I am going to begin hrt soon, but right now I am about 6ft 170lbs, and I have some junk in the trunk, but i dont want to lose it, by no means. I have a 33 in waist and a 41-42 in butt ,but I want my waist to shrink alot to give me that nice figure, yet I have not been able to figure out how to keep my butt, and lose the waist, I run and jog,I ride my bike 3 times a week for about 30 min each time. So does anyone know some good ideas and what I should do?
Basically you'll have to lose the male-pattern fat and then gain it back in a female pattern once you're on HRT. Unfortunately you can't spot-diet or exercise. You lose fat all over your body, and the only way to control where it goes back on is with HRT.
Mina.
Quote from: scarboroughfair on March 14, 2009, 03:05:30 AM
...the mid section muscle group only. :)
Quite correct - But if it's
FAT you're trying to target... What Mina said...
I believe Mina is exactly right. I am 5'11" and 150 lbs (BMI = 21) which is a bit slender, but not considered underweight (BMI below 20). I just began my hrt 10 days ago, and I do expect to put on a few pounds eventually as a result. In fact my s/o encourages me to eat chocolate with the argument that it will just go back into my boobies lol
yup toning machines just tone
they do good job of selling but if you do not loose the fat it will never show how your lovely toned new muscles look
i have a nice female looking abdomen but has taken giving up all foods that put an ounce of fat on and lost it everywhere first.
that's basically what I did as well- I lost 62 lbs over a 9 month period before hrt, but that last little bit of belly is the hardest to get rid of
Yep, I am losing everywhere except where I really was wanting.
I lost a shoe size, and at least one ring size recently. ???
Oh well, I am pretty much left with what I want to lose at this point, which isn't much, the rest is muscle. Oh well Spring is here, I can burn it off fast I think if my knees hold out.
FairyGirl, try not to read too much into B.M.I., it is a poor indicator of health, body fat and more. It is pretty much a worthless number really. It may be fine for most people, but if you have lots of dense muscles, you can easily be 50 pounds or more over optimal B.M.I. It does not take into account muscle or body type. Many people look 20-30 pounds less than they weigh. People have always guessed low on me, when I was 160, they thought 130, when they said 180 I was almost 220. When you look healthy, you are, regardless of your weight.
Quote from: FairyGirl on March 14, 2009, 03:41:33 PM
that's basically what I did as well- I lost 62 lbs over a 9 month period before hrt, but that last little bit of belly is the hardest to get rid of
I am 5 11 as well and right now at 210 lbs . I feel i should loose 60 lbs and that sounds very similar to what you did . I dont want to hijack this thread but if you could share any tips i would love to hear them :icon_yes:
I used Weight Watchers online; it's what works best for me. They have lots of good tools for weight tracking, as well as recipes and ways to stay motivated. They recommend losing no more than about 2 lbs a week as a healthy rate of loss, and advocate a balanced program of steady, slow weight loss and exercise. You always lose more at first but then it levels out. You can eat practically anything you want but you have to keep track of every single thing. It does take time but I'm very glad I stuck with it.
Thanks Leslie Ann, I really don't pay that much attention to BMI as I do LBS lol :laugh:
I never thought of that Fairygirl. Thank you for bringing it to my attention . I just looked into it and they do have their act straight
Hey, I'm 5'9 1/2 ish, and last weigh in was 143 pounds. I'm just curious what kind of fat loss are we talking about, before you get female patterned fat. Last time I checked, my (male) body fat is about 4- 6%. I don't have any fat really, anywhere, except maybe my butt.
So my question would be, do I need to lose anymore fat, or should I be trying to put it on at this point?
Also, I just started HRT (17 days ago).
Quote from: Valerie Elizabeth on March 15, 2009, 06:14:27 PM
Hey, I'm 5'9 1/2 ish, and last weigh in was 143 pounds. I'm just curious what kind of fat loss are we talking about, before you get female patterned fat. Last time I checked, my (male) body fat is about 4- 6%. I don't have any fat really, anywhere, except maybe my butt.
