Hi there
i am a bit of an outlier it seems - I have lost weight following my diagnosis.
I had skin sparing mastectomy, radiotherapy and then DIEP flap surgery , no chemo and have been on Letrazole for almost 12 months.
I am also 63.
I had put on 10 kilos over 30 years and decided to take myself in hand when I got diagnosed and see if I could lose weight.
My weight gain had been mainly in my tummy and breasts ( I had gone from a D cup to an E cup).
I lost 2 kilos from the removal of breast tissue and the rest as a result of a change in diet and engaging in an exercise programme.
I cut out most processed foods including cakes , biscuits and other sweets ( including chocolates, dramatically reduced alcohol intake, and just thought about what went into my mouth.
My vegan hairdresser said to me “ you never see a fat vegan because let’s face it who sits down and eats two plates of broccoli”!
I didn’t become vegan though.
I also saw an exercise physiologist to help me with the exercise.
I walk for at least half an hour every day and do other exercises including weight bearing exercises and continue Pilates once a week.
I also swim in summer.
Some days it’s hard to get motivated and make time but not only is exercise good for your physical health but your mental health too.
Some people find seeing a nutritionist useful .
I figured getting breast cancer was a wake up call that I could no longer take my body for granted.
And it is true your metabolism slows down after menopause and that does mean a tendency to gain weight if you don’t do anything extra.
