never ending weight gain "HELP"

Since surgery, (April 03) I have gained 35 lbs. and still gaining - from 130lbs to current 165lbs. I eat the same and exercise the same, but nothing works. It has been very expensive for me, as each size of clothes I buy, I seem to only be in them for a month before I'm needing to purchase another size. I have not taken an HRT as yet, because I had cancer removed and I feel I'm doing ok w/hot flashes, night sweats, libio. But I am now seriously thinking of HRT in hopes that it will help my weight gain. I am currently taking Pamelor for nerve unstability, (2wks.) So my question to all you wonderful hyster sisters is: would HRT help in my weight gain and possibly help with the nerve unstability? I finally went to a neuroligist and he ruled out all diseases, and recommended the Pamelor, which I'm not really excited about, but does seem to be helping w/pain in arms & legs. It's also an anti-depressant therefore I can feel the side effects of that, which I don't like. I also learned that you can gain weight on this. Also one more question, I know I am retainning fluids, but when I mention this to my doctor & neurolgist they just ignore me. Is there something to help this? Any and all responses greatly appreciated!

I am so sorry that you are facing this. Have you had your dr. run blood tests on hormone levels? If so, did they check your thyroid? I am hypothyroid and had similiar troubles last year. You may want to ask for a tsh test and when you receive your results, ask for the numbers. Dr.'s and labs have different baselines, normal is usually between a 2-5. Some people with thyroid also have trouble converting t3 to t4. There is another blood test for this, not sure of the name.

What type of exercise program are you on? Of course check with dr. before starting in case you have any limitations. You may want to add 2-3 days a week of weight training to your exercise regime. Lifting light weights has so many benefits including helping to lower cholesterol, prevent/reduce osteoporosis, and increasing the metabolism. Muscles require more calories to maintain that fat. A weight lifting program takes faithfulness for it to pay off.

You may also want to hire a personal trainer. You can call around and ask prices. A good trainer will usually have packages and payment plans available. A good trainer will cost $ but you will save $ by not buying bigger clothes.

Hang in there! Remember that you are cancer free!

HelpfulHeather,
I had to lose a lot of weight, close to 70 lbs. I hit plateaus, times when I was eating the same and exercising the same, just like you said. When that happens, I think your body gets used to things and needs a shake-up.

If you've been eating the same thing for breakfast and lunch, change them, but stay in the same point or calorie range. Instead of just having cereal, have peanut butter toast and juice.

If you've been walking for exercise, go to YMCA and take a class or do something a little different like walking 10 minutes and running one.

These got me back on track and they help my mood. I don't know if they'll affect the pain in your arms and legs though. It was just that after a period of time I felt in a better frame of mind. I hope that after my recovery period I can get back to that.

s and good luck! You're in my thoughts.

Jean