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TBOLES4 SparkPoints: (1,789)
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Posts: 12
7/28/13 1:02 A

Thank you so much for the information. I will certainly have my abdomen looked at as soon as I can. Does that type of hernia cause any kind of pain? I will get a cramp where my gall bladder used to be, and it usually happens when I cough real hard or when I laugh real hard. Is there a specific name for the hernia you had?

BMHILL71 SparkPoints: (1,976)
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Posts: 63
7/26/13 9:38 A

You may have a hernia caused by the abdominal muscles being weakened by the surgeries. I had the same problem with a "pregnant" gut and mine turned out to be a result of herniated muscles from my 3 abdominal surgeries. And unfortunately, there's not much you can do about it except strengthen the muscles under it and someday if you get insurance again you might want to consider having it repaired.

TBOLES4 SparkPoints: (1,789)
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Posts: 12
7/25/13 11:57 P

Thanks for the information. I do eat nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate. I like Flax seed in yogurt with a banana, but haven't eaten that in forever.

There isn't any low-cost or sliding scales in my area. I have been hunting for 10 years. I don't think my area cares if people can afford to go to the doctor or not, otherwise, there would be at least one in my area.

I am going to try and have the money together by the end of September to go to the doctor.

LDAVENPOR4 SparkPoints: (25,521)
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Posts: 437
7/25/13 12:49 P

I just read an article on losing both kinds of belly fat in the magazine, "First for Women." It explained that hard belly fat is visceral fat and had a specific food plan for that. I remember that's the kind of fat that Dr. Oz says can be dangerous. Then there's the soft, jiggly belly fat that's less dangerous, but of course, still not healthy or pretty. There's also the book, "The Flat Belly Diet." I don't know if it targets any particular kind of belly fat, but when I followed it, I belly did go down. It encourages eating monounsaturated fatty acids or MUFAs.

MUFAs are found in olives, avocados, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, soybean, flax, and olive and sunflower oils and according to the book have health benefits that target belly fat. They also help control satiety, so by adding in one MUFA at meals and snacks it is easier to stick with the plan and lose belly fat.

As far as going to a doctor, if you haven't already, do a web search on Free/Low-Cost or Sliding-Scale Clinics to find out where they are in your area. Hope this helps.

XERISCA SparkPoints: (799)
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Posts: 6
7/25/13 11:50 A

I misread this post. Apologies! Carry on! :)

Edited by: XERISCA at: 7/25/2013 (11:51)
WADINGMOOSE Posts: 1,044
7/25/13 11:45 A

The problem is that complete strangers on a message board can't tell you if there is something wrong with you. Even if it is a build up of scar tissue, it's something that should be looked at. But it could be something more serious.

And I understand the financial concerns, but what is your life and health worth?

TBOLES4 SparkPoints: (1,789)
Fitness Minutes: (422)
Posts: 12
7/25/13 11:42 A

I don't have any insurance and my job doesn't offer it to me. I am a bus aid for special needs children, so I am considered a part time worker. I don't get paid throughout the summer, so I don't have the money to go either. I also live in a town where there is no where to go that goes by income to be able to see a doctor. I know I need to go, but just to see the doc is $175 or better and that doesn't include any tests or anything. I try and take good care of myself because I haven't been able to go to the doctor.

WADINGMOOSE Posts: 1,044
7/25/13 11:36 A

Only your doctor can answer that.

My understanding is that cysts do not necessarily involve pain. They may, but they may not.

If you haven't seen a doctor in 6 years, you should go now.

TBOLES4 SparkPoints: (1,789)
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Posts: 12
7/25/13 11:36 A

I am not doing very good at doing the cardio. I have excuses lol, but I am trying to get a gym membership, but it will be the end of next month before I can do that. I do what I can at home, and the weather has been so hot and humid I don't like to walk in that kind of heat. I am hoping to walk this evening because a cool front has moved in. I know doing cardio and strengthening will help. I just need to be able to fit in clothes again. I start working again on the 31st.

TBOLES4 SparkPoints: (1,789)
Fitness Minutes: (422)
Posts: 12
7/25/13 11:33 A


I don't have any abdominal pain or anything, so not sure it would be cysts. I have not had any kind of doctor appointments since my hysterectomy, so anything is possible. I am wondering if some of it is scar tissue. I have had a lot of abdominal surgeries over the last 10 years.

TBOLES4 SparkPoints: (1,789)
Fitness Minutes: (422)
Posts: 12
7/25/13 11:31 A

I still have one of my ovaries, so I am still producing hormones. Although I am 43 and pretty sure I am perimenopausal. I will keep an eye on things. I do keep within my calorie intake numbers for the most part. However there has been a couple days in the last week that I didn't eat enough calories.

7/25/13 4:10 A

Not to alarm you, but when a similar situation occurred to me, it turned out I had cysts that had to be surgically removed. I agree with the coach and previous poster: it's probably a good idea to see your doctor.

SP_COACH_DENISE Posts: 31,350
7/24/13 11:23 P

It sounds like it may be a good idea to check in with your doctor. As WHOLENEWME79 mentioned, your hormones can change quite a bit after a hysterectomy. If you have been tracking your foods and staying within your ranges, while also doing both cardio and strength training, then it very well could be a good time to at least talk with your doctor.

Coach Denise

WHOLENEWME79 Posts: 942
7/24/13 9:06 P

After a surgery like a hysterectomy, your hormones will change. Hormones and genetics both play a role in weight gain, weight loss, and where you carry your weight.

I would suggest talking to your doctor about your concerns. He can do blood work and other things to see if it could be related to a chemical imbalance. If not that, maybe a trip to a dietician would be in order, and a personal trainer.

Best of luck.

TBOLES4 SparkPoints: (1,789)
Fitness Minutes: (422)
Posts: 12
7/24/13 8:07 P

Ok, I ask this question for a very good reason. My stomach truly looks like I am about 3 or 4 months pregnant. It is not flabby at all. However, in the last 2 months I have gained 15 pounds and yes my stomach has gotten bigger. Now, there is no way that I could be pregnant because I do not have the equipment to carry a baby. This Halloween will be the 6th anniversary since my hysterectomy. Before that surgery, I had other organs removed from my abdominal region. Is it possible (probably wishful thinking though), that the surgeries have my stomach muscles all screwed up? Or is it just belly fat?
I have been doing some exercises and watching the amount of calories I put into my body daily, and I have lost 5 pounds. But, my belly looks exactly the same size. I hate my stomach and want to get it down to a more normal size, it does not have to be flat.

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