weight gain and bloating

Hello Sisters,
Had my Hyster Dec'00 at 58 yrs of age because of endo cancer.
Healing going well with no complications.......except this awful weight gain and bloating.
I eat right, exercise and take a multi-vitamin.
I can't take HRT 'cause of breast cancer in the family.
I feel like I'm carrying around a sand bag strapped to my stomach.
Starting to feel desperate........am about to go out and get some over-the-counter diet pills.
Is this familiar?!?

Hi Lizzietish
Welcome to HysterSisters! I had my Hyst in Jan,2000 and luckily havent had to deal with much weight gain but did experience what we refer to as the Swelly Belly. It can take a year to fully recover but know it does get better Have you discussed these concerns with your Doc? If you havent I would start there first. I hope you feel better soon

Hi LizzieTish,

I agree, I would start with your Dr., my Gyn/Onc told me that they want to hear about anything going on that is out of "my" normal. They agree that alot of things could be just part of the healing process but want to check it out just to make sure everything is okay.

Also, check with your Dr before trying anything over the counter, they can contain things that sometimes should not be taken when dealing with certain types of cancer.

I do hope you'll be able to find some answers and be able to take care of it.

Take care,
Vicki

Thank you, dear sisters.
I will be seeing my Gyn/Onc in 2 weeks. Will discuss it with him then.
Meanwhile, I'll hold off on self-medicating and try to remember to drink more water and eat a lot of salads.
Thank you for your support. It's truly appreciated.

Hi Lizzietish!

Are you by chance taking Megace? I just had my surgery on the 25th, and they found cancer in the uterus and on my left ovary. Because of this, I'll be taking Megace for six months. I've read that megace causes increased appetite/weight gain, possible swelling, possible PMS and low moods; the up side is that it's been found to be quite successful with endometrial cancer - tho' they don't quite know how it works.

As for over-the-counter diet aids, I have two bits of advice. First, don't poison yourself. Second, don't waste your money on such junk. Eat healthy - lots of veggies and fruits - and if you're overweight you can see what the Dr. says, but I'm sure the best advice would be to THINK healthy. Sounds like you're doing a good job with exercise, etc. Sometimes we just need to give ourselves a hug and love ourselves as we are.

I lost 24 pounds prior to surgery, and I'm hoping not to put on more weight; actually hoping to continue to lose. Getting rid of the cancer is of most importance, though, and if that means I swell and gain a few pounds, so be it. I still plan on eating healthy and exercising, and I'm hoping for the best.

You will be in my thoughts!

MindyLee

You might want to look at the article at

http://www.hormonejungle.com/weight.php

It's some research I did on weight and menopause and ends with some suggestions that I "borrowed" from Dr. Larrian Gillespie's The Menopause Diet book. Luckily she's seen the article and likes it But the book is very clear on why she's making all her recommendations.

Basically, insulin is a hormone and when one hormone system goes whacky the others do too. So eating a diet more like a diabetic one--including when you eat and how much at each meal--will help.

But yeah, bloating is differnet from weight gain and is worth checking out.