The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[Patti]

I am so disappointed and down in the dumps this morning. I had my three month check-up with my oncologist yesterday and everthing is fine, except, I need to add more calories to my daily diet. He was a bit surprised about my weight loss and it was the first thing he questioned me about.

He didn't have a problem with it, except for the fact that I have been experiencing extreme fatigue (result of radiation treatments). I did fine during the first half of radiation and even exercised for one whole week, then the fatigue started hitting me. During the last three weeks of radiation, I burned pretty bad, blistered and lost all of the skin under my breast. Although I am healing very nicely, it was recommended that I increase my calorie intake for 6 to 8 weeks to help my body heal from the ordeal it has been through during the past 7 months. At my present weight, I should be consuming approx. 1,980 calories....which seems like a heck of alot to me. I have waffled back and forth trying to decide what to do because I am so close to my goal weight and know if I start adding calories, I will gain weight.

But, on the other hand, I have been so exhausted lately and am always hungry. Exercise is out for the time being, so I can't counteract the extra calories with exercise. I just want to get my energy back!

Anyway, I guess I know what I have to do (I just don't want to do it). I just needed to blow off steam.

I still plan on using the Medifast supplements and do the best I can. I guess I will try two small lean & green meals during the day (I was told to increase my protein intake). Suppose I could add some skim milk and a bit of cheese....heck! I really don't know what I am going to do to be honest. I am not ready for this!!!!!

Anyway, again, thanks for listening.

Patti

[Marseilles]

Patti, as bummed as I know you are about this, it is absolutely imperative that you add the calories as recommended by your MD. I think you are right on track with adding another lean and green and possibly a bit of cheese and milk. All of us and all of medifast will be right here cheering you on and awaiting the news of you crossing the finish line with the radiation treatments.

I read once that the key to good health is good food and I believe that holds especially true here, for you. By all means, feed your body during this stressful time. By making wise, healthy food choices you will do just great and I am sure you will see minimal gains, if any.

You have my support, 110%! I am rooting for you.

please take care and be well,
-M.

[falisamarie]

Patti

Honey you must do what the doctor is telling you to. Your health and well being must come first especially at this time in your life. I am sure you have learned by this point how and what the right foods are to fuel your body. Put those choices to work in your life right now. You have already mentioned a few really good suggestions yourself. Keep eating lean protein and you can always chose low or reduced fat cheeses and there are always VEGGIES. We are all still here for you to support and encourage you through this time. Keep posting and letting us know how you are doing. M~ is right I bet you get through this with little or no gain at all.

Take care and keep us up to date

Lisa

[FORMOMMY]

Patti,

You are an unbelievably strong woman and how you have faced all this is a testament to the kind of person you truly are. You need to listen to your doctor - your body has been telling you something and you need to listen to it.

I echo the sentiments already given - yes, you have to add more calories but what those calories are is up to you. You know how to eat healthy so make wise choices. Don't just add calories - add GOOD calories - calories that will heal your body, give you the strength you need and get you well. Primary thing here is to get you well.

I know it is disappointing but you can come here and vent anytime - we are all here for you. You have come so far and you will rise above all this. Keep the Lord close and rely on His strength and the strength of his people who are here for you.

[Nancy]

First of all, we shall not faint here! The good news is that you are in the process of recovering and on the road to getting well and healthy! Your doctor is looking after your best interests here and that is also very good. Many times when a person has had major surgery or a health challenge they need to up their food intake to allow the body to repair itself.

I would suggest a few things here. I'd be sure that the additional meals are balanced to help prevent re-bound weight gain. You could begin transition at this point so that you add back regular foods in the prescribed order - see page 11 in your Quick Start Booklet.

You could also consider using the program books for seniors or for people with diabetes as a general guide because those plans have higher calories than the regular 5 & 1 Program. The senior and diabetic programs are not at the 1900 caloric level but they would provide some examples of food portions. I'll send them to you as an attachment.

If you are permitted to gradually increase your calories over the course of a few weeks, that would be ideal plus add some gentle walking or stationary bike riding, - something not too intense and yet some exercise would also be helpful, depending upon your energy level.

I'd suggest that any additional meals be patterned after the Lean and Green meal - maintain the balance of protein and carbs.

