Weight Loss And Gain With Cancer

Some of you are aware that 2 1/2 months after my RNY last December, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.  My cancer medical team was concerned with the fact of being a new bariatic patient so close to being a new oncology patient, that I would lose weight too rapidly, which is not good when undergoing chemo.  To say the least I have been watched very closely and I have been able to maintain a healthy balance.

My chemo treatments have been every 3 weeks.  I managed to keep my oncologist happy by only losing about 5 pounds during each 3 week period.  My bariatric NUT and surgeon have been okay with my slower weight loss since I have a good reason.  They said we will get back to whatever I need to do for weight loss after the cancer crap is out if me.

Even being on chemo I have been able to lose 104.4 lbs.  Each chemo treatment I gain 7 lbs of fluid that takes me a week to lose.  Then last week I was hospitalized and had emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction, which turned out to be an internal pelvic hernia.  

During my 5 days in the hospital, with IV fluids being pumped into me 24/7, I gained 15 pounds.  I was not allowed anything by mouth for 2 days, then I was finally put on a clear liquid diet for 1.5 days.  The last day I was put on a regular bariatric diet, but I had no appetite so I just sipped on my Premier Protein shake, that my hubs brought from home, and decaf tea.

Even being home I still don't yet have an appetite so I am thankful for my Premier Protein shakes for getting my protein.  Between not completely losing my hospital IV fluids and then Chemo yesterday, which is good for gaining 7 lbs of fluid, it won't be until the end of next week before I know my actual weight.

My double mastectomy will be in 4.5 weeks.  I am prepared for a large weight gain from IV fluids.  I will weigh myself the morning of surgery and then not again for a few weeks after.  This should be interesting to say the least.

Thats super tough :( I'm really sorry about all of this 

So sorry you have to go through such a difficult situation. Still you are a power of example that in any scenario you can work through it and still successfully lose weight!

Thank you for sharing. I am sure there is someone out there who needed to read this today.

Wow, you have the WLS part of your experience down to a real science.  You must be hyper aware how your body is operating.  You are fighting for every pound, your focus is going to serve you well.

My prayers go out to you lking. I can't even imagine what you're going through. Sounds like you have wonderful doctors. We're all here for you and wishing the best.

You are doing amazing and you are a strong person. I am in awe of you!

Keep it up and thanks for the update.

I believe we are surgery twins/ mine was dec15

Having been through both RNY and breast cancer/chemo/bilateral mastectomy but at separate times I can say unequivocally you are a BADASS. I know you didn't have a choice because it is what it is and you have to deal with it but you're dealing with it pretty well it seems. It sounds like you're tracking everything and keeping it together which is so hard to do while going through chemo. One or the other is hard but both is just ridiculous to imagine.

I didn't have much of an appetite through chemo either but weight fluctuates so much through that time and steroids so cause so much weigh gain. Seriously, I'm impressed.

Good luck with the mastectomy.

Thank you, Mute!

Just think about how much healthier you are going through this major surgery down 100+ pounds!  The fluids are important, and they do come off eventually.  With a major surgery, it will be longer than a week, as your body will be swollen for a little while.  Kudos to you and your husband for the awesome teamwork as you face this tremendous challenge. 

Take care.  Sending you positive vibes and well wishes.