47 menopausal miserable fat... Help

jojobloss
jojobloss Posts: 27 Member
edited February 2016 in Motivation and Support
Hello .. Anybody want to give me words of encouragement that this can be done ... Need to lose 3 stone by October .. August ideally but if anyone else is in the same stupid woman position as me I'd love to hear from you .. Been on here for a while whilst jumping ship a couple of times to slimming world and weight watchers but neither helped so I'm back and fatter :) .. Could really do with one of you lovely lot giving me a kick up the bum and telling me it really can be done .. Just been put on HRT and dreading getting any bigger .. Mucho love to you all today

Replies

  • kazzykazz75
    kazzykazz75 Posts: 16 Member
    Hi i am going though the same had a full Hysterctomy 2years ago now i wouldnt go on hrt have gone for herbal way am on red clover and menopace hot flashers were so bad and the night sweats but now am not haveing them much but do some times if drink coffee to much .still have the odd menopause meltdown but i just go with it.i need to lose 2stone by the summer .we could keep each other going weekends do me the most eat to much crap .lol keep your chin up you will get there .please add me as a friend karren .
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    At the age of 47 I lost 48lbs in 9 months (3 stones 6 lb) ...53 in total in 11 months

    I stuck to my calorie defecit, weighed everything and logged accurately, started walking more (Fitbit zip)...hired a personal trainer and learned the importance of lifting heavy weights

    I was a yo-yo dieting couch potato for decades

    I have been in maintenance for almost a year and am fit, toned and can rock a bikini like I've never done before

    Be stubborn, be committed, change the way you eat and move more ...and lift heavy to get tight, taut and confident

    Im still surprised I look like this ..I went from busting out of an M&S size 16 to a size 10... (well you know clothing sizes ...I'm a gap 6 in jeans, a white stuff 8-10, a phase eight size 10-12)
  • jojobloss
    jojobloss Posts: 27 Member
    Wow :) ... What an inspiration this is .. Thank you .. Just what I needed to hear ., I'd heard that weights are the best wY forward I'm still a struggling couch potato but need to get off my fat *kitten* and stop whinging .. Thank you for taking the time to share this with me I can only hope I get there like you have xxx
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    :)

    It takes being stubborn for a few months and working out what you like to eat. I'm good at stubborn..it comes with age

    I weigh everything and double check calories on other sites.

    I batch cook at weekends and take my lunches in to reheat in work microwave

    I like www.skinnytaste.com ..she has some great recipes...the chicken cacciatore is yum but I always change up recipes so took out the mushrooms and added courgettes and thyme, I also adapted some favourite recipes and use the recipe builder

    I also do ready meals when lazy ...but never the weightwatchers styles ..I find that normal ranges can have some great calorie buys eg under 400 cals ...I buy those BOL veg pots (Thai coconut curry and Sri Lankan sambar both around 300 ish) and eat them over a bag of mixed watercress, spinach and rocket ...I wait till they're on special cos they're expensive otherwise. I also like Soulful pulled pork and chorizo from waitrose (again on special, but they freeze)

    Total Greek 0% yogurt and fresh berries. Those give a great protein hit,

    I keep Fab and Solero ice lollies (both under 90 cals), a fruit pastille lolly is 54...mars bar ice cream bars are 140

    If I've just eaten and feel hungry I will wait 30 minutes before deciding whether I need more...generally I don't, sometimes I'll take the dog for a walk and then it's a win win ..on the off chance I am still hungry I have more calories to eat
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    Can I come to your house for dinner @rabbitjb? Those Bol veg pot things sound delish :)

    @jojobloss it can be done. Dedication and determination will be needed to lose 3st (42lbs) by October, and you will be looking and feeling better even by August.
    Stick to the advice rabbitjb gave you, she is a great roll model for any woman. Has her head screwed the right way too.

    I lost when I was 54-ish (62 now) during menopause and have kept the weight off for over 6 years, so it can be done.

    Don't let the menopausal raging hormone thing deter you. Weight loss is the same at any age, eat less move more.
    A check up at the doctors may be worthwhile as the decrease in oestrogen, increase in testosterone, may predispose you to accumulate more visceral fat around your organs. This can increase the risk of type II diabetes, etc.

