I had WLS in July 2013…..I went with the gastric sleeve. I lost 80 pounds and got down to 135 pounds. I was in a solid size 6.
Last June, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was caught very early and my prognosis is excellent. I actually lost some weight during chemo but I have gradually put on an extra 15 pounds and now at 151 pounds.
I am doing my protein shakes religiously and eating lean protein and vegetables. I am just now easing back into exercise as my body allows. The fatigue from having chemo really has kept me from being able to exercise.
I also had a bilateral mastectomy and will undergo reconstruction surgery in the near future.
At this time, I still have what are called tissue expanders in that help stretch the chest muscles for the placement of implants. These tissue expanders had saline added over a period of a few months.
I am just really discouraged about the weight gain because some things mentally never go away. I am going to always be obsessed with my weight.
I also do not want to have to go buy new clothes because I feel like if i let myself go and buy a size 8 then I will be comfortable and then maybe gain more weight.
In addition, I don’t have the money to replace my wardrobe. It would just be easier to lose the extra weight.
I did the 5 day pouch test…lost 4 pounds and could tell my sleeve seemed to have “shrunk” back down some.
Is there anyone out there that has had to deal with this? I am also going to have to go on a medication that may cause weight gain. That worries me as well. HELP!!!!!
Patient Responses to the Question Above
WLS and breast cancer
by: Dee
Hello Michelle,
Thanks for sharing your WLS and breast cancer. It's nice to hear that the cancer was caught in the early stage. I had VSG on July 26, 2017. I've lost a total of 79 pounds which includes pre and post op. I feel really good with my progress.
Within the last few weeks, I'm been experiencing a slight discomfort in my right breast. It's hard to describe the feeling. I just know that there's some present that's not normal.
The first thing comes to mind is breast cancer. I call the mammogram department to schedule an appointment and was told that since I had a recent test in March of this year that my doctor would have to send a referral to be checked again. I am very scared that I might have breast cancer. How did you feel? What was your symptoms? Did you feel a lump in your breast. Please forgive me if I'm getting to personal.
I would love to hear from you. Thanks.