haven't gotten one yet. Ask to see the kind they sell before they measure you or before you pay. If it has straps... RUN!

    Hope this helps.

    Niki
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  • trixiegram
    trixiegram Member Posts: 126
    edited May 2004
    Sally,

    I got a perscription from my onc for a sleeve and glove ( w/prescription, insurance paid for mine) and I wear them whenever I go to the gym as a preventative measure. ( Just like they advise you to wear a sleeve if you are going to fly on an airplane.) I started out easy on the weights and machines. Anything that feels too heavy or causes pain, I back off of it. I don't have lymphdema and try to exercise reasonable caution in order to hopefully avoid getting it. Before starting my gym routine, I spoke to my onc and he sent me to a lymphdema center to get more info about exercises and other do's and don'ts. They showed me simple exercises to do to help the lymph nodes working better at moving fluid thru my body. Don't know if you live near a lymphdema center but you might ask your doctor. I had to have a form signed by my onc in order to be able to get in to see someone at the center.

    As for reps, etc... Having never really worked out at a gym before, I knew zip about the machines, what exercises worked which muscle group, etc.... I signed up with a personal trainer who has really helped me. I have found that not all trainers are equal. Some are very knowledgable and explain why you are doing certain exercises, what you accomphlish, muscle wise, etc... Others just say do this and then move on to something else. Those kind tend to not take in to account any medical restrictions you may have either. Like everything else, you have to be an informer consumer and speak up and even insist upon what you need. I changed trainers in midstream.... my first one was nice but not very knowlegable and I found I wasn't getting much out of the sessions and sometimes was even having setbacks from doing exercises that hrut me. The one I have now is great... I am losing more and more importantly, feeling better while doing so.

    Good Luck,
    Niki
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  • raven81
    raven81 Member Posts: 142
    edited May 2004
    Floss--hang in there and be proud of yourself for going to the gym. I know from past experience that sometimes you do loose inches before you loose pounds--and muscle does weigh more than fat.

    I'm going to reactivate my gym membership after rads. I know it's going to be a slow process, and we just have to pat ourselves on the back for all the steps we take in the right direction.

    You'll get there!!

    Nikki--are we supposed to wear a sleeve to fly even if we don't have lymphedema? We're planning a trip to Disney for the kids in Nov., and I didn't realize that flying could cause lymphedema. Do you need a prescription to get a sleeve? Thanks.
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  • rosebudd
    rosebudd Member Posts: 28
    edited May 2004
    Hey you guys, where was I when this thread was started???? I am struggling with the weight thing, too. I only want to loose 10 pounds, but boy it won't come off. I went to my primary to have my thyroid tested, but all was normal. The only good thing is that my cholesterol went way down since I changed my eating habits after cancer. It went from 240 to 177. Pretty good, huh. Too bad I really wanted to take that statin (a pill to decrease cholesterol) because they have been shown to decrease recurrence!!!!Patty,
    I will think about some low cal recipes. Maybe if we all hang together and support each other we can get this nasty weight off. Hugs, Rosebudd
    PS I think menopause and tamoxifen really makes us retain weight!!!
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  • beachcottage
    beachcottage Member Posts: 4,688
    edited May 2004
    Good Morning Ladies!! I am happy to report that my third trip to the mall was a charm as I finally found something to wear ....I agree with Rose I think if we all rally here we will be able to help each other out...Even when we have moments off of the wagon.....Our very own on-line weight loss get in shape center...I am going to go out now for a walk...I am trying to increase the number of miles each day!! Good luck today ladies!! Any one have any recipes?????????? I had a great dinner the other day...If you like mushrooms here is a quick and tasty meal...

    Marinate portobello mushrooms in a little olive oil with a pinch of salt & pepper, a little lemon juice,fresh garlic and basil.....Grill..If you like gorganzolla cheese add it at the very end of grilling process long enough to melt....It was very tasty...On the side I had roasted peppers with a little garlic and olive oil and a piece of fresh mozzarella cheese with a dash of olive oil and fresh basil......Small salad and I was in my glory!! Bon appetite!!! xoxo,Patti-----------HEALTH+HAPPINESS+SUCCESS!!!
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  • rosebudd
    rosebudd Member Posts: 28
    edited May 2004

    SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT RECIPE. DID YOU ROAST YOUR OWN PEPPERS, IF SO, HOW??? I HAVE A BIG OLE BAG OF PEPPERS. ROSE

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  • beachcottage
    beachcottage Member Posts: 4,688
    edited May 2004
    Hi Rose...I sent you a pm eariler...Yes I did roast the peppers..
    RECIPE: 1)Preheat oven to 450 degrees F
    2)Rub peppers with enough oil to coat; place on sheet tray and roast in oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until skins turn black.
    3)While waiting for peppers saute garlic in olive oil until golden..Set aside to cool
    4)Remove from oven and submerge peppers in an ice water bath until cool(makes peeling skin of easy)
    5)Slice peppers and add a touch of salt(If you want) add oil and garlic mixture and toss...If you like italian olives(calamata) cut a few and add to salad....It is delicious........
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  • raven81
    raven81 Member Posts: 142
    edited May 2004

    Thanks for the recipes Patti--I'll have to try them soon!