    A reasonable amount of cardio will help with the visceral fat and quite often hot flashes. I did aqua fit because it kept my body cooler.
    Some kind of resistance work will help with muscle retention and bone density.

    Eat at a reasonable deficit, exercise a sustainable amount, too much and you may burn out, and do eat back 50-75% of your exercise calories. It stops you being too tired to enjoy life.

    You can do it.

    Cheers, h.
    ( my before pic is in my profile)
  • Feistychick68
    Feistychick68 Posts: 301 Member
    I'm 47 and my body is soo close to menopause but then.. Six months later I'm getting a period. My body is slowly working towards it. Been a five year process already. I have so much weight to lose it isn't even funny. I'm 215 and stuck. My boyfriend said to me ur never gonna lose weight... He is fit and weighs 100 pounds less almost and I think he thinks I stuff my face all day and night. Anyway reading the success stories was great. I'd love to be one. 1200 calories and it takes me weeks to lose a pound. Love my non existent metabolism. Idk how some of u just shake the weight off constantly with 2 pound drops weekly especially at this age.
  • want8me9bk
    want8me9bk Posts: 29 Member
    Hello all, I'm right there with you all!! Ive been through Menopause already at 49 and having a heck of a time losing anything!! Ive been eating better, exercising more but not seeing much as far as results....ANY suggestions would be awesome! I desperately want to lose weight and rebuild my life and frustration is setting in not seeing anything change...:-( On a positive note I hope you all have a wonderful Valentines day from a wicked cold New Englander!!!! :-)
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    edited February 2016
    I'm 47 and my body is soo close to menopause but then.. Six months later I'm getting a period. My body is slowly working towards it. Been a five year process already. I have so much weight to lose it isn't even funny. I'm 215 and stuck. My boyfriend said to me ur never gonna lose weight... He is fit and weighs 100 pounds less almost and I think he thinks I stuff my face all day and night. Anyway reading the success stories was great. I'd love to be one. 1200 calories and it takes me weeks to lose a pound. Love my non existent metabolism. Idk how some of u just shake the weight off constantly with 2 pound drops weekly especially at this age.

    You are probably not logging properly...see these

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WGLwzbvx4S4

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVjWPclrWVY&feature=youtu.be

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTr1JUvEiUU
  • jojobloss
    jojobloss Posts: 27 Member
    Thank you everyone it's a) nice to know I'm not the only one b) nice to get some really good advise .... I'm sure we can all do this .. Any of you feel free to add me and message me if you're having a down day or need someone to bounce off that is in the same boat would love to know how you're all getting on ... As said I think the key is honesty in logging I know I'm guilty of sneaking a biscuit and thinking if I don't log it it won't count .. D'oh should know better at my age ... Hope you're all having a great day and lots and lots of luck and love work this bloody hormones rubbish ... Thank you again so much everyone that's taken The time to reply I can't tell you how grateful I am as I need all the help I can get X X xx. X
  • Feistychick68
    Feistychick68 Posts: 301 Member


    You are probably not logging properly...see these

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WGLwzbvx4S4

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVjWPclrWVY&feature=youtu.be

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTr1JUvEiUU[/quote]

    Wow the measuring video was staggering to see the difference
  • JustMissTracy
    JustMissTracy Posts: 6,338 Member
    jojobloss wrote: »
    Thank you everyone it's a) nice to know I'm not the only one b) nice to get some really good advise .... I'm sure we can all do this .. Any of you feel free to add me and message me if you're having a down day or need someone to bounce off that is in the same boat would love to know how you're all getting on ... As said I think the key is honesty in logging I know I'm guilty of sneaking a biscuit and thinking if I don't log it it won't count .. D'oh should know better at my age ... Hope you're all having a great day and lots and lots of luck and love work this bloody hormones rubbish ... Thank you again so much everyone that's taken The time to reply I can't tell you how grateful I am as I need all the help I can get X X xx. X

    Add me if you like, I understand completely!! 46, premenopausal for the last year.....I'm in maintenance now, so you know it CAN be done!! It just takes three things!! Faith in yourself, Determination to succeed, and most importantly.......Consistency!!!
  • jojobloss
    jojobloss Posts: 27 Member
    Thank you :) ... Have sent a request it's so nice to hear from people that have been through it and come out the other side xxxx
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,630 Member
    I was just about 48 when I started with MyFitnessPal. Six weeks earlier I had gone through an emergency surgery to remove a very large polyp from my uterus, which they thought might be cancer. It wasn't, but did present the right conditions for the development of cancer, so I have to go for ultrasounds and check ups every 6 months until I am fully through menopause. But a second thing they noticed while they were in there look around was that I am into perimenopause.

