55-65 year old women's success?

bubbex2

I am 68 and have been trying to lose for over a year. Not a lot...just 15 lbs. I had all kinds of tests to see what was wrong, but it all boiled down to carbs. That was all I was eating. Now that I am really carb careful, I have lost almost 10 lbs. I allow myself one day to eat whatever I want. I did that yesterday because my son and daughter in law took my boyfriend and me to lunch and a ballet in Charlotte. I really over did it. Now I have to be seriously careful this week. I can't exersize the way I usually do because I just had a lumpectomy for breast cancer. Once the soreness is better, and I'm cleared, I can go back to 3x a week and classes.
I feel much better since I lost the weight. I can get into some clothes I couldn't wear. Still have a ways to go to get into all of them, but I'm determined. Carbs are a killer especially at my age.

verptwerp

After losing 40+ lbs, I thought I was golden ! But I had a physical last week & the doctor says I need to lose yet another TWENTY pounds !!! Cholesterol is higher than it should be ..... and so on ...... everything increasing risk for cardiac problems. I did slack off this summer, that's true. But I can't lose focus even for a short while, because it really does come back & kick me in the butt

AnnPT77

bubbex2 wrote: »

I am 68 and have been trying to lose for over a year. Not a lot...just 15 lbs. I had all kinds of tests to see what was wrong, but it all boiled down to carbs. That was all I was eating. Now that I am really carb careful, I have lost almost 10 lbs. I allow myself one day to eat whatever I want. I did that yesterday because my son and daughter in law took my boyfriend and me to lunch and a ballet in Charlotte. I really over did it. Now I have to be seriously careful this week. I can't exersize the way I usually do because I just had a lumpectomy for breast cancer. Once the soreness is better, and I'm cleared, I can go back to 3x a week and classes.
I feel much better since I lost the weight. I can get into some clothes I couldn't wear. Still have a ways to go to get into all of them, but I'm determined. Carbs are a killer especially at my age.

Good for you!

@bubbex2 (and other reading this thread):Did you know that regular vigorous exercise, according to research, contributes as much to avoiding breast cancer recurrence/mortality as does chemotherapy (in at least some age groups/cancer types)? (NB: This is true completely independent of weight loss.)

And did you-all know that being overweight is one of the risk factors for getting breast cancer (and other cancers) in the first place?

We're doing a good thing for ourselves in *many* ways by losing weight and/or getting active.

I'm a 15-year survivor of stage III (i.e., quite advanced) breast cancer. I suspect being active may well have contributed to my staying alive & healthy this long. And it's fun, besides!

Cheers!

trina1049

Hi, everyone! I'm also on the exercise bandwagon. Hated it -- but now I've seen the light. For me, exercise is necessary to keep off the 50 lbs I've lost over the last year and a half. I have to keep active to stay healthy along with logging on MFP to keep my weight within normal BMI ranges.

I have to watch every single thing that I put into my mouth or I'm afraid I will pack on the pounds again. At 66 years old there's just no other way, but truly it's a small price to pay for staying as healthy as possible well into old age. The food just does not mean that much to me anymore -- I'd rather be healthy.

retirehappy

AnnPT77 wrote: »

bubbex2 wrote: »

I am 68 and have been trying to lose for over a year. Not a lot...just 15 lbs. I had all kinds of tests to see what was wrong, but it all boiled down to carbs. That was all I was eating. Now that I am really carb careful, I have lost almost 10 lbs. I allow myself one day to eat whatever I want. I did that yesterday because my son and daughter in law took my boyfriend and me to lunch and a ballet in Charlotte. I really over did it. Now I have to be seriously careful this week. I can't exersize the way I usually do because I just had a lumpectomy for breast cancer. Once the soreness is better, and I'm cleared, I can go back to 3x a week and classes.
I feel much better since I lost the weight. I can get into some clothes I couldn't wear. Still have a ways to go to get into all of them, but I'm determined. Carbs are a killer especially at my age.

Good for you!

@bubbex2 (and other reading this thread):Did you know that regular vigorous exercise, according to research, contributes as much to avoiding breast cancer recurrence/mortality as does chemotherapy (in at least some age groups/cancer types)? (NB: This is true completely independent of weight loss.)

And did you-all know that being overweight is one of the risk factors for getting breast cancer (and other cancers) in the first place?

We're doing a good thing for ourselves in *many* ways by losing weight and/or getting active.

I'm a 15-year survivor of stage III (i.e., quite advanced) breast cancer. I suspect being active may well have contributed to my staying alive & healthy this long. And it's fun, besides!

Cheers!

