[colleen]

Some sites recommend losing weight as a conservative method for treating TOS. One of my doctors told me that while losing weight will help with just about anything (medically), that it probably wouldn't help that much with TOS.

I've got about 50 lbs to lose. I'm curious if anyone else has tried weight loss to help improve the symptoms of TOS.


Did this help for you? Do you think this would help those of us with some weight to lose?

[astern]

my TOS didn't start bothering me until my weight went over 120. but who knows if it had anything to do with it or not? I can only assume that if compression is a problem, less weight in the thoracic area would mean less compression.

[Jomar]

I think it couldn't hurt to lose weight - I have about 40 lbs that I'd like to have get "lost" but they keep following me around.

But I wouldn't recommend any fad or crash diet to lose the weight , slow and sensible, eating low calorie but nutrient rich foods & taking a good multiple vitamin and maybe a few supplements If you want to.

We do have a weight loss forum here too
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum42.html
lots of encouragement, tips , plans and nutrition info

[trixlynn]

Originally Posted by Jo55

I think it couldn't hurt to lose weight - I have about 40 lbs that I'd like to have get "lost" but they keep following me around.

But I wouldn't recommend any fad or crash diet to lose the weight , slow and sensible, eating low calorie but nutrient rich foods & taking a good multiple vitamin and maybe a few supplements If you want to.

We do have a weight loss forum here too
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum42.html
lots of encouragement, tips , plans and nutrition info

You need to put in a "No, it didn't help me." I have now lost almost 40lbs, and I continue to get worse. I have more overall energy, and stamina, but the actual TOS has only gotten worse over time.

[dabbo]

I think whats helped me more than losing the weight (because that always seems to find its way back!) is the exercise. Cardio and super-light weights help, so long as I follow my instructions from PT. I know though that some here can't walk or get their heart rate up without bringing on a flare.

[colleen]

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback. I figure it probably won't hurt, but I hold little hope that it will actually improve the TOS. It's just so darn hard to do... like others, it keeps finding it's way back. Gotta make it a lifestyle change to make it stick, but change is always difficult.

[mtnmom]

I voted yes. I think that the human body is just not designed to carry extra weight. Be it stress on your heart, lungs, knees, back or even the throracic area - I believe its best to keep your weight within a healthy range to avoid complications with anything.

[colleen]

Originally Posted by mtnmom

I voted yes. I think that the human body is just not designed to carry extra weight. Be it stress on your heart, lungs, knees, back or even the throracic area - I believe its best to keep your weight within a healthy range to avoid complications with anything.

That's what I think too... that the extra weight puts extra pressure on all areas of your body. A vascular surgeon told me yesterday that no, it wouldn't help because TOS is a blockage of muscle tissue and/or scar tissue and not fatty tissue...... but then again, my husband didn't really like her so I think I'll stick with the "it can't hurt and it could help" train of thought.

[gibbrn]

Hi guys,

just a thought..... breast reduction in some cases would be more beneficial as the weight of the breast may compress vessels and nerves in the BP if the bra has inadequate strap to size distribution.....never right!!! Not that I know except for all my patients when I was nursing with the grooves in their shoulders.....I am a size a-b (b on a bloated day..lol)

I think losing weight would be great for your body as a whole...cardiovascular, muscular .....already mentioned by others....that is if you could find an exercise that does not flare or cause more damage to body.

I am about to get a recumbent bike will see if that works for me.
I hope so I need to loose the Christmas bulge. I do a walk once a day with the dog and it damn near kills me. 30 min walk with my arm in a sturdy support of a backpack turned around to be on my front....use the strap.....is a backpack one strap purse type bag. plus it holds the dog treats!!!

my thoughts on the matter.....

take care guys,
love and hugs,
Victoria