Hey everyone! I'm looking for advice and encouragement. I had my weight loss surgery in December 2016, so I'm 3.5 years out now. I dropped around 160 pounds, from my biggest being 360 and my smallest being 187. I was so blessed to lose so much in about 14 months. Maintenance was relatively easy at first. I purposefully gained 15 pounds because being 6'2 with a large build, 187 started getting me questions about being sick. 200-205 is my personal goal and sweet spot, where I feel the best and think I look the best.

Fast forward to September 2019. I was having my first endoscopy since my surgery, as a follows up to Barrett's esophagus that was found when I had my bypass. What I thought would be routine, turned worst case scenario when I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Apparently I'm in that 2% that has Barrett's that actually progresses to cancer. Luckily we caught it very early stage and I have been able to have ablation therapy treatment versus the typical chemo and radiation.

I've developed recurrent esophageal stricture due to scar tissue from ablation therapy, causing me to choke frequently. Needless to say, it's all been very scary, and my eating got out of whack for a while. I've quickly gained weight and I'm at 220.2 today.

I need to lose 20 pounds ASAP. The current COVID-19 situation and working from home, having access to food 24/7 coupled with stress eating is proving difficult to overcome. I thought I'd post here to see if anyone has words of encouragement or advice to help me get back on track quickly. 3.5 years and I was very proud to be maintaining at my goal weight of around 200, and now I'm scared the scale will continue to creep up on me.

First of all, you still look great--I can't see much of a difference between April 2018 and December 2019.

However, the more important issue is your health. I'm sure that cancer had a huge physical and emotional impact on you, and right now you should focus on your recovery from cancer more than on your weight issues. (I say this as a cancer survivor myself.) You can deal with your weight once you are clearly on the other side of the cancer.

Please don't beat yourself up about your relatively small weight gain. You have been through a lot!

First of all great news on beating cancer!

Were you are are you currently on steroids or any meds that can contribute to weight gain? I had surgery 6 years post cancer, so it’s different than your experience. I went from 150 lbs at breast cancer diagnosis to 225 Lbs, 5 years later. I gained at a quick pace and while the (hardcore) treatment saved my life it zapped me for quite sometime. I’m only mentioning this so you can ask your Doctor, it’s frustrating and it helps to know what you’re up against.

Here is what I would do.

Talk to my Doctor

Take vitamins

Research any current meds and talk with your Doctor about any concerns.

subscribe to a fitness routine or app at home

Journal everything you eat in My fitness pal. Limit your calories

wear a Fitbit or a comparable device

Drink water until it’s coming out of your ears

stock up on lean meats, fruits, yogurt and veggies. Acorn squash is my go to when I want something starchy.

Keep yourself accountable.

Congratulations again, You’ve proven your tough, you’ve done this before and you can do it again. It will probably take longer since you have less to lose but you’ll get there.

Im rooting for you!

The above post nailed it - and I am the same size as you and i agree dropping below 210 for me is to frail.

Good luck on the other issues Congrads on beating the Cancer b***h

I bet a lot of us are dealing with that since so many are in their homes 24/7 right now. I know I'm struggling with it. I try to keep my hands busy, I go out for walks when I can, I've constantly got a beverage by my side. I keep things like grapes and raw veggies in my refrigerator in case I can't control the urge. Like others, I log everything I eat and if I get to the top of my maintenance calorie range, I stop. But I know it's hard...

Thanks for the tips and kind words. To clarify, I'm still undergoing treatment for the cancer but my doctors are confident I should be cancer free by mid-summer. That positive news is why I'm paying attention to my eating and weight now, before it gets to a point that I can't recover.

Thanks again for all the good info!

You look great and good luck kicking csncer's ass.

I think the fact that you are trying to address any weight gain is the most important part. You will be fine with your positive attitude. Much respect for tackling cancer and the weight at the same time.

Hey everyone! Thanks for the positive comments. Just an update.... I've lost 5 pounds and I'm feeling positive about continuing this journey. Another 15 to go.

I have another radio frequency ablation therapy treatment this Friday, and I'm hoping this may be the last and hoping to be declared cancer free in the next couple months. ??