We also have the Ray Lewis Pro Drinks for Women with 22 grams of protein and 5 grams of sugar, 120-130 calories.

Patti, something that I want you to ask your doctor is whether he/she suggests that you eat soy.

Some physicians do not want their patients with breast cancer to eat soy as it acts like estrogen in the body. Often people that have had a mastectomy take Tomaxofin to suppress estrogen.

People who should not take soy can still use many of our Medifast products for weight loss and weight maintenance.

These products are soy-free:
Hot Cocoa
Instant Cappuccino*
Chai Latté*
Ice Peach Tea*
Iced Raspberry Tea*
Tropical Fruit Punch*
Cranberry Mango*
Creamy Broccoli Soup
Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream of Tomato Soup

(*These may be prepared in a shaker jar, in a blender with crushed ice or heated and served hot for variety)

Take very good care of you, Patti.
We love ya and want only the best for you!
Blessings for renewed health and vitality!

[Patti]

I am a bit late posting my thanks to all of you who posted support and concern. I have been discussing my situation with Nancy and Jan during the past couple of days (they have both been great!). Due to the fact that my cancer was estrogen driven...soy is a no no for me, which means no more Medifasting on the regular program. In the past month my body has only given up 5.5 lbs. I have been at the same weight going on three weeks...I suppose my body is using all the calories and little energy I have to try and heal itself. So, dieting is out for the next several months. Although I have finished all of my cancer treatments....it can take up to a year for my body to heal from the ordeal.

I want to wish everyone on this forum the best of luck on their weight loss journey....all of you can achieve your goals. I am grateful for the 22 lb. loss I did manage, despite the fact that my body was not in the best condition to do so. If I could do it with my body kicking and screaming the whole way....all of you can do it. Stay the course...set your goals, stay focused and you will succeed.

I will always be a Medifaster at heart because I believe in the program. I've learned so much from this forum and all of the wonderful posts. I will continue to watch everyone's progress and although I may not be posting, I will be cheering for all of you in my heart.

Patti

[Nancy]

Patti ~

We are thankful for your post and for your awesome success.

Thank you for sharing your joys and your defeats with us; you are a precious Forum Friend.

Your message of hope and your exhortation to stay the course is excellent. You are right-on; if you can stick to the program while undergoing chemo and radiation, we can stick to the program, too!

You have enriched our lives because you shared your story with us.

Be blessed because you are a blessing to us!

[Jan]

Hi Patti,
That big gust of air that blew by you just now was a big sigh of relief from me. I am soooo thankful you have made the choice to make certain your body has every chance to heal from the ordeal it has just been through. Don't worry you have learned the importance of eating 6 small meals each day and you can continue on. It's just that right now, in light of your past medical history, it is not advised to cut your calories. Your body needs every one to be healthy. And, I know that dispite the many many wonderful contributions soy can make to our bodies, with an estrogen positive cancer it is not a good idea. I also know from your messages to me that you are a wonderful lady with a wonderful attitude. You'll be fine. Please let us allll know how you're doing. You are still part of our group and we all care about you.
jan

[falisamarie]

Patti

I am glad to hear that you are following your Dr's advice however I am deeply saddened that you will not be able to actively do the Medifast program. We all love you and you will always be part of this family.

Please do keep us updated on how you are doing cause like Vicky said we really do care!

Lisa

[Arklahoma]

Patti ... I am pretty much a newbie around here but I just want to jump in and add my two cents. I am an RN that works with surgical patients and I can tell you definitively that your body needs Protein and Vitamin C for healing. During times of stress, your body needs a much larger calorie supply and nutritional well to pull from.

I see that you have come to the realization that weight loss is no priority, right now, and I'm very pleased. Although, your MD is a specialist in his field, you may want to consider seeing an RD (registered dietician), as well. Nutrition is very complex science and your body needs a specific mix of nutrients at this time and for some time to come.

We're rootin' for you!
 

[Dayna]

Patti,

I'd fallen behind on my reading, and missed this post. I'm so glad that you're taking the necessary steps to help your body heal. I've enjoyed getting to know you through your posts, and hope that you will pop on here from time to time to let us know how you're doing.

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

- Dayna