Question:
Has anyone experienced weight gain with Tamoxifen?

I had breast cancer last summer, which was exactly one year after WLS. I've been on tamoxifen for about a year and I'm really having trouble with weight gain and it is not because I'm eating too much. Anyone else have this experience?    — GailV (posted on November 29, 2005)

November 29, 2005
I took Tamoxifen before WLS and did experience some weight gain. I think that may be a side affect of the drug. Hope you're doing well. Margie
   — butlers4

November 29, 2005
Gail- let me first extend a heartfelt condolence for your struggle. I admire your strength to be facing so many transistion at once. I can encourage you that my nurse shared with me her best friend had WLS and then 8 months later found out she had breast cancer. She did her treatments and did struggle with weight but is now doing fine and cancer free. She did suggest speaking to your oncologist and possibly a endronologist who can track all of the motabolism changes that are occuring with your body. I had to see an endocronologist myself who specilizes in complicated bariatric cases. I ran into some very uniquie nutritional challenges and almost died twice. One he identified the problem things improved and my weight loss although slow is continuing. I don't know where you he but he is located in Charlotte, NC. Perhaps your oncologist can recommend a different drug. However if you are responding well to it- not sure changing is worth the risk. Email me anytime. I am happy to encourag and help.
   — ppaige

November 30, 2005
ABSOLUTELY!!!! Was on Tamoxifen for 2-1/2 years, gained over 100 pounds. Changed to Arimidex and finished out the remaining 2-1/2 years with that -- no side effects. Oncologist suggested WLS because I was almost crippled by the excess weight and other side effects. I would do Tamoxifen over again, and gain the weight, if I had to in order to avoid the breast cancer. The weight can always be fixed. email me privately if you need more info. Missy
   — Missy H.