Endo belly - weight loss?? Please help 🥺 - Endometriosis UK

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Endo belly - weight loss?? Please help 🥺

ChelseaWales profile image
7 Replies

I have tried absolutely everything I can possibly think of to try and lose weight. Nothing has worked so far, exercise can be so painful, I eat healthy regular meals, I’ve tried diet pills, shakes, meal plans, even a personal trainer (which I had to give up because it was causing me too much pain).

If anyone has any advice or guidance I would be sooooo grateful!! 🙏🏼

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ChelseaWales profile image
ChelseaWales
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7 Replies

Hmm. First thing first, maybe try focusing on something besides the weight. (I know, I know, don't hate me. 🙈) Instead, what activities do you enjoy that put you in a good mood that your endo body can handle? Swimming, hiking, and dancing (in particular, belly dancing and hula hooping might help the endo belly region muscles) are some faves of mine.

Also, you said you had a personal trainer, but have you ever had a physical therapist? Specifically one that has been trained in pain management of endometriosis (they do exist, just harder to find) or similar conditions. Such a person might help you not only reduce pain, but show you ways to strengthen your core and find a workout that works for your body.

I know you mentioned diet pills and meal plans, but when my last Endo doctor recommended a dietary plan for me, she had me do a strict Whole30 diet (in order to ascertain if my endo inflamed over certain foods.. though, for me, it was moreso stress.. and some dairy), as well as had me take Dulcolax and Miralax daily.

Last piece I'll add for now.. look into the shake powder "Smoo." I don't know that it will help with weight, but it's designed specifically for the pcos+endo community to aid in hormonal control and is getting great reviews.

Hope this helps somewhat! Remember, everyone's body is different so there's no one answer fits all. Just keep trying! Best of luck to you! #endostrong 💛💛

ChelseaWales profile image
ChelseaWales in reply to harmoniousdischord

Thank you so much for your advice! I will look into a few of these.

I honestly felt like nobody was listening to me, like the personal trainer I went to was awful and so rude, she said I was “lazy” and “pushing myself hard enough”, she knew why I was there and about my endo issues. But she was so awful, made me feel worse.

I eat healthy religiously and have done ever since I can remember, but since having endo issues, I just gain weight, it’s not dramatic in a short period of time, but I was a healthy size 10, and now I’m an 18-20 :(

The drs keep telling me to lose weight but aren’t helping me with how to. I know it seems silly and sounds easy but something isn’t working for me.

Thank you for your reply!! It has really helped 😇🙏🏼

JadeH92 profile image
JadeH92

Hello lovely,

I have just read your story and all I can say is I am so sorry you have been through such a shit time!

I have PCOS and endometriosis (also have adenomyosis too) and I have always struggled with my weight. The only thing that works for me is calorie counting. The past 4 weeks I have lost 13lbs and that is eating what I want really but with in moderation and within my calorie deficit.

I do generally eat healthily, but honestly I am a nightmare for chocolate especially when my pain is bad and I need a sugar hit but like you when I am exhausted I cannot exercise. I have to work part time because 3 days in work is enough to wipe me out for the rest of the week, let alone exercising on my days off too.

It is a bit of a chore to begin with but you start to know how many calories are in what which makes it easier. So now I know that a Fredo is 99kcals or a Curly Wurly is 118kcals etc. so I don't have to go without my chocolate fix etc.

I have downloaded the Nutracheck app recently and also joined Jason Manfords Weight Loss Group on Facebook. The support on there is so encouraging! If you work for the NHS (I read you worked in a hospital) you can get 50% off your subscription for Nutracheck if you email them a copy of your NHS card. (But the My Fitness Pal app is free and is still pretty good).

The Nutracheck app works out your calories for you but I also use the bloodsweatandmuscle.co.uk/s... To make sure they match up.

Please be mindful though that calorie counting can be triggering for some people and also can become negative if it is obsessed over. So if it is something you start then remember that you can have days where you don't count a single thing and you will still be fine because opposed to a diet it is a lifestyle change that needs to be sustainable.

The last 4 weeks I have counted calories and stayed within 1200kcals a day most days... Today on the other hand I'm having a horrific flare and eating my emotions because tomorrow is the 2 year anniversary of the day I found out I was pregnant following my first IVF transfer which ended in miscarriage and it is also the birthday of my cousin who passed.

So I ordered in a Full English for breakfast, Waffles and Ice Cream for Lunch and am about to order a Chinese for my Tea and don't feel bad about it one bit 🐷🐷😂😂.

Just please don't be hard on yourself, we battle every day anyway so just take small steps and do what you feel able to do!

Take care xx

Username12345678 profile image
Username12345678

Hello, I’ve battled with my weight for years going from a size 6 to a size 20 in my late teens. I found calorie counting does help but as I got older and endo/adeno has caused me problems the best thing I have tried is yoga. It is very effective for lengthening your body but also dealing with the stress/pain. I’d also recommend religiously ensuring you take at least 2 litres of water per day. I find this helps with ‘Endo belly’ and although it doesn’t prevent it it can reduce it and make you feel better. Best of luck !

AdeleG4192 profile image
AdeleG4192

Hi, ive suffered from endobelly and bad bloating for years. Trying to tighten up what i eat in regards to immune boosting and more whole foods, rather than processed crap. Vegan also, so its easy for me to eat veg etc. However, ive been taking a probiotic supplement for abt a week now and im the least bloated ive been in a long time.

Have a look at gut health rather and getting the right nutrients in, rather than less calories of lower quality foods.

Hope this helps, im still learning too!

Good luck.

dodgeviperdiva profile image
dodgeviperdiva

hi hun how's u doing, if ur eating healthy and doing light exercise, try add ice water, it helped me lose the weight after giving birth, The theory is that ur internal organs are at a constant body temperature of around 37/38°, by drinking ice water throughout the day ur body's metabolism has to speed up and work twice as hard to keep ur internal organs at that temperature.

I have two sports bottles that I rotate, ones always in the freezer, I always have a refreshingly cold drink to hand 😂 I hope it helps hun xxxx

Endoarmy92 profile image
Endoarmy92

Morning,Firstly thank you for posting!

It may be good to enquire with your hospital if they have any Woman's Health Physios - They work regarding pelvic floor muscles, and breathing exercises etc. I have one at my hospital and she's always been full of ideas.

Sleep is also so important - i find if i sleep well or get in a good routine of going to bed at a good hour my bloating and body works a bit better than normal, and digestion increases! (i know sometimes good sleep routines cannot happen due to pain but when they can - try!)

I do go to the gym when pain allows, and there have been times when I've pushed too hard and made it worse. I think the thing to remember is 'know your limits' and to do what you can. It really doesn't matter if its a slow walk around the block from your house, or walking up and down your stairs a few more times instead - little but often!

Drinking green tea works well, also stimulates good digestion which helps, and i find that peppermint tea also helps with bloating and to get rid of wind. Try and stay away from high caffeine drinks when you can.

Everyone is totally different, and sometimes it is trial and error, keep going lovely

xxx

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