The first reason is obvious--I keep finding all these articles reporting on current studies that are about building health--not hormones or menopause without hormones. I'm glad to find a home for them.
The second reason is selfish. Bit by bit through a series of health problems my weight has climbed across 20 years until now I'm 125 pounds above my ideal BMI. And a recent study just showed that obesity is worse than smoking for your long-term health and chance of dying.
Most of all though is that during the long sink down into bad health and the long recovery, I've lost all my healthy habits--and my body feels horrible with the bad exercise and bad food and bad hours.
So I'm hoping that in addition to information this forum can be about support as we change who we are into strong flexible healthy women who know how to take care of ourselves (with a nice massage and an occasional margarita thrown in). It's not easy because it means changing the very fabric of our days, but I think we can do it together!
Anyway, my goal is to be a new woman for my 50th birthday in 354 days and I hope we can help each other get to the land of health and delight!
Trish
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Hi Trish
I feel your pain! I've been gradually vanquishing my unhealthy habits in recent years am winning, but it hasn't been easy. I'm with you--we need as much support in adopting healthy habits as we do with hysterectomies and hormone issues. Having a place to read the latest about building health will be that much more helpful.
Whatever your bad habits, you can beat them and win! Three years ago I won the war on Diet Coke (I drank 5 or 6 a day for many years as a matter of course) and am still very pleased with myself for having made such a drastic change. I grappled with eating issues before my hyst on 5/3/01 and was starting to see some improvement there as well. No, it's not easy. I sure hope that we can have this forum for support.
All the best,
Mindyrae
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my confessional
Even though my health appears to be fine (cholesterol, LDL, HDL, blood pressure all perfect), I don't like the way I'm eating. From all the reading that I do, it is ridiculous for me to continue eating this way. In the last year, I began cutting certain foods out and adding others. I had to do this slowly and not drastically. The first thing I did was to cut out milk (milk is not a health food) and drink more water. I am slowly cutting out the one Coke at lunch. My next huge step is to cut out animal fats (meats), which won't be a problem either since I'm not real crazy about most meats. It's been kind of fun doing this because I know it's for my health as well as my family's. Plus I'm learning how to eat so I can tell my pharmacy customers how to do the same, if they're interested.
It would be good to hear what everyone's goal is. Mine is to remain healthy for the rest of my life. I will achieve that by eating right and exercise.
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I was just thinking the same thing
I am 20 days post-op (TAH +BSO) and am able to walk around my apt complex - called my Gyn and she ok'd the activity (25lb lift limit was her only restriction). I weigh about 215lbs (5'6") and would like lose about 65lbs of excess body (fat). I've lost 50lbs two different times in my life (am 48yrs old) - gaining it back + 15lbs more.
I like the concept of Hysteritavile - and I have questions regarding how to balance my bodies need to heal along with my bodies need to regain strength and flexability. Along with losing excess weight - I want to have the energy to do things again.
I also have some pain in my hip area (possible bursitis that I was seeing a orthopedic md about when my gyn recommended having the Hysterectomy (fast tracked). So losing weight and getting more exercise will serve a duo purpose...take some weight off my poor aching butt to say the least.
Great idea!
Noni_Fla
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Go Trish Go Trish,
You know we'll be here cheering you on my friend. I know that you can do it.
My problem is that I CAN'T eat most of the bad things, so I do eat alot of fruits and veggies. But maybe there is something that I could be doing that is better for me. So I am willing to read and learn here. This is where I learned about hormones, so guess it's time for me to learn about healthy living and healthy eating.
BTW, I could probably use a push in the exercise dept
Kim M
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Love the Hysteritaville idea
Hi Trish,
I really enjoy reading your helpful and informative posts, especially the suggestions for relief of menopausal symptoms for those of us who aren't on HRT. It's great that we can have support from others when fighting off those pounds we all manage to gain over time. My quest for fitness began 5 years ago when I saw my mom suffer from the effects of several strokes. Shortly after she died, I was determined to change my unhealthy eating habits and make exercise a regular part of my life. In October of 96 I joined a weight loss program and after 1 1/2 years, I managed to lose 58 pounds, which I have kept off (give or take 5 lbs) for 4 years. It has been a challenge to keep the weight off, but it has been worth it. I am eating lots of fruits and vegetables, drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily and exercise is a MAJOR part of my life. I'm very happy that I was able to go into surgery in the best shape of my life. I had a TAH/BSO on 4/17/01 and feel that my recovery was easy because of the healthy habits I've adopted over the last few years. I'll be 50 next week and let me tell you ladies out there...If I can do this, so can you. I'm still a serious "chocaholic"
So here's to happiness and health to all us hystersisters!
