Second Chance at Life and I STILL Need encouragement

[shawnsmom]

You would think that a second chance at life would be encouragement enough...

Hi,

emotions have been fluctuating lately and weight has stayed the same. I woke up yesterday morning and decided I really did not like myself. I have been given a second chance at life, and I have not been giving body the respect and thanks it deserves. It helped me beat breast cancer. It deserves to be fit and happy.

Prior to cancer diagnosis (age 28), I was 5 ft 3, 135lbs and quite fit. Cancer treatments forced me into an early menopause. I gained 35lbs in about 8 months (it is controversial on whether it is the medication or menopause itself that caused the weight gain). I did not change eating habits except by eliminating soy (bad for breast cancer patients) and adding chicken (was a vegetarian for 15 years). I have not been very consistent with exercise. I seem to only be consistent for about 3 months at a time. I stop because I never see any results; although I do admit that I feel better when I exercise. It does not make sense that I keep stopping. I guess laziness and frustration just get the better of me.

So, here I am. I am ready to do this. I think.

I am looking for help on how to introduce exercise into life while working, taking care of one-year old and all of the other obligations and obstacles life presents.

I would LOVE to lose the 35lbs I gained. But, I will be reasonable and start with a smaller goal. I would like to lose 15lbs by Christmas. I could use all of the tips and encouragement I can get.

Thanks.

[Boss Man]

Hi there .

I would like to say how proud of yourself you should be, for talking about something that clearly was very difficult. I won't pretend to know what you must have gone through, as that's crass, but I admire you for having the courage and heart, to speak about such a difficult matter and not just being vague about your reasons for weight loss.

I can tell you are someone with a really good heart and your young child is very lucky to have that in their life. I'm sure you're doing a superb job managing to Mother them .

Diet would be a primary focus right now. You sound like someone that might try to make some fairly whole-sale changes, then struggle to get used to them all, making your weight loss attempts inconsistent and bitty.

So I'd suggest you focus on the diet for a week or two, until you've got some changes down, then start looking to add exercise in .

So what meals do you eat and what times?

[Athene]

Hi,
Your introduction really touched me. I hope the site and the community here help you achieve your goals. You've been through a lot, much harder than this. You can do it if you set your mind to it!

[Nokie173]

Hello Welcome!!!
Whatever you do... DON'T GIVE UP!!! There will be hard times but we are here if you need us to push you!
Diet is a major big factor of losing weight... since you didn't eat chicken for awhile... your body is just trying to get used to it.
What's your diet like?

[ArtzyJen]

May I ask if you were on Leuprorelin? I had to be put on that for some time and it caused me to go into early menopause at 22. I gained about 25lbs from it and it took months and months to recover from the emotional effects of it. I would venture to say it took me a good 6 months to a year before depression ceased and I was finally able to move on with life.I just wanted to ask because I know how horribly it affected me.

As for the weight loss, it will happen! You're putting work into it and you will see results if you stick with it long term. I was starting to get really discouraged because I'd lost a quite a bit of weight last month, but I had even gained a little this month and could never get below low for almost 30 days, despite working out hard and eating right. And today I stepped on the scale to find I lost two lbs. from lowest low. I also have a friend in fitness boot camp with me who has stayed the same on the scales for 3 months but has lost 12 inches! So you may be losing and exchanging fat for muscle too.

[shawnsmom]

Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement.

eating habits are generally pretty good. A typical day is:

Breakfast: 1 cup of high-fiber cereal
Snack: yogurt
Lunch: Ranges from a turkey sandwich on whole-grain / salad / leftovers from the night before (pasta / chicken, veggies and rice / salad / sandwich)
Snack: fruit
Dinner: (pasta / chicken, veggies and rice / salad / sandwich etc.)
Guilty pleasure (and I know this needs to be cut out): a couple of cookies with tea

I also drink loads of water throughout the day.

Right now, I am mostly concerned about squeezing exercise into busy day. I take the baby and 2 dogs for a 45-minute walk almost every day (Monday to Friday). speed COULD increase, but 2 dogs and a stroller present some challenges.

I just downloaded the Couch to 5K app. Here's to hoping this works out

I know that major problem is ability to stick with something and to follow through. I get discouraged too easily. And sometimes the couch looks soooo inviting.

May I ask if you were on Leuprorelin? I had to be put on that for some time and it caused me to go into early menopause at 22.

I have been receiving Zoladex injections (which I believe is similar to Leuprolin). While I no longer have to take this injection (last shot 2 months ago), I still have to continue with other medication (Tamoxifen) which will keep me in menopause. Due to the advanced stage of diagnosis, I will have to take this for an indefinite amount of time.

Thanks again for your words of encouragement.

[ArtzyJen]

Eek. That SUCKS to be on that junk for an indefinite amount of time. Sounds like you have really been through the wringer. I admire your courage to make it through so much and move on. I was on the Leuprorelin for severe endometriosis for six months. That was certainly enough for me. Hot Flashes are quite possibly the worst thing ever. That and the awful mood swings. I honestly don't know how hubby-to-be stuck with me through all of that and still wanted to marry me...

As for your diet, you might consider adding in more protein somehow- especially since you are working out. I highly suggest journaling your food if you're not already. It's been a major tool in helping me know how to balance eating with exercise and keep track of the carb to protein ratio. I'm can be a major carb-loader if I'm not careful.

Take care and keep it up! Sounds like you are working hard! I wish you well.

[Wendy32]

I myself am a cancer survivor. It took almost 3 years of ups and downs before I finally dropped the 15 pounds I gained after surgery. To motivate myself I decided to compete in a figure competition, I didn't place in the top- but was proud to be on stage. If working out makes you feel good, do that. Don't let the pressure of having to look a certain way or be a certain size effect you. Do what mmakes you feel good and healthy! I gained 20 lbs. after competing- but feel great- because I am a survivor. Stay positive!