Why is my body so stubborn?? No fat loss and need help
Jess830409
Posts: 285 Member
Any helpful advice is welcome.
Story in a nutshell. I am a 31 yr. old female. I run 3x a week (10-12 miles a week) and strength/weight train 3x a week. I have been eating clean and follow the 80/20 rule. I log. I weigh. I pay attention to labels. Over the last two years I have completed a marathon, 3 half marathons, started lifting weights and have become active in general versus my past.
I had my ovaries removed 15 months ago. At that point I was 124lbs and was comfortable with my weight, but lacked some muscle. Ever since the surgery it feels like I am hitting a road block. Nothing that used to work for me seems to be doing nothing. I dont know if I can blame it all on the lack of hormones, but something is getting in my way.
I have gained weight - as of this morning I am 137. As much as I would love to think that it is all muscle I have gained, I know better.
My question is how do I shed this stubborn fat when I think I am doing all I can do.
In general do I feel healthier - yes! But do I want to fit back into some clothes I cant wear anymore - yes!
Overall my measurements seem to have only gone up alittle bit - I just dont understand.
Any other ladies run into this issue?
I am beginning to feel like all my efforts are a waste. And even if I made peace with my weight at this stage I am afraid the scale will keep going up and up and up.
Story in a nutshell. I am a 31 yr. old female. I run 3x a week (10-12 miles a week) and strength/weight train 3x a week. I have been eating clean and follow the 80/20 rule. I log. I weigh. I pay attention to labels. Over the last two years I have completed a marathon, 3 half marathons, started lifting weights and have become active in general versus my past.
I had my ovaries removed 15 months ago. At that point I was 124lbs and was comfortable with my weight, but lacked some muscle. Ever since the surgery it feels like I am hitting a road block. Nothing that used to work for me seems to be doing nothing. I dont know if I can blame it all on the lack of hormones, but something is getting in my way.
I have gained weight - as of this morning I am 137. As much as I would love to think that it is all muscle I have gained, I know better.
My question is how do I shed this stubborn fat when I think I am doing all I can do.
In general do I feel healthier - yes! But do I want to fit back into some clothes I cant wear anymore - yes!
Overall my measurements seem to have only gone up alittle bit - I just dont understand.
Any other ladies run into this issue?
I am beginning to feel like all my efforts are a waste. And even if I made peace with my weight at this stage I am afraid the scale will keep going up and up and up.
0
Replies
-
Barring a medical condition, it sounds like you need to eat fewer calories.0
-
Maybe check your hormone levels by a doctor. I'd start there.0
-
I also gained weight after a total hysterectomy eating the same way I did before surgery--10 pounds in three months. It sucks, but you have eat less food now.0
-
DeguelloTex wrote: »Barring a medical condition, it sounds like you need to eat fewer calories.
I'd say that having no ovaries counts as a medical condition.
OP, have you consulted with a registered dietician? I'm not sure how much hormone levels may be affecting you, but it wouldn't hurt to contact someone with experience in this area.0 -
If it all started after the surgery, I agree with Joy. Go to the doctor.0
-
Hormones or lack there of them is not the reason you are not loosing weight.. You gained up to 137 because you are eating more calories than you burn.. A lot of ladies with PCOS, hysterectomies, peri menopausal, post menopausal, yadi yadi, yadi are loosing weight and if not, they use this as their excuse for why they are not.
Time to recheck the logging and measuring of your food intake and accurately putting them in your diary.. Also eating too many exercise calories is a huge culprit if you eat them back...
edited to add: in case you are deeply concerned this is a health issue, have blood work and a metabolic blood panel test done...0 -
Yes, I can relate... but not to the ovary surgery. Did you get on hormones? I dont know for sure, but I think that could have something to do with it?0
-
I did bring up my concerns to my GYN at my last appointment and literally she just looked at me and said there is nothing she could tell me to do differently. My daily calories are between 1,300 and 1,500 daily consistently.
I will have to look into getting with an actual dietician because going much lower than that scares me - because I do enjoy being active and don't want to compromise my energy levels either
0 -
I take a very low dose of estrogen and progesterone - because it was literally like someone took me from 100 to 0 when I had my surgery.