Jeannel
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Count me in !!!
I, for the first time in my life actually now have to exercise and change my eating habits.
Due to my thinning bones, I am now required to take high doses of calcium with D and start walking at least 20 minutes a day.
There are many variables that will keep me from doing the walk outdoors, i.e. heat, cold, icy conditions, or even just having a bad day at work. So I bought a treadmill 2 weeks ago...and am literally forcing myself to use it daily for at least 30 minutes. And its a manual one not motorized...so I am truly getting a workout on it. I hate every minute of it, but I know I have to do it for my bone density. And it will be good for me in other ways, as I have gained about 20 lbs in the past 6 months.
I have been very lucky to have had quite good health until this cancer struck, and of course I am very grateful that I survived it, and am more than willing to make the changes that I must make. Its just very hard, when 3 balanced meals a day, vitamins and exercise have never been a part of it. I am not a breakfast or lunch eater, and never have been....so this is hard to adjust to as well.
And to boot I .....and I am very ashamed to admit this...... I am trying desperately to completely quit smoking. When diagnosed I was smoking 25 a day, and have been smoking since I was 15...( 43 now).
All through chemo I had extreme guilt over still smoking but they said then was not the time to put my body through the additional stress of quitting cold turkey.......but to give it all I had when finished treatments. My lungs are really good as I had to have a lung test for one of the chemo drugs, and I scored 92% lung capacity out of 100. The tech said she was very surprised to hear I smoked as long as I have, with such good test results.
Well..its been almost 6 months ago that I finished the chemo, and I am now down to about 8 a day. I would rather not go on the Zyban or Wellbutrin if possible as I have heard it can cause depression and nausea and well..I have had more than my share of those two things in the past 9 months...therefore I am doing it my way by getting off them gradually. I know I can do it. I sure have the incentive now having beat the cancer once. I don't plan to do chemo ever again, that I do know for sure.
So as I say....count me in...I am making some major lifestyle changes and will really enjoy reading the posts here for support. This is a wonderful board to have here!!!
Maria xo
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I think one key to maintaining an exercise program is to try to find things that are actually fun. I do have some things I do because I need to (like weight training, which I don't do as much as I should), but I also go dancing every week.
I do Scottish Country Dance, which is challenging and kind of high-impact (good for the bones!). I go to class every week and we do actual dances. They're social dances in which men can dance women's roles and vice versa so you don't have to bring a partner. About twice a month I have the chance to go contra dancing. Contra is essentially American folk dance and is a little bit like square dance. You have to know right from left and be able to walk. They teach it as they do it and many contra dances have a little class before the dances to help you get started. In contra, too, women dance men's roles or men dance women's and nobody cares. Although you're just walking to music you get very warm and breathless and it's a good activity.
Most importantly, for me it's fun and social and I would dance on hot coals if that were my only option. It's helpful to try to look for activities (hiking, dancing, bowling, tennis, or whatever) that wild horses couldn't stop you from doing instead of things you have to force yourself to do. I sometimes fall off the weight-triaining and step-climbing wagon, but I never stop dancing. Some other possibilities are Irish set dancing and swing dancing. Lots of communities have opportunities for both.
Try something new!
Denise
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feeling good helps
Now that I am no longer fighting with monthly distress, and daily pain, I have the energy to devote to some more lofty pursuits!
I guess it is a bad thing, that I am having some rhubarb bread as I type this? It has GOOD THINGS in it, though.....