So my question would be, do I need to lose anymore fat, or should I be trying to put it on at this point?
Also, I just started HRT (17 days ago).
my thoughts are that since I don't have any more real fat to lose (at that height and weight sounds like you don't really either), I'm going to
try to maintain at or near my current weight for at least a couple months into HRT (@ 2 weeks today). That's just to ensure that the hormones have "taken", so to speak, and that any future weight gain will assemble itself in the gender-appropriate areas lol
I have no idea if that is even realistic, but it sounds good :laugh:
Quote from: Valerie Elizabeth on March 15, 2009, 06:14:27 PM
Hey, I'm 5'9 1/2 ish, and last weigh in was 143 pounds. I'm just curious what kind of fat loss are we talking about, before you get female patterned fat. Last time I checked, my (male) body fat is about 4- 6%. I don't have any fat really, anywhere, except maybe my butt.
So my question would be, do I need to lose anymore fat, or should I be trying to put it on at this point?
Also, I just started HRT (17 days ago).
This is a really interesting questioon. For a biowoman that fat % on the low side of healthy, maybe even unhealthyly low, and the mass is on the slim side, but it's really hard to say what would be healthy for an F2M.
The fat distribution pattern is why women can get away with more fat, so as long as the HRT is sending it to the right places (hips and thighs) you can probably healthyly gain a bit more weight, and it probably would make you look more feminine.
I wouldn't suggest you try to gain weight, you are probably ok as is, but it wouldn't hurt much if you did gain some extra feminine curves.
Blood cholesterol etc. might be a good thing to keep an eye on though.
To the Original Poster, if you are going on hormonal therapies very soon, just dopn't worry about it till then, when i went though (female) puberty i suddenly lost weight and it all came off my belly. If you start some exercise after starting hormones you might get a similar effect?
but your figure sounds pretty feminine already, i have about a 31" waist and a 41" butt as a biofemale with no extra T etc. i predict that couple of inches of belly fat will be easy to loose (or move) with some feminising hormones to help. does that story sound likely to the transitioned M2F females?
Quote from: Valerie Elizabeth on March 15, 2009, 06:14:27 PM
Hey, I'm 5'9 1/2 ish, and last weigh in was 143 pounds. I'm just curious what kind of fat loss are we talking about, before you get female patterned fat. Last time I checked, my (male) body fat is about 4- 6%. I don't have any fat really, anywhere, except maybe my butt.
So my question would be, do I need to lose anymore fat, or should I be trying to put it on at this point?
Also, I just started HRT (17 days ago).
Don't do anything!
Muscles will dissipate and turn into fat.
Your body fat and muscle percentage will change while you stay at ideal weight.
Don't gain and don't lose for your height I think!
I was quite thin prior to HRT but since HRT I have put weight on where I didn't want it to go. Some people who are a bit over weight have a better chance as they have fat already and can work on the areas they want. I didn't have any fat so I had to wait and see where it might go.
sorry to intrude! i'm very new here. also a biological female. will post a proper intro soon, but i couldn't resist replying to this. from an aesthetic pov i would imagine that having a small amount of fat at the belly would be more female-like than not. there is a bit of something i read about ages ago (in some anti-anorexia campaign, i believe) that they called the "fertility curve." essentially you'll have a small amount of stomach fat, a little "pooch" if you will, if you're female and fertile, even if you're rather skinny. i have noticed that men often have very flat stomachs if they work out a lot. the distribution of belly fat is different, obviously, but i wouldn't work on getting rid of fat on the stomach all together. i'm not sure if various topical estrogen creams could help with this, but perhaps they could? simply an idea, i haven't tested this at all!
Over the last six or so months I have lost about two stone. First I cut out the rubbish, no burgers, no pizza, no crisps biscuits or sweets. I tend to avoid the aisles of the supermarket where these are displayed. If you don't buy them, you can't eat them.
