Menopause effects on weight

[Darktowerdream 421]

I keep thinking about this topic and where to discuss it even though it’s not directly related to bariatric surgery at the same time it is in a way connected. I always waffle between trying to think about something and just not being able to think about it until it happens, I guess I’m just a cat ... you know how for cats it’s whatever is in that moment is everything and they don’t really perceive tomorrow.

I don’t think I am even worried about it, I won’t know until the day arrives how I will feel. But I do need to at least confront the issue. Right?

I guess a brief backstory is in 2010 (age 35) I had a hysterectomy, they took everything except my ovaries. I had fast growing fibroids everywhere including cervix. My uterus was retroflexed (is that the word?) toward my spine and I had a large pedunculated fibroid connected there pressing against my colon and spine area. Also a lot of fibroids, nodules and cysts in the walls of my uterus and cervix. They also removed a fibroid from my left ovary. A few years before this whole situation, a doctor told me I likely had endometriosis, bowel bladder etc. but the only way to diagnose was medical menopause but I refused and that was that. I also have Pcos. My doctor at the time said the only way to not repeatedly have the painful cysts was to have my ovaries removed but she didn’t want to do it so soon.

Fast forward to last year I saw a uro/gyn due to issues related to my hysterectomy. I had a mass on my left ovary as well. I had pelvic floor repair procedures and he removed my left ovary since it was covered in endometriosis. But left my right ovary even though there was also endometriosis. He said he didn’t want to put me in menopause.

i know menopause doesn’t cure endometriosis. But after my gastric bypass surgery and gallbladder surgery and I ended up in the ER with pneumonia and other problems. They incidentally found a mass on or near my right ovary. I have a lot of pain in that area. Some time later I had a MRI that showed hemorrhagic cysts. I saw my Uro/gyn and we decided it’s time to just do a oophorectomy and remove my last ovary and also check for any visible endometriosis. The problem with endometriosis is that it can be in places they won’t be able to find it. Even lungs and brain. I am hoping he will also revise one of the other procedures giving me trouble.

this is hard since this is a very personal issue. But I will be facing menopause now. I’ve had hot flashes and night sweats for years likely due to my body’s inability to regulate temperature. And I know about natural supplements for menopause. But what worries me is it’s impact on my weight loss journey. Especially since hormone replacement therapy doesn’t seem like a good idea since that triggers the endometriosis.

I haven’t quite thought about it, except my metabolism is already basically nonexistent. I already have weird body issues both due to how the hysterectomy changed my body shape along with degenerative scoliosis, and body dysmorphia. I know it’s a long message for a simple question that probably doesn’t really have an answer since each persons menopause experience can vary greatly.

Im already in a longer than usual stall and my weight backslid after I had a colonoscopy/endoscopy. It just won’t budge. The only thing different is my dr gave me prescription famotidine since the omeprozole contradicts a medication I’m on. And I’m thinking it’s that. I added extra Vitamin C since there’s some possibility it can help with Constipation. But I’m switching back to a natural heartburn remedy for now too.

[GreenTealael 25,553]

I read the whole thing but never saw the question 😳... Did you forget to add it?

[catwoman7 11,273]

I was post-menopausal when I had surgery and I lost all my excess weight. I was kind of a slow loser, but I DID lose....

[Darktowerdream 421]

I’m sorry I will figure out how to have my topic removed. I have no clue how since they don’t let members control their own content (remove their own post) and only edit them within a small window. I guess I should not have started the topic.

Edited October 5, 2019 by Darktowerdream

[KarenLR75 518]

On 10/5/2019 at 8:15 AM, Darktowerdream said:

I’m sorry I will figure out how to have my topic removed. I have no clue how since they don’t let members control their own content (remove their own post) and only edit them within a small window. I guess I should not have started the topic.

Don't feel the only option to someone asking for clarification is to remove your topic. If I followed you correctly, is your main question around the fact that you will now be put into/facing menopause and you've been dealing with several of the symptoms. You've considered natural supplements for menopause but are concerned about impact on weight loss journey.

You are additionally concerned as your metabolism basically is nonexistent and are just wondering what other women who are doing this journey while in menopause..have handled things - the whole sluggish metabolism, the hot flashes, the sweats, the hormones dropping....how have we managed to deal with all of this and still lose weight.

Is that mainly the question?

[Darktowerdream 421]

Yes, I just thought that I said that in my message, I just couldn’t clarify it. I can’t interpret people’s intentions. When I’m basically asked well where is The question when I thought I did by saying I’m concerned what menopause will do to my weight loss efforts- it’ makes me question my own ability to say anything. It won’t be gradual menopause since it’s an oophorectomy. I live with daily fatigue to the level that exertion of any kind is exhausting including trying to write messages.

[JessLess 1,163]

I know this is an old post but I’m in peri menopause and one reason I wanted the surgery is I knew it would be harder BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE to lose weight. I hope your journey is going well.

[Darktowerdream 421]

11 hours ago, JessLess said:

I know this is an old post but I’m in peri menopause and one reason I wanted the surgery is I knew it would be harder BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE to lose weight. I hope your journey is going well.

I started this journey due to metabolic disorders, inability to exercise due to chronic illness, and after my gastric bypass surgery had to make a decision due to endometriosis that sent me straight into menopause. But thankfully so far due to diligently tracking Protein and calories my weight has been going down and I was able to ring in the new year for the first time in many years at the high end of a healthy weight rather than being overweight or obese. I still have 14-20 lbs to lose and loose saggy skin I wish to deal with. My nagging worry is the long term maintenance. Not that I won’t continue to be diligent but what my body will do as my lifelong chronic illness and disability gets worse. Thankfully menopause hasn’t seemed to have made drastic changes. So perhaps I was already heading there anyway.

[JessLess 1,163]

That's fantastic, congratulations!