I drink way too much diet cola. Pepsi One is my latest addiction, but it goes way back to Tab (remember that swill?) in the late 70's. I've gotten to where I have to have one as soon as I get up. I am trying to replace 2 servings a day right now, and would like to progress from there to a place where it doesn't have to be carbonated to quench my thirst. Mom has osteoporosis, and I am not encouraged by the things I read about the sodas leaching calcium from our bones.
I also have lots of weight I would like to say goodbye to. My plan there is lots of walking, increased activity overall, and gradually changing to more healthy patterns of eating. I realize now, I can't just "go on a diet", and make all these drastic changes. One change, over time, and then I see how much better I feel. That makes me want to go on to the next change.
What a great forum Kathy! Hope those hysteritas are calorie-free.
Mary aka Tino
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omigosh, does HYSTERSISTERS never stop!?! this is just what i've been needing!!!two years ago i went to weight watchers and lost 30 lbs....then all my motivation went ka-phlooie. i've been trying so hard to start in again, but just couldn't really do it. i HAVE made some positive changes, thanks to my darling(prolapsed) bladder....i drink lots more water, have eliminated caffeine and carbonated drinks, and count fiber grams.
i need help in getting motivated on what my physical therapist calls non-productive exercise...like walking etc. to me it's just a total waste of energy. i'd rather be doing hard work!
also, i need to get the idea out of my head that chocolate and ice cream are food groups.
i am 52 and want to feel good, look good, and do good for a long long time.
susan
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You know, I think there comes a time in each of our lives when we take stock. This past year has been that for me. I started to do research on cancer , herbs and foods. Told the Dr and he thought I had a cauldron going out back But since taking my body into my own hands and trying to do the best I can to get this old bod into top shape, I feel like I have control. Oh, I still take pain killers and of course I have to listen to the DR about this dreaded radiation, but the two together conventional and alternate medicines are much better than just the conventional. And it is such fun trying all the lotions and potions. Anyway , girls here is to a healthier future for all of us
Just one more thought it is so important to take time out to just BE
Robyn
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I think that this is going to be a terrific forum. I feel like a whole new me now that I've been on my routine these past few months.Sure I came upon it by accident but am willing to help any of you in any way that I can.
Jennie
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ok Jenny, dish......
I think we would all LOVE to hear specifics on what changes you have made that led to the weight loss.
Will you please share?
Mary aka Tino
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OK I won't recommend the first part of this. It involves injuring yourself and undergoing ACL reconstruction in your knee. Now afterward, though, I have had intensive physical therapy and have learned so much. I ride a staionary bike anywhere from 2-5 miles a day if I can. I also do straight leg raises while laying with the other leg bent, then I lay on my side and do the same. This is great for the hips! There are other exercises he has prescribed also plus now that the weather is nice I swim laps a few times a week.
Also, Fitbug turned me onto the importance of water. Go to http://www.brita.com/003i.html and it explains why you should increase your water intake. They also have a water calculator that helps you determine how much you should drink a day. At first I was in shock but now am addicted to my new way of life. I don't deny myself the food I like, I just moderate how much I do eat and how often.
Jennie
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stop it
With all your healthy talk. You guys are going to make quit whining and do something! I am so fat and out of shape (I don't even recognize my own reflection). Plus I am very short and have a carb problem. I have always battled weight. For a few years I was at a good weight and felt great. I ate little red meat, hardly any processed foods and only complex carbs with lots of fiber and I walked a lot. Now I do just the opposite. I have no excuse, I eat too much of the wrong things and don't move enough. But I am so lazy, I don't like denying myself anything or sweating. OK, you guys may inspire me yet. I love this place.
Sheri
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Thanks for a great forum!!!
What a perfect addition to our site!
I am a lifetime health nut, never smoked (can you believe it?) and always ate healthy. About 4 yrs ago, I was assaulted, resulting in brain injury, and vision loss.
With disability, forced inactivity, meds., I gained weight! I also found solance with my 2 favorite men, Ben and Jerry!! Dh was supportive and loved me even when I topped out at 200 lbs. Yikes! I am 5'10" but 200 is Way over the limit!
My goal is to lose 25 lbs. I have committed to Jenny Craig(need the structure). So far weight loss is Slow, and lately has stopped. I believe it may be my hormones and or thyroid, so tests are in the works. Very frustrating, since I do not cheat and I workout regularly.