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  • beachcottage
    beachcottage Member Posts: 4,688
    edited May 2004
    Here is another easy vegtable recipe..I am making it tonight..

    Grilled Zucchini

    Unpeeled and sliced lengthwise 1/4-inch thick
    Place in bowl and add Italian Dressing a touch of fresh lemon juice and dot of salt(if desired)fresh basil or mint...

    Place on grill until done..
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  • rosebudd
    rosebudd Member Posts: 28
    edited May 2004

    Sounds GREAT. Got your pm, will e-mail you tomorrow! Here's a good salad recipe: Shred romaine lettuce leaves into salad bowl. Add some green spring onions, add Pears (can use fresh or drained canned!), walnuts and feta cheese (optional). For dressing mix 1/3 of each:balsamic vinegar, honey and olive oil. EXCELLENT!!! By the way, my first day of this diet did not go well. broke into hershey chocolate bar, but did stop half way!! Hugs, Rosebudd

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  • beachcottage
    beachcottage Member Posts: 4,688
    edited May 2004

    Hey Rose..I don;t think that is so bad for first day..At least you stopped half way through!! Thanks for the salad recipe..I am going to try it tomorrow.. .xoxo,Patti

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  • floss
    floss Member Posts: 57
    edited May 2004

    Hi Girls keep up the walking... did a step class today..... now i know why i never did ballet.. Have a good day. still carrying that 1 pound around. Floss

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  • beachcottage
    beachcottage Member Posts: 4,688
    edited May 2004

    Took a great power walk along the river front this morning...I have been going a bit further each day....xoxo,Patti

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  • LJC
    LJC Member Posts: 119
    edited May 2004
    Went to see my onc today for a 2 mo follow-up. I knew I had lost some weight, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was 14 lbs lost since I saw her 3/17. Whoohoo!! I guess I'm doing better than I thought. It's encouraging, I guess I'm not so tired of doing the dumb diet!!!!

    Good Luck Losing!!

    Hugs,

    Lois -
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  • raven81
    raven81 Member Posts: 142
    edited May 2004
    Way to go Lois!! So happy for you! Keep up the good work!

    My husband and our 2 girls and I walked over to the school that was holding the vote on our school budget tonight. (I'm the only one in the family who's out of shape--hubby runs 5-6 miles/5 times a week) The walk was a little over a mile round trip--not much, but every little bit helps! Better than sitting on my butt like I've been doing since I was dx'd in Oct.

    Patti and Rosebudd--thanks for all the recipes--I'll have to get cooking!
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  • beachcottage
    beachcottage Member Posts: 4,688
    edited May 2004
    Yum I tried Rosebud's recipe tonight!!! Awesome...Lois you are doing great!!
    Raven I think the mile was a very good start...You have to start off slow..Congrats on your first mile!!!! xoxo,Patti
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  • samip
    samip Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2004
    Hi everyone, my name is Sami and although I am not a survivor, I work with survivors every day. I am a personal trainer in Kansas City. I hope to learn from all of you. I am working to develop an exercise plan that is both safe and effective. Can you give me some advice? There seems to be a huge gap in information.
    I have read all of your posts. I think that you are all doing awesome. Even if you haven't lost any weight, just the fact that you are doing something is incredible. Think about how much stronger you are after you exercise! I'm amazed at everyone!
    If you have a moment, can you let me know what has been working and what has not been working. Also-what types of things are you looking for in a program. What about location, time, equipment etc? If there are any other questions that I can anwser, please let me know!
    Thanks to everyone for all of your hard work and inspiration.
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  • samip
    samip Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2004
    Patti...and others...
    If you are unable to afford a club as well as a trainer, what do you use as resources? Have you found anything that is helpful? I am looking to develop a website that has exercises available. Would that be something that would be beneficial?

