The FastDay Forum

Hi All
I'm struggling to stop the weight gain after the sudden onset of menopause following a total hysterectomy. I'm otherwise healthy, with no diabetes, CV disease, normal functioning thyroid and not insulin resistant.
I was able to maintain my modest weight loss with 5:2 for a few weeks after total hysterectomy, but I'm finding that the pounds are creeping back, slowly but surely. Granted I've only gained 7 pounds, but 7 pounds it a lot when I think about how hard it was to lose them
Anyway, this isn't meant to be a pity fest; I want to hear from other women who have been maintaining on 5:2, who have then gone through sudden loss of hormones through surgery and hear what their experiences have been like?
I need some encouragement that I will be able to shed those pounds once my body has acclimatised to the loss of estrogen
Thanks!

Hi @jeninboston I feel your pain! I don't know when you had your surgery, but I too had instant menopause following a hysterectomy a few years ago. My weight shot up even though I was eating a healthy diet... I guess that the massive hormonal upheaval can take a long time to stabilise. And unfortunately I think I now have a lower TDEE... and there is the crux of the matter - it is now very easy to eat too much on non-fast days! I've found that missing breakfast can help, as does using MFP to log what I eat, but I've got out of that habit during Christmas and am still eating goodies I received as presents. Yay and grr!
Anyway, I just want to say that you're not alone! Do give it a go to try to stop the creeping pounds. That was happening to me in the autumn, and with a prod from this forum I've managed to halt the upward trend. Good luck

I recognise this. I wish there were more studies but I'm afraid that the only thing I find that works is a)calorie vigilance every single day and b)keeping carb levels under strict control.

[Tracieknits]

I don't have anything particularly helpful to add, as I have no experience with any of this. But I do know that menopausal and post-menopausal women have lost weight on this forum. So I know you can too.

I'm sorry you're going through this. It really bites.

How frustrating and upsetting for you. As mentioned, keeping track of what you are eating and reducing (sugary) carbs should help. And I know diet is the key to weight loss, but are you able to increase your activity level a little? The 10,000 steps a day does seem to help with weight loss, and maybe some HIIT and a little weight training? Just watch you don't start eating any extra as a result.
Good luck.

[wildmissus]

@carieoates, just wondering if you have any thoughts on this.

[Debs]

I sympathise with you as I fear that I am in the same boat. I have been perimenopausal for quite a while and have found it well nigh impossible to lose weight. I know there are many factors which affect people and just because one person can lose it whilst going through menopause, doesn't mean everyone can and we know hormones can do strange things to us! All we can do is eat as healthily as possible, limit the carbs and hope for the best.
I have found that carb and calorie control is the only way I can keep the weight down.
Good luck!
Debs

[carieoates]

@carieoates, just wondering if you have any thoughts on this.

I did have a hysterectomy , Dec 4th 2013, so this time last year I was convalescing. It was difficult for me to lose weight during the 6 months following surgery. I did manage to keep my ovaries though, so my hormones are still as they should be.
I'm not saying that you are cheating but sometime during late summer I sort of had that light bulb moment.
I now diligently log all calories, every day. It's a kind of therapy as those pesky extras can be forgotten. I'm also friends with a few pals here on MFPal, which also keeps me in check (not that are scrutinising my every mouthful).
I also lowered my non fast day TDEE to 1500 cals or thereabouts, purely because TDEEs are all calculated and cannot take into account the make up of everyone's body. Then 5-600 cals on fast days.

The other thing which helped was "sober for October" which kick started the loss, in fact I'm now dry January
and that alongside the cal monitoring has helped me unload the Xmas baggage in double quick time, proving that new "carb" weight comes off fast.

I would consider a two week mega fast.... No alcohol, log all calories.......what can you lose.
Good luck and you're not moaning you're reaching out for answers! This is a place where we can share our experiences and hope that one day someone will benefit from our knowledge,

Thanks all for your words of encouragement and support. In a way its good to know I'm not alone
I had two surgeries, hysterectomy in Jan 2014 and ovaries/lymph nodes removed in May 2014. For the most part, I was able to maintain my weight until Sept 2014, then chaos ensued with my emotions and hand in hand my weight went nuts
I know I struggle to maintain low carbs and I do think I lost focus of what I was eating from Sept - Dec, so in hindsight, its no wonder that Im almost 10 pounds heavier.
Anyway, my body is getting used to the "no hormones" and I'm over the worst, interestingly, my weight has stabalised! YAY
So, my current strategy is to fast twice a week with the aim of not necessarily to kill myself and get demotivated by trying to get back to the weight I was at this time last year which was 126 lbs. I'm at 135 and my aim is to get to 130lbs. Once I get there, I will re-evaluate if its even feasible to get any lower
I do workout 2 times a week as well as walk (aiming for 10,000 steps a day) and do yoga 4-5 a week. I will incorporate some HIIT and try to have one day with low carbs.
Thank you ladies for your support ... I feel so much better knowing I have a plan. I know I can stick to it once I set my mind to it, so Im hopeful that I'll be weighing in a bit lighter by spring

Sounds like a good plan Jen! Good luck and best wishes. Keep us posted!

[carieoates]

Good luck Jen, and not imposing a massive goal would help me in that situation too.