Lymphoedema and losing weight

[AlanK]

I am just recovering from a bad cellulitis which put me in hospital initially. I had been trying to lose some weight previously with some success but everything stopped including the weight loss with the infection. Has anyone seen/had any info for folk with leg lymphoedema wanting to exercise and lose weight?

[shazsnicks]

Hi

Glad to hear your recovering from cellulitis, the LSN do a leaflet on weightloss.

I am thinking of modifying my eating habits to tie in with when I break up from work. What I find works for me is cutting down on the carbohydrates. So I tend to eat meat, fish, eggs and balance that out with vegetables and salads. I dont eat as much potatoe, pasta, bread etc and it helps.

Exercise is where I struggle, I use to go to the gym and do the classes and loved zumba. Made sure I wore my compression, but I found I was in tears through the class as the lymph fluid raced through my tissues the sensation of burning became unbearable. I took up using the weights instead and powerplates but I didnt enjoy it.

My suggestion is to walk, join a walking group, if you have gym membership seek advice from the trainers, you can strengthen and definately lose weight by using the gym equipment. Not sure with your recent cellulitis but think about aqua classes, they are great for all over exercise, tone and cardio. I plan to go back after summer.

But this is me sharing my experience, your priority is to speak to your Lymph Nurse as a priority, or LSN.

all the very best

shaz x

[AlanK in reply to shazsnicks]

Thanks Shaz

I am a member of a gym but the staff have little idea about lymphoedema. Before my hospitalisation I was at the gym 3 times a week for an hour followed by an hour in the pool. In the gym I was using the bike, treadmill and cross trainer. This was suplemented with weights....maybe I shouldn't do leg press? As soon as my doctor gives the all clear I intend to buy a bike....lol!

[kharimata]

Hello

I keep my dairy products on lowest level, do not eat meat and low fat. I did once a daily routine of green juice (combined with food off course) of sellery lemon flat parsley and beetroot. I drunk every day two cups and I went swimming a lot. Swimming is less dangerous ( slip your ankle in running), good for circulation in water pressure and deep breathing stimulates your lymph system.

These two things (detox juice) together with swimming kept my water regulatiomn in order. You have no idea how much weight i lost buttt also everybody was so surprised saying i looked so healthy.

Serious! And my lymphedema was at best then. Good luck with the weight loss. It is so important for us. Extra fat is extra pressure on lymphatic system....Take care !

[AlanK in reply to kharimata]

Thanks friend

[naominorthenellis]

Hi. it could be that the high doses of antibiotics used have upset the system a little; but continue with a clean diet, drink lots of water and avoid refined carbs any ready made packaged meals and i am sure you will be successful in losing weight. i have lower limb lymphoedema and i exercise regularly; walking, functional outdoor exercise classes, running in the swimming pool, pilates, golf - just keep moving but always wear your compression as exercise will increase lymphatic flow. Avoid using heavy weights. NNE

[AlanK in reply to naominorthenellis]

Thanks Naomi

As well as the gym and pool my diet was doing good, but not as defined as your own. Definitely I was leaning towards a similar diet with plenty fruit and veggies.

Regards

Alan

[Hidden]

Alan, you really need to talk to your lymphoedema nurses/doctors about this, but I would say that you need to put the attempts to lose weight on hold until you are completely better as your body needs to heal. The weight loss may also be masked by the increase in fluid retention that is no doubt a side effect of the cellulitis. Good luck!

[AlanK in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Helen

You are right...my problem is being patient, but I am learning. I know at its worst my infection added another 8 lbs to my weight.

Regards

Alan

[sue32]

I keep to a low carb diet and as a diabetic I find it helps keep my blood glucose levels within normal parameters, AND it helps with weight loss.

I have found a channel on the TV provider that rhymes with 'fry' that does 'Chairobics'. It's all done sitting on a dining chair and the guy who hosts it also has an older lady sitting beside him and she does the movements as well. So you really see that it is achievable! it's not at all demanding and you just do as much or as little as you can manage!

