Menopause and Weight Gain

M

menopausal

New member
Hello everyone. I am new to this board, and am happy I found this site (I googled). Like many of you, I am desperately trying to lose weight. Just about one year ago I had a complete hysterectomy because of a very large but thankfully benign tumor. My doctor told me menopause would kick in immediately. He wasn't kidding! Aside from 24/7 hot flashes and insomnia, I have gained almost 50 pounds! I went from a size 4 to 14 and didn't change my eating habits, which are good. I went to see my doctor and he told me it will take time for my body to stabilize from the hormone shock and to "enjoy" this time of my life. I am very content with my life with the exception of my weight. It is really bothering me. Just last night I ordered the slimming tea - Wu-Long and am hopeful it will help. I must be better about working out, but to be honest I am embarrassed. I feel like I can barely move. My husband and I start ballroom dance lessons in early March (Latin dances), which I am excited about, but the thought of being in a beautiful gown in an overweight body is sad. If any of you ladies have or are experiencing menopause weight gain, I would love to hear from you with your coping strategies. I could really use support from women who know what I am talking about. Men cannot possibly understand the complexity of a woman's body and women cannot understand menopause unless they have truly experienced it. I look forward to reading your posts and wish each of you a successful journey in your weight loss. Thank you! Lisa
 
Welcome to the forum Lisa! I don't really know anything about menopause~sorry~but I did want to say 'Hi!'
 
Hi Lisa,
Boy can I relate. I had a hysterectomy almost ten years ago (partial, I still have the ovaries) and the dr. put me on the hormone pill immediately. Well, the weight and hunger started in earnest and the pounds packed on. I stayed on the hormones and the more I read, the less I liked what I was reading. I finally took myself off them two years ago and guess what happened? HOT FLASHES by the dozens. UGH! This so totally sucks. And the mood swings? My hubby's a saint, cause I would have shot me by now. Anyhow, I just keep gaining and losing and gaining. It sucks, but it's nice to know there's someone else out there going through the same thing. We have to support each other, right? Hang in there. I'm glad your tumor was benign. Thumbs up for that.
 
menopausal

I hope you find some information and encouragement here. What can we do about things beyond our control? My weight gain, highest 220 was due to medications that made me crave carbs. Every new drug was another 10, 20 pounds. Once I gained 30 pounds in one month on a new med. They made me want to eat and it became my pattern. I have only just started but I feel successful just regulating my eating. For me the damage has been done and I am chipping away at undoing some of it. Let's get moving and I hope you love your dancing.
 
Welcome to the team!

As a 23yo guy I know nothing about what you are going through :( But you have all my support in on your journey!
 
Yoyo Mama, thank you for your reply! Barbara Streisand sums it up best: "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world". Life can be very difficult from time-to-time and it's during those times we find encouragement from people we don't quite know, but understand the challenge. Any woman going through menopause understands the challenges we face, but with the support of each other, we'll get through. My spouse has also been very supportive (thank goodness!). There are days I feel I can't get out of my own way. It is sort of funny afterward, but when it happens, it is TERRIBLE. Did you ever see the movie 'The Incredibles'? My new nickname is Jack-Jack . . . courtesy of the hot flashes . . . I started an herbal medicine called Remifemin. It can be purchased over the counter, but is a little expensive ($27 for a 21 day supply). It is supposed to help with various menopausal symptoms, but does take time (4-12 weeks). I am in week 2 and will keep you updated . . . My best to you . . . look forward to hearing from you again . . . Lisa
 
Happychubette, thank you for your message. This forum is quite helpful and I am happy I came across it. I can empathize with your situation because it is difficult when weight gain is due to medicines we take to help other areas of our body. It sounds like you found the correct balance. I hope the pounds shed quickly for you. You certainly have my support! Keep me updated. My husband and I are looking very forward to our dance lessons. We will be learning the salsa, mamba and cha-cha. I already found a gorgeous, sexy red gown I want to wear for our dance competition . . . now the body just has to cooperate :) Will keep you posted . . .
 
LollipopKid, thank you for your message and support! With your genuine caring, you'll make a supportive husband! Congratulations on the weight you have lost so far, keep it going . . . You have my support!
 
Let me tell you something about tea as I am an avid tea nut because I enjoy the taste. Wu-long or oolong tea is simply tea that is half way processed between green and black. Preliminary studies point to an increase in metabolism, but only 20-50 calories a day and thats with 4 to 6 cups a day, hardly a dent when a pound of body fat is 3500 calories.

Drinking tea also has the advantage of increasing your overall water intake and unsweetened tea (naturally zero calories) will push out sweetened beverages such as soda from your diet. White, green and oolong tea doesn't contain enough caffeine to be considered a diuretic, and you can re-infuse the same leaves 2-3 times and every cup after the first is virtually caffeine free.

Unfortunately a product that should be drank for the reason of enjoyment has been given the spin of a gimmick weight loss product.
 
KissMyHuman, thanks for your message. I appreciate your input. I haven't received the tea yet, but am planning to return it as soon as it does come in. I was skeptical, now I'm sure it is just an expensive gimmick.
 
Well with tea, it depends on what you paid, and how much you got, $20-30 for 50-100g is totally fine because I'm sure it's sourced from decent quality tea. Unless it was amazingly overpriced, then keep it and enjoy some :)
 
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