Ann, congrats on finding a healthy lifestyle. My sister and best friend are survivors too. I wish they would listen when I tell them this. But I am so far, free of any cancer or heart disease, so couldn't possibly know what I am talking about.

mk2fit

I'm with @AnnPT77 and @trina1049. Exercise is the key! No cancer or other issues here, however, I do feel a ton better when I get in a good hour on the elliptical every morning plus some strength training and a run or walk later in the day. I have lost 69# here and plan to keep it all off! My blood pressure is back to normal and my pulse is at a very nice place. It feels good to feel good (trite, I know, but true).

bubbex2

AnnPT77 wrote: »

bubbex2 wrote: »

I am 68 and have been trying to lose for over a year. Not a lot...just 15 lbs. I had all kinds of tests to see what was wrong, but it all boiled down to carbs. That was all I was eating. Now that I am really carb careful, I have lost almost 10 lbs. I allow myself one day to eat whatever I want. I did that yesterday because my son and daughter in law took my boyfriend and me to lunch and a ballet in Charlotte. I really over did it. Now I have to be seriously careful this week. I can't exersize the way I usually do because I just had a lumpectomy for breast cancer. Once the soreness is better, and I'm cleared, I can go back to 3x a week and classes.
I feel much better since I lost the weight. I can get into some clothes I couldn't wear. Still have a ways to go to get into all of them, but I'm determined. Carbs are a killer especially at my age.

Good for you!

@bubbex2 (and other reading this thread):Did you know that regular vigorous exercise, according to research, contributes as much to avoiding breast cancer recurrence/mortality as does chemotherapy (in at least some age groups/cancer types)? (NB: This is true completely independent of weight loss.)

And did you-all know that being overweight is one of the risk factors for getting breast cancer (and other cancers) in the first place?

We're doing a good thing for ourselves in *many* ways by losing weight and/or getting active.

I'm a 15-year survivor of stage III (i.e., quite advanced) breast cancer. I suspect being active may well have contributed to my staying alive & healthy this long. And it's fun, besides!

Cheers!

I have heard that. I have been doing weight training for over 18 years. My big problem is that I hate cardio. I know I have to do it but I have to force myself. I am going to the gym tomorrow to do a lower body workout. Since that doesn't take long, I will make sure I do cardio also.

I am lucky because my cancer was DCIS. Non invasive. Today, though, I have been thinking that I made the wrong choice to only have a bilateral lumpectomy. I am so afraid it will come back. I'll find out about the pathology on Tuesday. That will determine whether or not I need radiation. No chemo. I think I will feel better about my choice after I hear the results. Surgery was on Wednesday and I'm still pretty sore. I am not allowed to lift anything. Once I get past this, I will try to increase my workouts. I do not want to be back here again (cancer) and will do everything I can to make sure I take care of myself.

trina1049

@bubbex2 thinking of you! Hope you heal soon and are restored to good health. You've had quite a journey already. Stay strong.

bubbex2

Went to the Y yesterday, but for some reason, I had very little energy. I did a lower body workout and 30 minutes of cardio. Today I get the results of the pathology report from the lumpectomy.

vicky1947mfp

bubbex2 wrote: »

Went to the Y yesterday, but for some reason, I had very little energy. I did a lower body workout and 30 minutes of cardio. Today I get the results of the pathology report from the lumpectomy.

Praying for good results.

mk2fit

Praying for you @bubbex2

bubbex2

Thanks for all the support. I went to my doctor today and the news isn't great, but it could be a lot worse. The margins weren't large enough for radiation, so I need to have another surgery on Friday. It will be easier than last week since my doctor will use the same incision. Then I will have to have radiation and will be on medication for five years to block estrogen production since the tumor was estrogen and progesterone positive (happy hot flashes!). The side effects from radiation are not fun. I asked my doctor about going ahead with a mastectomy , but she doesn't feel there are any benefits since the tumor was non invasive. So now I just deal with anxiety. I will be able to do an upper body workout tomorrow then I'll have to take another week off. I have no idea when I'll start treatment.

behnybaby

Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

vicky1947mfp

@bubbex2 - will be praying for you and a speedy recovery.

beachgal0626

@bubbex2 - another "cyberspace buddy" wishing you well and praying for a great recovery.

bubbex2

You are all wonderful!