Without this committment to weight loss, I believe I would be way over 200 post hyst.. I refuse to give in to middle age and let myself go. I want to be comfortable in my skin. Right now, I feel like I might POP!!
Water intake, fresh vegies and fruits, portion controll, and fresh air and exercise are my best thoughts on the healthy lifestyle. As for giving up the bad habits, I agree with Lauren, one step at a time, easy does it.
All you ladies approaching 50, I hit that last Sept. and I must say, I feel spiritually great, and very empowered in spite of these health challanges, so look forward to it.
Now, if my body would just get out of my way so I could get fit again!
Tallkat
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This is a very exciting thread.
I love to see people face up to the things they need to. I am right there in the same group. I do not eat right. I eat foods that are quick and veggies are not a priority. I could lose weight too, to be at my optimum. I often tell myself there is nothing wrong with my health. But the foods I eat are not nourishing my body and that means my body is not healthy.
I am excited about this new forum. May everyone succeed in their goal of becoming healthy.
Blessings
Fitbug
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OK, I also want to be a new woman by Trish's 50th. My goal is to lose 30 lbs, make aerobic walking a 5-day a week habit, and keep my fat calories less than 30% of my diet. I've always been able to lose weight by cutting down on carbs, but I never paid attention to the ratio of fats.
Does anyone know what the recommended amt of carb's is for say, a 1600 a day diet? I need a starting point.
Em
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Okay, my turn to fess up!
I have never been someone that would be considered a good eater. I don't eat the right foods nor do I eat in any consistant fashion.
I picked up some more bad habits while undergoing chemotherapy. The first round wasn't too bad although I did gain weight throughout it. One of the meds I was given was a steroid type that made me eat constantly. The thing is with that round all I craved was fish! Everything else tasted horrible!
The second round I craved meat! RED MEAT! Anything and everything containing it! In addition to that, for the first time in my life I started craving salt! Now I can't seem to get rid of these cravings. I know salt is not good for me, neither is that much red meat but I just can't seem to get away from it. I have GOT to figure out a way but working in a restaurant makes it very, very hard!
The one good thing is I'm starting to go out dancing again. I'm not a very good person with stuctured exercise either but danced alot prior to surgery. I used to go out West Coast Swing dancing at least once to twice a week but have only been probably a handfull of times in the last year. At least I've got a goal in mind, there is a competition coming up in August that I'd really like to compete in. And I will if I can get my stamina back up between now and then.
Best to everyone on their individual goals! May everyone's goal be reached successfully!
{{hugs}}
Vicki
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my true confession my true confession
Okay, here it is I have gained back the pounds I lost last spring with Weight Watchers - so up almost 56 pounds in one year! I am claiming that I am eating well - and will admit that the Hyst put me back a spell and a 1/2, and that I feel I 'deserve' pie and sweets but I don't like the way I look right now, and know what you mean about how worried the obesity makes me - I am well aware of how bad this is for me.
I also confess that I have a Pilates machine out in my LR that I have been on only 3X since my release for exercise... no other reason than 'don't feel like it' (oh, yeah, I would have to move the boxes from on top of it that my DH stacked there while he is building the latest+ greatest computer system/
So sisters, I am going to move those boxes TODAY and spend the time to do the routine and let you know how it goes. I started up again with walking - and then it rained for the last 3 days... my treadmill is in the same living room (doesn't sound like there is much room for living in there, does it?)
I too am in my 49th year so that would be a good motivation.
Hysteritaville has inspired me! Once again you all are such a sisterhood!
Jan
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This is so cool
I can't believe I found this thread... this is wonderful! Anyone needing support to quit smoking, I'm your girl.
I found out in March that surgery was needed to remove a damaged cervical disc, replace it with a graf... yadda, yadda. Being a part of the health care industry, I knew that the first thing I needed to do for MY OWN HEALTH and REHAB after surgery, was to quit smoking. All I could think to myself was, " Oh my god..." I, like millions of others out there, enjoy smoking. It was my buddy, my pal - through good times and bad. But I'd been telling myself for years... Jean you have to quit. So I did. I asked my Dr. to write me a script for the Nicoderm patch 21 mg. (most insurance companies pay for this), finished my last cigarette in the pack March 25th at 10:30PM and slapped the patch on the next morning.
