I lost weight too fast....any exercise recommendations

I started really trying to lose weight in march of 2012 and lost the first 17 lbs at a good rate. In April I started getting severe abdominal pains and the doctors couldn't figure out why, I was in so much pain that exercise wasn't an option. Somewhere during the summer the weight just started falling off and the doctors still didn't know what was going on, so I have lost at least 50 lbs with no exercise. In December they finally diagnosed me with advanced stage cervical cancer and were able to get the pain under control. I'm starting chemo next week so not sure how I'll be feeling but with the pain better I'd like to do some exercise and if possible gain 5 lbs. I'm looking for ideas on exercises that aren't too strenuous to help with all the lose skin from losing so fast while not doing anything physical.

Replies

  • MaryB2
    MaryB2 Posts: 331 Member
    Bump
  • ChocoMello
    ChocoMello Posts: 74 Member
    I think you shouls give it time. Loose skin will adjust after some time.
    Maybe focus on the chemo first as it costs your body so much energy..you really need to eat good and nutritius to help your body with it. Your health should be more important at the moment thsn the looks of the skin.
  • bridgelene
    bridgelene Posts: 358 Member
    I have just started exercising myself, so I'm not the best person for that.

    But just wanted to say I'm glad you have better pain control now! Best wishes to ya for your course of treatment :heart:
  • donna_glasgow
    donna_glasgow Posts: 869 Member
    I would guess that eating at maintenance, plenty protein and strength training would be the best option ... Im no expert but that would be my best guess

    best of luck with the chemo

    ETA loose skin will also lift a bit with time .. mine did anyway :)
  • sleibo87
    sleibo87 Posts: 403 Member
    Wow umm Well first off, prayers to you.
    I would say to check with your doctor and see if its even a possibility to exercise. Weight training is probably the best choice if she approves it. Adding muscle will add weight. Probably good to stay away from cardio.

    Good luck to you luv.
  • Guamybear
    Guamybear Posts: 1,061 Member
    Sorry to hear about your diagnoses but I really wouldn't worry about weight loss or gain at all.. I know a couple people on or who went through chemo and working out and eating were the last things on their mind.. concentrate on just getting better then worry about your weight.
  • karen8873
    karen8873 Posts: 100 Member
    I toally agree with the above comment! focus on getting healthy first :) Prayers to you !
  • kdeaux1959
    kdeaux1959 Posts: 2,675 Member
    Sorry to hear of this development in your life. This certainly is not the way any of us want to lose weight. I pray things go well with you and you beat this dread disease. That being said, your situation is certainly a special case of which none of us are qualified to address because each case is different. Eating at a surplus should help you gain weight and some weight training will help you build lean body mass along the way. However, specific exercises should be addressed with your doctor and perhaps a physical therapist. The most important thing at this point is to get well and beat this thing!
  • babymama81
    babymama81 Posts: 12 Member
    As I understand it, there aren't any exercises that can tighten up your skin. Believe me I've looked because I gained about fifty pounds each of my two pregnancies, and I've got a lot of loose skin myself. All you can do is wait, and over time, your skin may tighten back up on it's own. I'm pretty sure I'll have to get a tummy tuck eventually if I want to lose the aprs on-like flap of skin hanging in front of me.

    As for suggestions on non-strenuous exercise, I'd suggest lifting weights with a goal to tone your muscles. I particularly like to get on a weight machine, and set it to a low weight. Then I'll do like 25 reps, adjust the weight a little heavier and do 25 more reps, adjust and do maybe 20, etc. and then when it gets to start being kind of heavy then start going down. You can do this with free weights too. As far as cardio exercise, there's nothing I can think of that would be better than good old fashioned walking. Elliptical machines are also good at getting your heart rate up but with little/no impact.

    Good luck!
  • Hi! I wish you the very best in results and a great measure of peace and patience as you go through treatment. While I am no expert, my instint tells me that you should do any kind of physical activity you enjoy and can tolerate. Does the doc have any recommendations?
  • Reinventing_Me
    Reinventing_Me Posts: 1,053 Member
    Wow umm Well first off, prayers to you.
    I would say to check with your doctor and see if its even a possibility to exercise. Weight training is probably the best choice if she approves it. Adding muscle will add weight. Probably good to stay away from cardio.

    Good luck to you luv.

    This.

    I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Through chemo, listen to your body and your doctor. You have a much bigger battle to win right now. I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say we are rooting for you.

    Take care...
  • sam308lbs
    sam308lbs Posts: 1,936 Member
  • MaryB2
    MaryB2 Posts: 331 Member
    Thank you so much everyone! My doctor just told me to try and regain my strength before treatment. My best bet is probably making sure I eat healthy and don't lay around like before the diagnosis.
  • Guamybear
    Guamybear Posts: 1,061 Member
    for me I would try to eat more now because those I know all have lost their appetite once treatment started.