    I was nearing my peak weight just before the surgery, and hit my peak weight in the weeks after the surgery.

    And I was convinced that there was absolutely no way I could lose weight. I figured that at my time of life, I was "doomed" to a life of being heavy.

    When I recovered from the surgery, I joined MFP with the intent of proving to myself, and anyone who cared, that I could not lose the weight.

    I stuck to the diet like glue, determined to make the best possible effort. I didn't want anyone saying that I hadn't genuinely tried. So I carefully weighed and measured my food, I exercise, and I logged everything. I absolutely did not go over my calorie limit.

    For 10 days, I was right. I didn't lose a single gram.

    And then I started losing weight. I lost 15 kg in 16 weeks, and hit my first goal. Then I took a 1-month break, and then resumed the diet, but raised my calorie limit a bit to lose the weight a little slower. I dropped another 11 kg. I'm now a weight I haven't been since about 2004 when I was at my peak fitness level. :grin: I'm also starting to do the things I used to do then ... like riding long, long distance rides again.

    I haven't really been focusing on my diet too much since about mid-December ... just maintaining at the moment ... but this week, I've kind of been easing back into it again because I'd like to lose just a few more kg. Maybe back to my 2002 weight. :grin:

    I guess my age and "time of life" don't factor into it after all.
  • jojobloss
    jojobloss Posts: 27 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    I was just about 48 when I started with MyFitnessPal. Six weeks earlier I had gone through an emergency surgery to remove a very large polyp from my uterus, which they thought might be cancer. It wasn't, but did present the right conditions for the development of cancer, so I have to go for ultrasounds and check ups every 6 months until I am fully through menopause. But a second thing they noticed while they were in there look around was that I am into perimenopause.

    I was nearing my peak weight just before the surgery, and hit my peak weight in the weeks after the surgery.

    And I was convinced that there was absolutely no way I could lose weight. I figured that at my time of life, I was "doomed" to a life of being heavy.

    When I recovered from the surgery, I joined MFP with the intent of proving to myself, and anyone who cared, that I could not lose the weight.

    I stuck to the diet like glue, determined to make the best possible effort. I didn't want anyone saying that I hadn't genuinely tried. So I carefully weighed and measured my food, I exercise, and I logged everything. I absolutely did not go over my calorie limit.

    For 10 days, I was right. I didn't lose a single gram.

    And then I started losing weight. I lost 15 kg in 16 weeks, and hit my first goal. Then I took a 1-month break, and then resumed the diet, but raised my calorie limit a bit to lose the weight a little slower. I dropped another 11 kg. I'm now a weight I haven't been since about 2004 when I was at my peak fitness level. :grin: I'm also starting to do the things I used to do then ... like riding long, long distance rides again.

    I haven't really been focusing on my diet too much since about mid-December ... just maintaining at the moment ... but this week, I've kind of been easing back into it again because I'd like to lose just a few more kg. Maybe back to my 2002 weight. :grin:

    I guess my age and "time of life" don't factor into it after all.