    If anyone is intersted in working with me via email please email me at healthyu@kc.rr.com I would love to work with any of you via email adn maybe we can help each other. I would love to help you get your goals if you are interested and maybe you can help to find out what really works.
    Thanks!
    Always
    Sami
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  • rosebudd
    rosebudd Member Posts: 28
    edited May 2004
    I just love this thread!! I went back and re-read all the posts! Everyone sounds like they are doing great! Patty, you go girl!! Raven, you have a great attitude in taking "baby steps", we will get there as long as we keep trying!!! BTW we are going to Disney in July--should I look into a compression sleeve? Hilde, I love your emoticons!!! Marsha, keep us updated on the South Beach Diet. Ginger, have you had your hgb/hct, iron levels checked- you may be tired for a reason!! Floss, I love step--just keep going, it is great exercise when you know how. Being a klutz by nature it took me forever to learn!
    BTW, I have a personal trainer to help me who has been great. I do not worry about lymphadema because I can't say as anyone knows how or when it occurs. I was running 3-4 miles on treadmill 3-4 times weekly and playing tennis 2-3 times per week, but I guess I over-did it cause my knee is really hurting. I've had surgery as a teen and lots and lots of arthritis came up on the bone scan. I can't do anything now until is see ortho at the end of month. I will continue upper body strenthining until I know what gives!! Patty, I'm roasting peppers tonight!!! Saturday when the kids have burgers- I'm having portabella mushrooms, mmm, mmm, mmm! Does anyone like black beans, I got a good black bean recipe!
    Hugs, Rosebudd
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  • beachcottage
    beachcottage Member Posts: 4,688
    edited May 2004
    Rose you are something....Soon I hope to step up the pace and add more exercise to my walking routine.......Please share your bean recipe!!! It is raining here in NY ...Waiting for the rain to slow down and then I am outta here as they say in NY>>> LOL...Can't wait to get my walk in....Ladies wishing you all a great day...
    Please if you have exercise tips or good recipe's or want to share your experience for the day or just starting out please join us...
    We are all just trying our best here to find out what works....Please join in...

    Sami--I wish I had a short and simple answer to your question...It is a hard question for me to personally answer..I will try my best......I am just trying to shed the weight I gained before and during treatments...I found out I had breast cancer at the end of last April and started gaining weight from that date until I had surgery in June...You see I quit smoking in April and started putting on the weight from then on...Once chemo and steroids were added to the mix the weight really started to rise..So for me right now it is a mix of trial and error....I started out slow..The first initial chemo bloat came off on it's own and then I started to slowly adopt new eating habits....I now walk and hope to add more exercise to my routine..Right now joining a club for me is out of the picture..Hubby lost job right after I finished treatments...What I would like to see is help for women after they finish chemo ....A get well program which would be totaly covered by our insuranc plans....We are kind of left on our own to a certain degree after treatments end..Sure we have follow up visits but I think we deserve more than that...I have read articles stating that extra weight is not good for people who have had breast cancer ...Yet part of treating cancer causes weight gain in most women......So I say lets do something about it....Recovery and diet and fitness should be part of what is offered to patients through insurance...I thank God for this board and for all of the support and love that takes place on this board every day..Without it I would be floundering,frustrated and hanging out by myself trying to figure out what to due to look,feel like me again...This board is helping me to move towards some sense of normalcy again.........Thank you for asking Sami and thanks for caring....xoxo,Patti
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  • beachcottage
    beachcottage Member Posts: 4,688
    edited May 2004
    Hi everybody...I had dinner at a friends house last night and she prepard grilled asparagus and mashed cauliflower...It was very good...

    Fresh Asparagus Spears
    Olive Oil
    Parmesan Cheese

    Grill asparagus spears (5 minutes, turn, 5 more minutes)
    Put in serving dish, drizzle olive oil over top, & sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

    On my way out for a walk..It is a glorius day here in NY today....xoxo,Patti---*****Rose I would love your bean recipe......
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  • beachcottage
    beachcottage Member Posts: 4,688
    edited May 2004
    Lemony Fish in Foil--South Beach Diet
    4 large fish fillets
    1/4 cup sliced carrots
    1/4 cup diced celery
    1/4 cup chopped green onion
    2 tbs chopped fresh parsley
    2 lemons thinly sliced

    Heat oven 350.Cut 2-foot lengths of foil and fold each in half to make a 1-foot square..Place 1 fish fillet slightly below the middle of each square of foil.Sprinkle carrots,celery,onion,parsely and over top of each fillet.. Place lemon on top..Fold foil over the fish and crimp the edges together slightly to form packet...Place on baking sheet and bake 15-20 min until fish flakes easily...