I am definetely not new to the game. I own a food scale - I weigh everything - even the milk that goes in my coffee in the morning - and I log. Trust me, people at my work believe I am obsessive about it. And when I do splurge, it comes with a price. Sodium and I do not get along, and when I go above a certain amount it takes a long time just to get the water weight to go down.
0 -
Go to your regular Dr. Consult your concerns with them. Sorry but your GYN seems lazy.0
-
And if it can't be compensated for by medicine, then the answer is that she just has to eat less. Which is exactly what I said.DeguelloTex wrote: »Barring a medical condition, it sounds like you need to eat fewer calories.
I'd say that having no ovaries counts as a medical condition.
0 -
DeguelloTex wrote: »
And if it can't be compensated for by medicine, then the answer is that she just has to eat less. Which is exactly what I said.DeguelloTex wrote: »Barring a medical condition, it sounds like you need to eat fewer calories.
I'd say that having no ovaries counts as a medical condition.
Less than 1,300 calories a day?0 -
Go to your regular Dr. Consult your concerns with them. Sorry but your GYN seems lazy.
I agree! - I left the appointment very upset and more determined to figure out what I need to do - but I feel I am going at it blind. I will have to look into a good dietician or someone that may be able to point me in the right direction. I have no problem with giving 100% - but need to know what is my road block.
0 -
If you're gaining weight on what you're eating now, and a doctor can't prescribe anything that alters that, what options do you think there are other than fewer net calories?Jess830409 wrote: »DeguelloTex wrote: »
And if it can't be compensated for by medicine, then the answer is that she just has to eat less. Which is exactly what I said.DeguelloTex wrote: »Barring a medical condition, it sounds like you need to eat fewer calories.
I'd say that having no ovaries counts as a medical condition.
Less than 1,300 calories a day?
0 -
Jess830409 wrote: »DeguelloTex wrote: »
And if it can't be compensated for by medicine, then the answer is that she just has to eat less. Which is exactly what I said.DeguelloTex wrote: »Barring a medical condition, it sounds like you need to eat fewer calories.
I'd say that having no ovaries counts as a medical condition.
Less than 1,300 calories a day?
Since you described only "eating clean", there was no mention of weighing your food. The 1300 cals/day is on the slight side, but you may actually be going over this number if you don't weigh your food. Eating clean or otherwise doesn't mean anything if you are going way over your calorie intake needed for weight loss.0 -
Jess830409 wrote: »DeguelloTex wrote: »
And if it can't be compensated for by medicine, then the answer is that she just has to eat less. Which is exactly what I said.DeguelloTex wrote: »Barring a medical condition, it sounds like you need to eat fewer calories.
I'd say that having no ovaries counts as a medical condition.
Less than 1,300 calories a day?
Maybe, but I'm not a health professional. I recommend seeing a dietician (NOT a nutritionist).0 -
Ask yourself how your clothes are fitting. Maybe you need to forget the number. This is some random pic I found on the internet, but you get the idea.0 -
DeguelloTex wrote: »
If you're gaining weight on what you're eating now, and a doctor can't prescribe anything that alters that, what options do you think there are other than fewer net calories?Jess830409 wrote: »DeguelloTex wrote: »
And if it can't be compensated for by medicine, then the answer is that she just has to eat less. Which is exactly what I said.DeguelloTex wrote: »Barring a medical condition, it sounds like you need to eat fewer calories.
I'd say that having no ovaries counts as a medical condition.
Less than 1,300 calories a day?
Hopefully a possible natural solution - maybe an herbal supplement, or a re working of the types of nutrients - I dunno - but extremly low calorie intake or medication can come with problems too
But, again I am at a loss on my own - just very confused by it all0 -
"But do I want to fit back into some clothes I cant wear anymore - yes!"Liftng4Lis wrote: »Ask yourself how your clothes are fitting. Maybe you need to forget the number. This is some random pic I found on the internet, but you get the idea.
0 -
Fair enough, but I would rather buy new ones! Okay, I always want to buy new clothes, so that's not a very fair assessment.DeguelloTex wrote: »
"But do I want to fit back into some clothes I cant wear anymore - yes!"Liftng4Lis wrote: »Ask yourself how your clothes are fitting. Maybe you need to forget the number. This is some random pic I found on the internet, but you get the idea.