However, lymph fluid weighs quite heavy. After my last compression bandaging I had lost 4 kilos!! XXX

[AlanK in reply to sue32]

Thanks Sue

[Hidden]

At the Lipoedema Conference I was impressed to learn that exercising in a swimming pool as well as swimming helps with both ' demas.

[AlanK in reply to Hidden]

That confirms what I was suspecting...thanks

[LawStudent]

Agree with all excellent advice already given. With exercise it's really important to find something you enjoy. I recommend belly dancing. It's low impact and has fantastic health benefits. See:

nhs.uk/video/pages/bellydan.... It's very addictive and you can spend all day dancing and be too busy to eat! Also you can dance in bare feet (ideal for leg lymphoedema and swollen feet). All movements involve legs and arms and you can wear loose clothing to cover your affected limbs if you feel embarrassed. Good luck!

[AlanK in reply to LawStudent]

OK cheers...I think I will pass on the belly dancing though. My fragile reputation wouldn't survive! Thanks for the laugh though

[shazsnicks in reply to AlanK]

Hahaa

[LawStudent]

OOPS! I didn't realise the original post was from a man!! However, you will be surprised to know that there are MALE bellydancers! See worldbellydance.com/top-10-....

Glad I gave you a laugh. All the best

[shazsnicks in reply to LawStudent]

Hehee its always difficult with the screen names x

[leebetty]

Hello AlanK

I have lymphoedema in my left leg for 11 years now and was struggling with my weight I found this grate program on bodybuilding.com. The girl that set the program is Jamie Eason. She sets up a grate eating and exercise plain that is easy to fallow. I started back in may at 243 I have now dropped 28 pounds. Even if you dont want to do her workout ( I couldn't do her last phase ) Her eating plain is a grate start to learn how to limit your carb, calorie, and sugar intake. bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-...

[AlanK in reply to leebetty]

Thanks leebetty...will check it out.

[Jusie]

Hi

I have had Lymphoedema since I was 11, (35years) in both lower legs. I wear compression stockings, which I dislike immensely as they just push the fluid to my knee area.

I started cycling about a year ago, gentle rides out with my (extremely fit) partner. It was, I have to say hard work at first, it has helped with weight loss, but more importantly, (for me) my mindset. I have low self esteem, because of my legs. It definitely helps, and I can do 35 miles now. I would recommend, but of course, ask your GP's advice first? We're all different. Good luck!

[AlanK in reply to Jusie]

Thanks Jusie,

Hoping to get back on a bike soon as my energy levels get up a bit from cellulitis. Regards self esteem...it is a constant battle when your legs are so obviously swollen. But we must remember we deserve to live and conquer our trials!

Regards

Alan

[unlucky in reply to Jusie]

hi i also have lymphodema in both legs im still waiting to get help for it i have had it 6 years now my self esteem is rock bottom ive had one pair of comprssion stockings from the doctors which i havnt had chance to use because i have cellulits again 3 times in 9 months do you have any ideas how i can get it from of my knees as like you that is were its gone to also thank you heather p.s im also very over weight would cycling help me even a pedal exceiser in doors /?????

[unlucky]

hi im desperate to lose weight i have a infection in my leg at the momment i have lymphodema in my leg leg and its getting worse perhaps we could help eachother hope to hear from you soon heather x

[unlucky]

i find it almost in possible to excercise as im on crutches any help would be nice x

[AlanK in reply to unlucky]

Hi Heather

I can only sympathise with your predicament. Being immobilised makes it difficult to exercise. I'm patiently waiting for the green light from my lymph nurse to get back to exercising. Diet becomes more important when exercise is restricted. Have you seen the pedal exerciser you can buy off Argos? It can be used in the house for feet or arms.

Regards

Alan

[unlucky in reply to AlanK]

hi alan thank you for your reply i have seen the pedal exerciser do you know if there any good i might get one thanks for that take care heather xx

[AlanK in reply to unlucky]

Hi heather

The pedal exercisers can be cheap simple ones or, more expensive ones that give you electronic read outs and variable strengths which we have. They are easy to use and store. At the end of the day it depends on an indiduals commitment to keep with it. Hope that helps.

Regards

Alan