All I can say ladies is the patch works. Period... paragraph! You stay on it for 30 days, reduce down to 14mg per day for another 30 days, then down to 7 mg per day. By the time I got down to the 7mg patch, I stayed on it for approx. 10 days then said, "what the heck," and just stopped putting it on. It only takes your body 72 hours to be rid of the nicotine in your system. By then I was looking forward to that moment, totally, completely nicotine free! The rest is all psychological which is tough also... but there's a big difference between a "chemical" craving and psychological craving. I'll take the latter any day.
So of course I gained weight when I quit smoking, my fault. I thought because I am hypoglycemic and pretty much try to stay on a low carb diet, that maybe I wouldn't gain weight. But I did. At least 10 yucka pounds. Then in April I found out I had a tumor in my left ovary over 10 cm, had already lived with cysts in my right ovary. I knew before speaking to my gyn, what he was going to say. I am 44, was never able to have children, mother had/survived ovarian cancer -- I was going to need a TAH/BSO. Boy, I acted so brave, so "as a matter of fact." Plus I knew the possibility of gaining weight with TAH/BSO. Still not smoking ladies...
So I scheduled both surgeries; hysterectomy May 10th, corpectomy May 22nd. NEVER EVER let anyone you love do this. If I knew then what I know now.. lol. Any way... now the worst is over. My ability to exercise is limited due to the corpectomy, but I am able to walk, so I walk .75 to a mile a day, and do my physical therapy twice a day.
I'm still trying to get my NHRT in check, deal with the water retention which "I think" is the only weight I've put on since the TAH/BSO - but the important thing is... that through all of this, I'm still an "EX-SMOKER" (gosh I would love a puff right now.) No, seriously, just the thought of putting tar back into my lungs, putting nicotine; which is the most dangerous poison known to man, back into my system - well.. the thought of it just makes me sick. So I'm not going to do it.
After I was finished with the nicotine patch I started taking Metabolife, anywhere from two to four tabs a day. Now I'm NOT suggesting this for anyone. I'm taking it for the increase in energy it provides plus for its diuretic effects. Anyone sensitive to epinephrine.. stay away from this supplement. I'm drinking lots of water, eating much more fruit and staying away from white flour. Sorry, I love a sizzling sirloin too much to give up red meat.
Another great trick is "Promise" non-fat margarine. It doesn't melt like butter... but it "tastes" like butter which is a life saver if you like butter on your veggies! 5 cal per serving ladies!!!!
Well, I feel like I've babbled on long enough. Let's get these pounds off, get our hormones in check and start our lives over again.. in a healthly way! I'm behind all of you 110%!!
Love and hugs
jhenna
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fat be gone
I am glad that this new forum has been started. Looks like all of us share something in common the up & down roads of weight loss. I have been trying to focus on water intake and eating more fruits & vege's. My big problem is at home. None of us eat very healthy. I wish I could introduce some healthy exciting meals to my family that are easy to prepare. I have been a Jenny Craig/WW/Top's member over the years Due to endo & other pre-cursors to my TAH/BSO in April of this year I feel I have again let my healthy take a major nose dive. Lets all plan to get a new lease on life & take better care of ourselves & each other!!!!!:sing: :sing: :sing:
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The wrong jeans lol
My family of five sisters and one brother have always been on the heavy side. Guess we should have got different genes for they really show up in our jeans. Family genes they say. For what ever reason I have been the smaller one. Did get to 175 lbs. when I quit smoking 12 1/2 years ago but lost back down with in two years. Learned to say NO and mean it. It was rough but I did it.
Because my DH has border line high cholesterol that we try to keep under control with diet, we spent the best $17. to help change our eating habits. "The Fat Free Living Super Cookbook" by Jyl Stineback. This is the only cookbook I use now. You would be suprised how really good this food taste with out the fat, and how much weight you can loose with out really trying. I don't normaly mention products unless they work well for me, this one did.
The best wishes for a happier, healthier you.
Lolubu
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