Seriously, I've been recomping for year, I weigh more and wear a smaller size. BONUS!
0 -
Jess830409 wrote: »I take a very low dose of estrogen and progesterone - because it was literally like someone took me from 100 to 0 when I had my surgery.
I am definetely not new to the game. I own a food scale - I weigh everything - even the milk that goes in my coffee in the morning - and I log. Trust me, people at my work believe I am obsessive about it. And when I do splurge, it comes with a price. Sodium and I do not get along, and when I go above a certain amount it takes a long time just to get the water weight to go down.
If you don’t mind me saying, I notice that you don’t weigh some of the things in your diary. 20 cherries, 1/2cup almonds, 3tbsp popping corn, medium apple, 0.13cup cheese: maybe these things add up. It might help if you tried tightening up your logging for a few weeks to see what happens.
Anyhow, keep on those doctors, and I really hope you figure things out.0 -
DeguelloTex wrote: »
If you're gaining weight on what you're eating now, and a doctor can't prescribe anything that alters that, what options do you think there are other than fewer net calories?Jess830409 wrote: »DeguelloTex wrote: »
And if it can't be compensated for by medicine, then the answer is that she just has to eat less. Which is exactly what I said.DeguelloTex wrote: »Barring a medical condition, it sounds like you need to eat fewer calories.
I'd say that having no ovaries counts as a medical condition.
Less than 1,300 calories a day?
She could drop the cardio and get on a solid lifting program like Stronglifts, Starting Strength, New Rules of Lifting for Women and try to add muscle by eating at a slight surplus (which it seems like she's doing now since her weight is creeping up).
editing for missing a letter in Stronglifts
0 -
For awhile I thought "Im just gaining some muscle tone...my weight is just shifting from flabby to more fit"
But several articles of clothing have just not fit recently
I havent taken any pictures lately - and I used to do that to compare. That might give me a better idea
In any case, I am feeling more weighed down and not as lean as before0 -
Jess830409 wrote: »I take a very low dose of estrogen and progesterone - because it was literally like someone took me from 100 to 0 when I had my surgery.
I am definetely not new to the game. I own a food scale - I weigh everything - even the milk that goes in my coffee in the morning - and I log. Trust me, people at my work believe I am obsessive about it. And when I do splurge, it comes with a price. Sodium and I do not get along, and when I go above a certain amount it takes a long time just to get the water weight to go down.
If you don’t mind me saying, I notice that you don’t weigh some of the things in your diary. 20 cherries, 1/2cup almonds, 3tbsp popping corn, medium apple, 0.13cup cheese: maybe these things add up. It might help if you tried tightening up your logging for a few weeks to see what happens.
Anyhow, keep on those doctors, and I really hope you figure things out.
I see what you are saying - I use my food scale (actually have one at work and at home lol)
And I weight things out in grams and ounces - but you are right - on the cherries, I do just count out my cherries - and almonds I do just count the almonds. Will make that tweek - thank you :-)0 -
time to tighten up your logging as you must be eating more than you think - we've all been there
0 -
DeguelloTex wrote: »
If you're gaining weight on what you're eating now, and a doctor can't prescribe anything that alters that, what options do you think there are other than fewer net calories?Jess830409 wrote: »DeguelloTex wrote: »
And if it can't be compensated for by medicine, then the answer is that she just has to eat less. Which is exactly what I said.DeguelloTex wrote: »Barring a medical condition, it sounds like you need to eat fewer calories.
I'd say that having no ovaries counts as a medical condition.
Less than 1,300 calories a day?
She could drop the cardio and get on a solid lifting program like Stronglifts, Starting Strength, New Rules of Lifting for Women and try to add muscle by eating at a slight surplus (which it seems like she's doing now since her weight is creeping up).
editing for missing a letter in Stronglifts
This was something I was thinking of as well - I have taken down my running miles from 20 a week to 10-12 a week because I am not training for a long distance race right now...and I have been focusing more on strength training - but it seems to have not really budged anything. Maybe give it more time?? I dunno0 -
That's not going to happen.Jess830409 wrote: »DeguelloTex wrote: »
If you're gaining weight on what you're eating now, and a doctor can't prescribe anything that alters that, what options do you think there are other than fewer net calories?Jess830409 wrote: »DeguelloTex wrote: »
And if it can't be compensated for by medicine, then the answer is that she just has to eat less. Which is exactly what I said.DeguelloTex wrote: »Barring a medical condition, it sounds like you need to eat fewer calories.