    Thank you so so much this has given me huge hope I have been feeling really dismal about it all ... I've made my daughter hide the scales as I was finding they were taking over my life and have decided to just diet and excercise and see what has happened after a couple of weeks without stressing over it .. Your story has given me hope so glad you're out the other side of this weight malarkey and enjoying life :) xxxxx
  • CollieFit
    CollieFit Posts: 1,683 Member
    This is a pretty inspiring thread to show what's possible beyond menopause.
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10336418/take-that-menopause-bam-you-got-nothing-on-me#latest
  • fullylugged
    fullylugged Posts: 67 Member
    A low fat, plant based diet coupled with a modest exercise regime that includes some cardio, light strength work, and range of motion stretching exercises will help you feel better and lose weight.
  • mamadon
    mamadon Posts: 1,422 Member
    Yes it can be done, I promise! I lost 123 pounds three years ago, when I was 50. I did it by counting calories on this site. I restricted no foods, if I really wanted something I made it fit into my allotted calories for the day. I ate all the foods I always had, just less of them. I am no special snowflake either. There are tons of successful people here and many our age. You have to be absolutely committed to really wanting to do this and relentless in your goal.
  • CollieFit
    CollieFit Posts: 1,683 Member
    Loved the videos, especially the one on measuring! Thank you. :)
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    Feel your pain! I am 44 and menopausal, no sweats or hot flashes, my weight is okay but all of a sudden I have the worst possible ANXIETY!, I have never had in my whole life!, I am sure I will develop every other symptom soon enough, I WANT TO BE 20 again! anyone can add me, I love my cardio, try to burn 1000 calories a day.
  • jojobloss
    jojobloss Posts: 27 Member
    How simple was life at 20...min with you in that.... 1000 a day wow I'm impressed how is that helping with weight loss are you finding it helping lots x X
  • jojobloss
    jojobloss Posts: 27 Member
    Thank you everyone this certainly gives me hope and renewed positive thinking ... Xxxx
  • bdfarrall
    bdfarrall Posts: 28 Member
    I am so happy to find this group and would really like to friend all of you. I have been on post with whining 20 somethings and it was driving me crazy. I am 49 and 234. I'm more like Fiestychick68. One week I am having major hot flashes and then all of a sudden I'm having a period. Come on!! One or the other is tough enough!! I started on this site several times but gave up. I've been back a couple of weeks. I stopped weighing myself every weeks because our bodies change so much. I would get too discouraged if everyone on the site was losing 1 or more pounds a week but I couldn't. I have to admit I am a couch potato. I love watching TV. It's awful! Even when I tried exercising (mostly stationery bike) I didn't lose a pound a week. I'm not taking hormones because I take blood thinners for a clotting disorder. It's frustrating but you all have given me hope!!! Thanks for posting.
  • jodi3357
    jodi3357 Posts: 34 Member
    New 48 here. Lol. Been on MFP 130 days now. Had to do something. For me, it was sugar and white carbs that were my problem. Cut those out, stay at 1200 calories and I am down 2 sizes. I am only 5'0 , so extra weight shows quickly. Good luck to everyone! !
  • jojobloss
    jojobloss Posts: 27 Member
    bdfarrall wrote: »
    I am so happy to find this group and would really like to friend all of you. I have been on post with whining 20 somethings and it was driving me crazy. I am 49 and 234. I'm more like Fiestychick68. One week I am having major hot flashes and then all of a sudden I'm having a period. Come on!! One or the other is tough enough!! I started on this site several times but gave up. I've been back a couple of weeks. I stopped weighing myself every weeks because our bodies change so much. I would get too discouraged if everyone on the site was losing 1 or more pounds a week but I couldn't. I have to admit I am a couch potato. I love watching TV. It's awful! Even when I tried exercising (mostly stationery bike) I didn't lose a pound a week. I'm not taking hormones because I take blood thinners for a clotting disorder. It's frustrating but you all have given me hope!!! Thanks for posting.

    ...., this could be me!!! Hate hate excercise really have to drag myself to do anything hubby bought me a treadmill so I've been doing that no idea if it's worked as I've hidden (well daughter has ) scales for two weeks .. I am being religious with weighing and logging eating what I want but counting it and hopefully will see some results .. Had thought I was stuck being fat and miserable but all these stories say otherwise .. I have three pairs of jeans of differing sizes that aren't goals .so fingers crossed and together maybe we can do it .. Big menopausal hugs to you all
  • DawnW3218
    DawnW3218 Posts: 9 Member
    jojobloss wrote: »
    bdfarrall wrote: »
    I am so happy to find this group and would really like to friend all of you. I have been on post with whining 20 somethings and it was driving me crazy. I am 49 and 234. I'm more like Fiestychick68. One week I am having major hot flashes and then all of a sudden I'm having a period. Come on!! One or the other is tough enough!! I started on this site several times but gave up. I've been back a couple of weeks. I stopped weighing myself every weeks because our bodies change so much. I would get too discouraged if everyone on the site was losing 1 or more pounds a week but I couldn't. I have to admit I am a couch potato. I love watching TV. It's awful! Even when I tried exercising (mostly stationery bike) I didn't lose a pound a week. I'm not taking hormones because I take blood thinners for a clotting disorder. It's frustrating but you all have given me hope!!! Thanks for posting.

