Weight Gain

[Corribrae]

I have just had my 3rd session of chemo and have gained weight with an ever increasing appetite. I am not taking any exercise as I am so exhausted. I am worried that I may struggle to lose the extra weight when this is all over. Please someone tell me that it will all just drop off after.......

[Choski]

Well I'm sorry to say that it didn't for me! I put on 1.5 stone over my chemo and as I've also eaten rubbish since I finished chemo in August Ive not lost any if it. Until my chemo sickness meds were changed and I was being so darned ill I lost 8 lbs over a weekend! Luckily my meds were changed and strengthened a few times and with the steroids for each chemo session I also then found I was RAVENOUS. I know I'm now eating badly and that is why my extra weight is still here. I need to be in the right mindset to eat better and I will do so after Christmas. I've followed Slimming Workd in the past and that really works for me.

Don't worry too much, you need to put yourself first and damn those scales.!!!

Take care

Clare xx

[charlie12]

It will , I struggled with weight gain but when my body recovered sufficiently to be able to exercise without too much pain, I lost all of it. It's a vicious circle , worsened by hormonal changes , if you physically can't exercise you gain weight. But like all circles it can be reversed and when you tone up a bit you get more motivated.

But this takes time...and it will happen...honestlly.

I had the first of two operations in January 2010 and one of the reasons I still keep an eye on these boards is to say that this all takes a long time to recover from , but it's doable.

Love n hugs xxx

[Mommoo65]

My gosh, you are not alone! I lost 67 lbs during treatment and once I got my appetite back, they came creeping back. I gained 35 lbs back in 9 months and now that I can exercise again, hoping those pesky things will melt off.

[SarahsJourney]

I'm so glad someone on this thread mentioned the word ravenous! Is this something that happens with chemo? If so I didn't know. I've spent the last 8 months on a health & fitness journey, & lost 15kgs when I was diagnosed.

Had intended to still watch my weight, but then lost 2kgs in one week and panicked as I want my body strong still to be able to cope with everything that's going on.

It's difficult finding that balance but I definitely don't want to end up overweight again either so I sympathise.

[Rachael47]

When I got my initial diagnosis I rather glumly thought 'well at least I will lose weight', but not so. I haven't actually gained much - a couple of pounds - but definitely an upward trend. Rubbish food waves at me and I eat it. There is a pack of spinach rotting in the fridge as I write ... next to the Frys Chocolate creams. I have lost what little will-power I had.

[Cropcrop]

It's the steroids, they give you such a huge appetite, I put 2 stone on during my chemo. I also think that because of the awful taste in your mouth the chemo gives you that you look for something you can actually taste, for me that was sugar and salt i.e. Chocolate, cakes cheese and crisps etc.etc. Once I felt more human at the end of the treatment i started back on a reasonable diet and slowly the weight started to come off, unfortunately the new liking for chocolate stayed with me and I have occasional binges (whole pack of biscotti last night (naughty naughty Jane😕)) but I will be good again. With Christmas coming and so many lovely yummy foods around just enjoy what you like, you have plenty of other things to deal with with the chemo. I found eating helped with the nausea too so it was a double edged sword⚔️. The weight will come off just be patient and good luck with the rest of your treatment ❤️Xx

[LesleyGreengran]

I find the steroids make me hungry and then as they wear off the chemo spoils my appetite. I'm eating more junk food but I do get out for a walk every day as I don't want to lose muscle tone and be unable to do much when chemo is finished. It has helped keep the weight off and helps my mood just to see something other than my own 4 walls. Even on bad days I walk round the block.

[Caroles1]

Was really skinny (not good look) after op and during chemo,but yes, the steriods make you ravenous.Iwatch what I eat now,small portion sizes,but know I need to excercise regularly to loose it,but you need to have the energy and strength to do so!

It's a vicious circle,need to try and get my strength and stamina to do so and Im not sure it will come,but will never give up 😊Xxx

[annielawrie]

Put on loads and can't shift it.Gave up sugar, cake ,chocolate,biscuits, no sugary drinks( except wine)lol. Months ago ,lost no weight. But I do eat a lot of fruit. I regard myself really lucky I didn't vomit through chemo.Bit of nausea and I ate through that too . I am now overweight and I struggle up stairs and up hill. But I walk everywhere.That's the only exercise I take. (No car) But you know I'm well at present ,and I bless every day I'm here. Xxxx

[luluw]

I am the same as Annielawrie. I put on weight towards the end of chemo and I'm really struggling to lose it. I've given up all sweet things and I can exercise again but I've only dropped a few pounds!

[Corribrae]

Thanks everyone ,, at least I know what to expect now. Ravenous definitely is the word. The horrible taste in my mouth can't help I'm sure. I have been too exhausted for exercise so must try harder I think. Not one bit of nausea.....just hunger! I guess I must count my blessings.

[Caroles1]

My onc said to do the 5 2diet but told me I need to get under the 400 cal on the fasting days...like that's possible!

I just think the weight on is another factor of this disease and all we can do is our best to stay healthy and excercise.

Be kind to yourselves,we are doing our best,

Carole xxx

[Hidden]

I have lost weight during treatment and now have put it back on and more. I suppose everything in moderation. It is hard to get out and walk if you feel tired so the next best thing is to rain the cupboard. I am trying to be good, for instance I had to go on an early train journey yesterday so took a pot of grapes and some crackers and cheese. I got some interesting looks. But I wont eat the train rubbish. Take heart someone I know who was on steroids for radiotheraphy, put on lots of weight, Post treatment she felt ill and lost weight and now she cant look at all the things she craved.

[vmichel]

Hi, was already overweight when I was diagnosed almost 3 years ago, and have gained 2 more pounds. But in the meantime, had 5 lines of treatment, my only break from chemo (and steroids) was a surgery 2 1/2 years ago. Was pretty sick with most of the chemo lines, so was losing several pounds on the following days while starving (thanks to the steroids), and then re-gained them. So that's pretty much like the yo-yo effect of diets. Your body doesn't like losing and re-gaining weight quickly and on a regular basis... And now, have to push myself to go out for a walk. My last chemo (Gemzar + Oxaliplatin) caused neuropathy to cold (or to things made of stainless steal for instance, like kitchen handles...) in feet and hands (and even on the gum sometimes, not to mention wrists and ankles). Have to go walking with fleece-lined boots, which is not really comfortable, gloves made for cold rooms, etc. Not to mention I don't like the way I look, have the feeling I'm at least 20 years older than I really am...

Véronique

[Jackie0]

Always frustrating to put on weight and not be able to loose it! I have put on two stone in the last 18 months, but hey I'm still here and have to be thankful for that!!Enough sacrifices are made and endured by us in this cancer fight,good food and a nice glass of wine are a treat I'm not prepared to give up(in moderation of course)

Much love and Happy Christmas to all

Jackie O xxx