Weight Loss and Endometriosis

I'm kind of curious if anyone here has endometriosis, or knows of someone that has it, and has tried to loose weight. What were your/their experiences? Did anything in particular help? Apparently struggles with weight is pretty common with endometriosis though out your life, from something I was reading yesterday?

I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2004 and put on the pill (the main cause of my weight gain). I was taken off the pill about a year ago and am now going untreated for my endometriosis, because the pill caused a liver tumor (the reason I was taken off the pill). I'm a little concerned about loosing weight and then toning up and still having what others would call a "pot belly", but what in endometriosis would usually be referred to as "endo belly" - where you like you're in early pregnancy, but are not pregnant; and its due to pelvic inflammation from the disease. When I get to my goal, how can I tell if any "pot belly" is me being "skinny fat", or if its the result of pelvic inflammation from my endometriosis?

Tips or tricks to get motivated to exercise, wether it be strength training at the gym or walking around the block, at times of month when its a feat to get out of bed and be able to make it through work - let alone doing any kind of more vigorous activity, would also be appreciated.

Replies

  • I wish that your endometriosis and liver problems will be under control.
    Losing body weight is eating at a deficit, meaning you have to burn more calories than you eat.
    If you can not exercise due to health issues, you have to eat less calories.
    My suggestion is to focus on your health issues while eating at a deficit.
    Nobody can spot reduce. Unfortunately. Your body will choose where to lose fat. Eventually, you will lose your belly fat, if you continue lose body weight.
    Hugs and speedy recovery
  • Here! I have endometriosis. 2 laparoscopies in. They take so long to recover fully from so I've opted to wait as long as possible for the next one (even though it could risk my fertility).
    I take Necon 1/50 daily, continuous (no breaks, no periods) for 10 years now. It's been big for keeping everything controlled. Maybe if the BC you were on was causing issues they can try a different type (there are many types). Just DO NOT LET THEM GIVE YOU A MIRENA FOR ENDO. It doesn't treat Endo no matter what they say. It works on the inside of the uterus and most women still have spotting. And if there is spotting you can bet your lesions are bleeding too.
    Get a good Endo specialist to do excision surgery on you is your best bet. My twin just had it last year, and when I do have surgery again that's what I'll be having.
    As far as pot belly goes, you never know. When I was diagnosed I was in incredible shape, my stomach looked great until I had my menses.
  • Unknown
    edited May 2015
    I have endometriosis, and managed to lose 70 pounds and maintain that loss. As long as I followed CICO, I didn't have any problems at all losing weight. AND I discovered that being slimmer actually helps manage the symptoms. My advice? Find what works for you and stick to it. Don't do anything that you won't be able to do for the rest of your life (like give up whole food groups - unless you'll never touch that food group again). I also found that regular exercise REALLY helps manage symptoms. Good luck, honey. :flowerforyou:

    ETA - I used to have pain while doing something as simple as walking during certain times of the month. I started a regular exercise program, and found that the walking pain was less if I was exercising regularly. I 'muscled through it' initially and exercised even though that pain was still there (though it WAS less painful), and now have almost no issues.
  • Here! I have endometriosis. 2 laparoscopies in. They take so long to recover fully from so I've opted to wait as long as possible for the next one (even though it could risk my fertility).
    I take Necon 1/50 daily, continuous (no breaks, no periods) for 10 years now. It's been big for keeping everything controlled. Maybe if the BC you were on was causing issues they can try a different type (there are many types). Just DO NOT LET THEM GIVE YOU A MIRENA FOR ENDO. It doesn't treat Endo no matter what they say. It works on the inside of the uterus and most women still have spotting. And if there is spotting you can bet your lesions are bleeding too.
    Get a good Endo specialist to do excision surgery on you is your best bet. My twin just had it last year, and when I do have surgery again that's what I'll be having.
    As far as pot belly goes, you never know. When I was diagnosed I was in incredible shape, my stomach looked great until I had my menses.

    The Mirena helped my endo out a LOT! My insanely heavy anemia causing periods completely stopped and my pelvic pain got sooo much better!

    OP - I totally know how hard it is! I have both endometriosis and PCOS. Weigh and measure everything that goes in your mouth...stick to a deficit. Unfortunately you can't spot reduce a tummy away :(