    ...., this could be me!!! Hate hate excercise really have to drag myself to do anything hubby bought me a treadmill so I've been doing that no idea if it's worked as I've hidden (well daughter has ) scales for two weeks .. I am being religious with weighing and logging eating what I want but counting it and hopefully will see some results .. Had thought I was stuck being fat and miserable but all these stories say otherwise .. I have three pairs of jeans of differing sizes that aren't goals .so fingers crossed and together maybe we can do it .. Big menopausal hugs to you all

    Hurrayyyyy - finally found people on the same planet as me!! I'm 53 years old and after various tests for suspected ovarian cancer (which were clear) I was told I'm not anywhere near menopause yet and will probably go through the 'change' around age 60 - BUT over the last 18 months I've had the weight gain, hot flashes in the day, waking up three or four times at night plus I have a light period every month ARRGGG!!.

    I have gained 28 pounds of unwanted fat (mostly sitting around my middle) and I am desperate to get it off - trouble is I also hate exercise and I have a very busy social life so find it difficult to cut out the alcohol :blush:

    PS: One thing I have found which helps with the night sweats is progesterone cream - that has worked wonders for me - I've been using this twice a day for about a month and I haven't had one night sweat!


  • Teamdhb120
    Teamdhb120 Posts: 25 Member
    I'm 45 and approaching menopause. Feel free to add me. My diary is open and I've been maintaining 150 for the last year and a half. My new goal is to tighten up with weight training.
  • jojobloss
    jojobloss Posts: 27 Member
    DawnW3218 wrote: »
    jojobloss wrote: »
    bdfarrall wrote: »
    I am so happy to find this group and would really like to friend all of you. I have been on post with whining 20 somethings and it was driving me crazy. I am 49 and 234. I'm more like Fiestychick68. One week I am having major hot flashes and then all of a sudden I'm having a period. Come on!! One or the other is tough enough!! I started on this site several times but gave up. I've been back a couple of weeks. I stopped weighing myself every weeks because our bodies change so much. I would get too discouraged if everyone on the site was losing 1 or more pounds a week but I couldn't. I have to admit I am a couch potato. I love watching TV. It's awful! Even when I tried exercising (mostly stationery bike) I didn't lose a pound a week. I'm not taking hormones because I take blood thinners for a clotting disorder. It's frustrating but you all have given me hope!!! Thanks for posting.

    ...., this could be me!!! Hate hate excercise really have to drag myself to do anything hubby bought me a treadmill so I've been doing that no idea if it's worked as I've hidden (well daughter has ) scales for two weeks .. I am being religious with weighing and logging eating what I want but counting it and hopefully will see some results .. Had thought I was stuck being fat and miserable but all these stories say otherwise .. I have three pairs of jeans of differing sizes that aren't goals .so fingers crossed and together maybe we can do it .. Big menopausal hugs to you all

    Hurrayyyyy - finally found people on the same planet as me!! I'm 53 years old and after various tests for suspected ovarian cancer (which were clear) I was told I'm not anywhere near menopause yet and will probably go through the 'change' around age 60 - BUT over the last 18 months I've had the weight gain, hot flashes in the day, waking up three or four times at night plus I have a light period every month ARRGGG!!.

    I have gained 28 pounds of unwanted fat (mostly sitting around my middle) and I am desperate to get it off - trouble is I also hate exercise and I have a very busy social life so find it difficult to cut out the alcohol :blush:

    PS: One thing I have found which helps with the night sweats is progesterone cream - that has worked wonders for me - I've been using this twice a day for about a month and I haven't had one night sweat!


    [/quote

    Yay hello and welcome to the club .. This has been so positive for me and after a reality check that the biscuits that I've Been eating and DO count and hearing everyone's stories I feel that I can beat this ... There's no reason why we can't...I used to dread going out and having to aztually eat thinking it would just pile on the lbs but I think now that I'll eat what I want and just count the calories and enjoy it ... Feel free to add me and bounce off me anytime you need a chat (bouncing off me in my current state is easy ha ha .. ) ... Best thing in the world is knowing I'm not alone :) X X X