Greetings all - Is anyone else fed up with all the magazines with tips for "losing 15 pounds FAST," or "walk off that holiday weight" but the articles never acknowledge that post-menopause, it's a whole new ball game?? I joined CK back in 2006 about 15 pounds into what turned out to be a 55 pound weight loss. I had kept it off for the most part until I was diagnosed w/ breast cancer, went through chemo and am now on an anti-estrogen regimen. With all of this has come about 20 pounds. Docs all say the drug I'm on doesn't contribute to weight gain, but a chorus of users on the web says otherwise. Regardless of the reason, at age 55, my body simply does not want to let go of the weight! I'm eating about 1400 calories a day (on the advice of my nutritionist) and exercising between 45 and 60 min a day, 5-6 days a week, mostly cardio, so you'd think there would be some progress! And like others, I'm experiencing aching knees and other joints, which adds to the challenge (BTW, I've done the pool thing but the chlorine wreaks havoc w/ my skin.
I don't mean to be negative, but I could sure use some tips and encouragement!

Seems like those magazines are mostly geared to young women. I agree, post menopause creates all kinds of new problems that we have to adjust to.

With having had cancer and cancer treatment, your body has been under stress and is hanging on to those extra 20 pounds just in case. I would mix up your exercise routine a little bit. If you can add a weight program; cut your cardio back to Mon, Wed, and Fri, and do light weights for 20-30 minutes on Tues and Thurs. If you have never exercised with weights, it would be a good idea to go to a gym and get some instruction before doing it on your own.

Don't give up.......and for now, don't stress over those extra pounds your body won't let go of. Concentrate on being healthy, eating right, and being mentally balanced.
Good luck,
Diane

I think Diane offered excellent advice! Also, is it possible that adding more calories (from healthy sources) to your daily intake from time to time might let your body know that it doesn't have to store the excess? There is a thread somewhere on CK about this zig-zag approach. By the way, your dedication to exercise is awesome! I could use some tips from you on getting movement in my life.

Best wishes!
Karen

SW 213
CW 200
GW 130

Pragmatist Goal 2/1/09 203
Pragmatist Goal 1/1/10 170

How great you are doing, SD! For one thing, you are alive! Woo-hoo!
I agree with Diane and Karen, good advice all around and good reasoning in my opinion.
My dermatologist recommended AmLactin for my ultra dry skin, and it's great. It has healed my skin, and I'm in the pool 2-4 times a week. Beware, it has no perfume and does not smell nice, though it is tolerable. There's no smell at all after it is soaked into the skin.
Good luck! Get proud of YOU, you're doing great!
Luv, Ursa

Observe constantly that all things take place by change, and accustom thyself to consider that the nature of the Universe loves nothing so much as to change the things which are, and to make new things like them. Marcus Aureli

Hi,

Ursa, when I used the pool my fingernails started to crack. Did you have that problem, too? I am going to give AmLactin a try. The cold, dry weather has turned my hands into lizard skin.

SD, how did your week go? Hope you saw some progress with your weight loss goal. I think your nutrition and fitness plan is awesome!

Karen

SW 213
CW 200
GW 130

Pragmatist Goal 2/1/09 203
Pragmatist Goal 1/1/10 170