I'd say that having no ovaries counts as a medical condition.
Less than 1,300 calories a day?
Hopefully a possible natural solution - maybe an herbal supplement, or a re working of the types of nutrients - I dunno - but extremly low calorie intake or medication can come with problems too
But, again I am at a loss on my own - just very confused by it all
An herbal supplement isn't going to make you lose weight or fat in the face of a caloric surplus.
Changing the types of nutrients could have an effect on your overall health and results if your current allocation is sufficiently out of whack, but that change isn't going to make you lose weight or fat unless it involves a caloric deficit.
To be clear, I'm not saying your situation isn't frustrating, annoying, and possibly discouraging. I'm sure it is. Looking at your exercise regimen and accomplishments, you're obviously taking a serious approach. (And that's why I say fewer calories and not more exercise, because you're already doing a substantial amount, though whether you could increase it would be something to consider.) That said, you lose weight in a caloric deficit and you gain weight in a caloric surplus. If you're gaining weight over a sufficiently long period of time that it's not due to transient water retention, etc., then you're eating more than you're burning. However frustrating that might be.
0 -
Jess830409 wrote: »Jess830409 wrote: »I take a very low dose of estrogen and progesterone - because it was literally like someone took me from 100 to 0 when I had my surgery.
I am definetely not new to the game. I own a food scale - I weigh everything - even the milk that goes in my coffee in the morning - and I log. Trust me, people at my work believe I am obsessive about it. And when I do splurge, it comes with a price. Sodium and I do not get along, and when I go above a certain amount it takes a long time just to get the water weight to go down.
If you don’t mind me saying, I notice that you don’t weigh some of the things in your diary. 20 cherries, 1/2cup almonds, 3tbsp popping corn, medium apple, 0.13cup cheese: maybe these things add up. It might help if you tried tightening up your logging for a few weeks to see what happens.
Anyhow, keep on those doctors, and I really hope you figure things out.
I see what you are saying - I use my food scale (actually have one at work and at home lol)
And I weight things out in grams and ounces - but you are right - on the cherries, I do just count out my cherries - and almonds I do just count the almonds. Will make that tweek - thank you :-)
Hey, I’ve done that too, and you could be in the ballpark, but the only way to know for sure is if you weigh absolutely everything. I weighed my mayo this morning, lol.
I would second the recommendation to do a structured strength training program if you aren’t already. It can help tremendously with the way our bodies look, and it takes the focus off the scale as well. I do Starting Strength and just love it, for example. It sounds like you’ve got the determination and great attitude to make this work, so don’t give up!
0 -
Jess830409 wrote: »DeguelloTex wrote: »
If you're gaining weight on what you're eating now, and a doctor can't prescribe anything that alters that, what options do you think there are other than fewer net calories?Jess830409 wrote: »DeguelloTex wrote: »
And if it can't be compensated for by medicine, then the answer is that she just has to eat less. Which is exactly what I said.DeguelloTex wrote: »Barring a medical condition, it sounds like you need to eat fewer calories.
I'd say that having no ovaries counts as a medical condition.
Less than 1,300 calories a day?
She could drop the cardio and get on a solid lifting program like Stronglifts, Starting Strength, New Rules of Lifting for Women and try to add muscle by eating at a slight surplus (which it seems like she's doing now since her weight is creeping up).
editing for missing a letter in Stronglifts
This was something I was thinking of as well - I have taken down my running miles from 20 a week to 10-12 a week because I am not training for a long distance race right now...and I have been focusing more on strength training - but it seems to have not really budged anything. Maybe give it more time?? I dunno
What strength training program are you on?0 -
OP please don't fall into the trap of thinking you have to eat less that's the worst thing you can do.
As others have suggested go to your dr and it may be worth them retesting hormone levels. From there I would look to a sports nutritionist as you may need to rehab your metabolism with a period of reverse dieting and then restarting on your goals at an appropriate deficit.
Metabolic crashes regardless of cause take time and patience to correct but it's worth it in the long run.0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 430 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions