Ask Dr. Denton: Advice to a Cancer Survivor on Losing Weight

The food you eat and the daily exercise should be considered as part of your daily medicine. I'll be praying for you tonight.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Catholic Online) - "Ever since my radical hysterectomy and lymphectomy a little over a year ago I have put on over 60 lbs and I rarely eat much. I have one small meal a day usually with very little snacking.

"It seems any small amount I eat automatically turns into fat. I have hardly any energy to speak of and I don't know what to do about it. The excess weight is causing knee and leg problems to the point where I have difficulty walking."

Dear Cancer Survivor,

You pose a difficult question because of the many intricacies of cancer, cancer therapy, and how it changes the body's metabolism. Increased weight after a hysterectomy and lymphectomy is probably multifocal is what we're saying. So, bear with us as we lead you down a road we believe will help.

Why does metabolism change after cancer intervention? There are at least two reasons, and probably three for you. The body's reaction to stress is to release a hormone called cortisol. This hormone is what initially supercharges the body to function under stress. The problem occurs with long-term stress. When the body has elevated cortisol levels too high..... too long the cortisol causes the body to lay down a fat store. This store is extremely difficult to lose.

By removing the uterus your body's natural sex hormones maybe modified which can also lead to increased weight gain. Because you had a lymphectomy (lymph node removal) some of the weight you have may well be water weight also known as post-surgical edema. After any exercise or day of being up on your feet your legs should be elevated higher than your heart for one hour.

Remember no TV and snacks at this crucial moment. If you're like me you'll want to reward yourself for a job well done. Make that a reward of reading a great book, and if you can, once a week a foot and leg message. OH how sweet it is!!!!!! Oops there I go using the Sweet word again. P.S. remember you can have a SINGLE DARK chocolate every now and them. I.e. no more than one a day ..... Think tiny because that's where we're going.

Because your metabolism has changed and your absorption of nutrients has changed, you should be on a daily vitamin. Ideally you would take a whole complex vitamin often called green vitamins. These are typically not synthetic and in cancer patients this is the ideal. GNC has a green line and almost every health food store will carry a vitamin derived from fruits and vegetables and not made in the lab. While we're on the subject of vitamins and cancer prevention, multiple studies have shown the benefits of vitamins especially in foods we eat.

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An apple a day keeps me (i.e. the doctor) away is actually right on. Your diet should be high in fruits and vegetables. Think Vitamin C and B to really up your immune system. I feel so strongly about this that we have created our own Bella Vitae vitamins which are entirely organic and whole complex. These are given to all of our patients prior to and after surgery. Can I give a higher recommendation?

Post surgical patients and almost all of the cancer patients I deal with are put on a low salt diet and long-term reduction in white carbohydrates (polished white rice). This routine will significantly reduce edema. Think of the last time you had Chinese food and the next day your shoes were too tight and your rings didn't fit. This occurs largely due to the salts and white carbohydrates. Your carbohydrates should be green vegetables and minimal (less than 1 slice per day) of grain filled breads. The protein you eat should be more directed towards seafood. Salmon and Tuna are excellent sources of Omega three fatty acids. These fatty acids are the building blocks of the nervous system and have an excellent natural anti-inflammatory component.

As for your fatigue, nutrition is only a part of the picture. A daily dose of iron either in a pill form or some form of liver....pate will likely be of assistance to you. Don't forget that depression is a real issue for cancer survivors. Support groups are great, and sometimes even better is a social group that is physically active. Because of your leg and joint issues you are a perfect candidate for water aerobics group. Don't be ashamed of that body it's only going to improve. So dawn a suit with a skirt and as you slim you can modify your fashion. Try to get in the water 2 - 3 times per week. Remember don't get frustrated with slow weight loss your goals should be 1 - 2 lbs per week. As you lose weight your leg issues will improve and you can start walking and even some stair workouts.

The food you eat and the daily exercise should be considered as part of your daily medicine to help you thin down and live the beautiful life that is yours to have. Please don't quit fighting no matter how slow the weight loss process takes. I'll be praying for you tonight. You go Girl!!

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Dr Denton D. Weiss, M.D. is board certified in both Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He and his wife Michelle strive for an integrated approach to life which recognizes the unity of the body, mind and soul. They are contributing writers for Catholic Online.

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