Hi
I had a mastectomy over 3 years ago and decided on the DIEP but my BMI was slightly higher than the hospital needed it to be so I have had a Tissue Expander in ever since… I needed to lose about 5kgs which was going well and then we went into lockdown, so all surgeries were delayed and cancelled. The menopause bought on by Tamoxifen and has now made it very hard for me to lose weight and I now have just over 10kgs to lose as it seems to be piling on
I am have been on the waiting list 2.5 years for this op and the hospital call me every 3/4 months to see where I am with my weight… I don’t really know what to do now.
Has anyone else struggled with this for a pending op and how did you lose the weight?
Thanks
Sharon
Hi,
Im sorry to hear you are struggling to lose weight. I didn’t end up having DIEP as had successful 2nd lumpectomy, but I understand all the BMI issues.
I had a shock at my first pre op assessment in February having gained 13-14 kilos over the past few years. I actually signed up to Slimming World that day and have been going ever since. I’ve lost 12 kilos so far with 1-2 to go. It helped my husband agreed to do it with me. The group I go to has a BC survivor and someone else in active treatment, so that has helped too.
Maybe it could help you? Good luck with everything. Best wishes, Karen
Hi
I have had a tissue expander in for nearly 3 years now…. so know how frustrated you must feel ( my delays in surgery are being blamed on covid).
I found I put on about 4 kg with tamoxifen…even running 4 times a week! My BMI is still ok but it is very depressing, it feels like you just can’t win!!
Have you tried a dopamine / keto type of diet? Cutting out carbs can sometimes work. You just have to watch it with exercise as you may feel a bit weak!!!
I wish you all the best and hope you get sorted soon!!!