17761776

Prayers are with you!!! Gayle Minneapolis

2manyhats

Sending prayers!

trina1049

@bubbex2 praying for you and your family for a full recovery. Stay strong.

bubbex2

Thanks for all your support. it's exactly what i need right now. I got in a good workout today. I don't know how long it will be until I can go back to the Y. Probably another week after Friday's surgery. The scale was boring today, but it looks like I've lost inches. I will try on some size 4 pants to see if they fit!

krenwren

@bubbex2 Thinking of you and sending positive thoughts your way.

deescrafty

@bubbex2 Sending positive thoughts, and thinking of you. I knit "knitted knockers" for charity, would be happy to do some for you if you end up needing them. PM me.

bubbex2

deescrafty wrote: »

@bubbex2 Sending positive thoughts, and thinking of you. I knit "knitted knockers" for charity, would be happy to do some for you if you end up needing them. PM me.

Would you be offended if I said i didn't know what that was?
I'm doing ok after second surgery on Friday. I can't wait until I can take the bandages off later and wash my hair!

Verdenal

griffinca2 wrote: »

Verdenal; True. But just as bad is saying "I'm on a diet and can't eat ________" (fill in the blank). It can still be eaten just not often and in smaller quantities. I think that is the hurdle most people have a hard time getting over (it's an "all or nothing" attitude).

Unfortunately, I really do much better with an almost all or nothing attitude. I don't do well with moderation.

krenwren

ahhh stupid moderation! it's a curse. unfortuntely having tried many eating strategies that limit food groups and such, i find that just not eating is the way to lose. By that I mean limiting calories not a certain food group. It's slow and painful but ultimately successful. What I need to get better at is not wasting my calories on junk.

jodya56

If only I could moderate. Been fighting this battle since I got hips in 5th grade. I'm 57 and heavier than ever. Even tho I'm overweight I've been lucky but lately don't feel good and feel my luck is running out. Been on MFP for three weeks and have lost 8 lbs. it's a good start but I have a LONG way to go. Small steps.

Nice to have support from people here. Read a lot of your stories and it's great to hear success stories from those who've been there

J

mk2fit

Oh, wow. Moderation worked for me and I am Mrs. Compulsive. Maybe I took the moderation into my compulsions. Whatever, it worked for me. Have managed to lose 70#. Maybe because I have overdone the exercise side of things. OK, never mind

trina1049

mk2loser wrote: »

Oh, wow. Moderation worked for me and I am Mrs. Compulsive. Maybe I took the moderation into my compulsions. Whatever, it worked for me. Have managed to lose 70#. Maybe because I have overdone the exercise side of things. OK, never mind

I'll chime in with a vote for moderation as well -- that and working the calories in / calories out numbers. Once I figured out how the numbers worked I was able to successfully lose weight. I eat anything I want; I just have to be careful about my sodium intake, which is a pain, but doable.

For me, exercise is an important component as well. Staying active keeps me healthy along with calorie counting. I'm sleeping so much better when I make sure that I'm active all day. The more you do the better you feel.

vicky1947mfp

trina1049 wrote: »

mk2loser wrote: »

Oh, wow. Moderation worked for me and I am Mrs. Compulsive. Maybe I took the moderation into my compulsions. Whatever, it worked for me. Have managed to lose 70#. Maybe because I have overdone the exercise side of things. OK, never mind

I'll chime in with a vote for moderation as well -- that and working the calories in / calories out numbers. Once I figured out how the numbers worked I was able to successfully lose weight. I eat anything I want; I just have to be careful about my sodium intake, which is a pain, but doable.

For me, exercise is an important component as well. Staying active keeps me healthy along with calorie counting. I'm sleeping so much better when I make sure that I'm active all day. The more you do the better you feel.

Sounds just like my plan. And it works. I have lost 40 lbs at 68 years old. Just by cutting amount eaten and increasing activity. It can be done.

trina1049

vicky1947mfp wrote: »

trina1049 wrote: »

mk2loser wrote: »

Oh, wow. Moderation worked for me and I am Mrs. Compulsive. Maybe I took the moderation into my compulsions. Whatever, it worked for me. Have managed to lose 70#. Maybe because I have overdone the exercise side of things. OK, never mind

I'll chime in with a vote for moderation as well -- that and working the calories in / calories out numbers. Once I figured out how the numbers worked I was able to successfully lose weight. I eat anything I want; I just have to be careful about my sodium intake, which is a pain, but doable.

For me, exercise is an important component as well. Staying active keeps me healthy along with calorie counting. I'm sleeping so much better when I make sure that I'm active all day. The more you do the better you feel.

Sounds just like my plan. And it works. I have lost 40 lbs at 68 years old. Just by cutting amount eaten and increasing activity. It can be done.

Hey, V! Yup, I'm 66 and down over 50 lbs. Portion control is key for me, so that's another component to losing weight and staying healthy. It's so simply elegant -- yet people make it so complicated, I think. You have to measure your calories, control your portions, and exercise for optimum health. OK, done preachin' LOL!