    Enjoy, Patti
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  • pconn03
    pconn03 Member Posts: 643
    edited May 2004
    Patti:

    The South Beach Diet Book (the original one) has a ton of good recipes in it like the one you've just posted. The recipe for cauliflower 'potatoes' is in that book as well. I believe they have now come out with a South Beach Diet Cookbook but here are alot of recipes in the Diet book itself which I have used and liked alot. My husband and I started this diet on 1/5/04 and have lost weight. I was laid up for 10 weeks following heel surgery and I still lost an additional 2 pounds!! Imagine with no exericse at all. Between Jan. 5 and Feb 18 (date of surgery) I had lost 7 pounds - so I've lost a grand total of 10 which is about what I needed. I'm anxious to get back to some walking etc. but am doing therapy for my heel so it will be some time yet.

    Hope this helps somewhat . . .

    Blessings,
    Pat

    P.S. Oh yes, my husband lost 15 pounds - you know those men, they lose it much easier than we do!!
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  • raven81
    raven81 Member Posts: 142
    edited May 2004
    I picked up both the South Beach Diet book and the cookbook today--will post any recipes I try that are good--but might take awhile, I'm getting more tired each day (just finished my first week of rads), I'm anemic from chemo and having wicked insominia--so it all adds up to exhaustion.

    Needless to say, cooking is not high on the list right now. I think I'll have to wait till after treatment to kick things in to high gear. In the meantime, will take any little steps I can when I can.

    I'm proud of all you ladies who are making an effort to exercise and eat well, you inspire me--keep up the good work!

    Have a great weekend everyone!
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  • rosebudd
    rosebudd Member Posts: 28
    edited May 2004

    Hey, ladies! I have to say that the Diane Irons diet is looking very tempting! Raven, you relax and recouperate. I agree with you physicians. Do not diet, let your body heal! You have been through so much! Pat and Patti, the South Beach diet has alot to offer! I have 2 black bean recipes. One calls for 3 large cans black beens, 4 jalapeno peppers, 1 green pepper and 1 large onion, 4 cloves garlic, basil (2-3 tbsp or bunch of fresh)m 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 large can crushed tomatles with green chiles. Saute onions, peppers, garlic in olive oil, drain juice off beans in collender. Add all ingredients, cook about 2-3 hours on low. Some people love these cooked a long time, mushy (me)and some people think they are over cooked (my husband), so try them after about 1 hour and see!! Another good recipe for black bean soup comes from a Cuban friend of mine. Saute some garlic and green pepper in olive oil. Add goya black beans. Simmer. Serve in a bowl with sides of sour cream (light of course!) and onion. Yummy. Black beans are my favorite and they are so good for you!!! Patti, I love your asparagus recipe!! Hugs, Rosebudd

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  • beachcottage
    beachcottage Member Posts: 4,688
    edited May 2004
    Hi everybody..The weekends have been a little tough dieting...Too many parties and too many temptations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am not not complaining....Believe me....I just wish I didn't love food so much!! LOL!!!!
    I am back on track this morning....I figure we have to enjoy once in a while....Right ladies??? LOL!!!!!!!!!Rose thank you for the recipes..I can't wait to try them......If anyone has any recipes please share them with us.....I am off for a walk..I hope I don't get caught in a thunderstorm.....Have a nice days ladies........xoxo,Patti
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  • monke123
    monke123 Member Posts: 44
    edited May 2004
    This was such a fun thread to read....I too am trying to get back on track. I set today as a start date. I ate my 3:00 snack at 10:00, my lunch at 11:30 and then just HAD to have some York Peppermint Patties to hold me over to dinner. I am ravenous and really hope no one gets in my way on the ride home from work! I guess I am not doing to good.

    But last week-I was in my glory, Dunkin Donuts, Blimpies, Pizza and Ice Cream...yum yum. I said I needed to eat all this to "get it out of my system"..all I really did was add on a few more pounds....but I had fun!

    Good Luck to everyone-we can do it!!!!
    Diane

    ps
    try this mantra

    "Chocolate bad...carrots good"
    "Pizza bad....salad good"
    etc.....
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  • beachcottage
    beachcottage Member Posts: 4,688
    edited May 2004

    Oh Diane I loved reading your post!! And what I wouldn't do for a York Peppermint Pattie right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My fav!!! Oh well thank God there is not one in sight right now...LOL...It is so easy some days...I think the hardest part is getting started....So far I am being "good" today...I know how boring and dull!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Glad to see you posting..I have missed you...How is everyone else doing out there today??? .... xoxo,Patti

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