I have a low calorie cereal for breakfast, a light lunch but a proper dinner.
For exercise, I do a lot of walking. To lose weight you don't want to do too many exercises that are high impact or which leave you energy deficient. That only makes you hungry and more likely to binge. Gentle cycling, walking or swimming are best. Avoid a lot of weights, a few reps with light weights for toning is all that is needed.
I am at the stage where the hormones are starting to kick in and move fat to more feminine areas. You do need some fats in your diet but avoid saturated fats.
It worked for me but I still have some weight to lose. I realise that this is a long term goal not a short term fix.
Pippa
uhh I'd think estrogens directly over there might increase fat storage.
But then again it might now.. I doubt it would help though..
As it been said, everyone is likely to have some fat on their belly, unless they do really intense training and get the packs out or something :X
the question is how much fat do you really have there right now ^^ which might be hard for us to see that it's really low if it is.. :D
I have a plan but I have a problem...
I started, on July 1 2008, ar 308
One year later I was at 258...having plateaued since April
Now I've crept up just a bit to about 265 (dangit!)
My intention is, in no more than two years ( and preferably less) to lose down to around 140 (at 2 pounds a week that would be right around December 1 2010 but I'll be okay with as much 5 or 6 months later than that - but anything past labor Day 2011 would be very disappointing)
Over the last 20-30 pounds of that I am strongly considering a low-protein diet I saw somewhere on line designed to reduce muscle mass (I want to be totally weak by the time I'm done strength wise, I guess I'm a sucker for stereotypes in this case)
At that point, I hope to be starting HRT (fingers crossed on the money) and I'd like to start that sometime in early 2011.
Then, after hitting the target, I want to hit the donuts and Ding Dongs and let the E put about 15-20 pounds back into the boobies and the hip/tush area.
The problem?
I'm not sure I can wait a year and a half to get on HRT if the money becomes available. I'm getting pretty obsessive about getting started on them.
And I have no idea what will happen to reshaping the body if I start them too soon.
But I suspect I'll be stuck as a BBW if I do.
Laura I've been low-carbing it for over a year now, half of which during hrt and the weight loss hasn't really slowed. I mean, it did, but I think that was from not needing to carry as much weight around and not the hormones themselves. It's a really nice, clear headed way to live and you don't HAVE to buy the expensive shakes and candy bars they sell either, theyr'e just fun treats every now and then. Just an idea.
I'm really into the psychology behind obesity, and I think being on hrt with slower weight loss is probably more productive for an overweight transexual than trying to lose the weight first. Of course one needs to be in a reasonable range for the medications to be used safely, but in my completely medically untrained opinion I'd think 250 would be ok.
I'm 6'1 or so and weigh 150 which doesn't leave much room for too much fat but some of course.
I really don't do any specific exercise except play tennis during the weekends for about 2 hours a day or so, so that's about my only form of exercise. When I started HRT I was probably in the 130s-140s. I was really skinny back then so at least I've gained some weight.
But like everyone else pretty much said here. You're going to just have to lose the weight then gain it back and hope it goes to female proportions.
I see that I replied to this thread back when I was 2 weeks on HRT- I am now at 6 months so this is an update. In that time I have managed to gain back about 6 pounds, and every bit of it has gone to breasts and hips. I have a real waist now, not a straight boy waist anymore, and I'm spilling out of my A cup bra (actually got a B cup the other day and it fits!)
So, as far as losing weight prior to HRT and gaining some back afterwards, it has worked exactly as I hoped it would.
Quote from: FairyGirl on September 06, 2009, 08:10:57 PM
I'm spilling out of my A cup bra
I can't explain why but that's really hot. I seriously need to find a boyfriend to remind me of my place, because this growing fascination with girls is weirding me the hell out.
I've been dieting for almost two years and plan for one more before reaching ideal weight recommended by Dr. O,
and at the same time, since beginning HRT, my body fat as been redistributing a lot to female pattern, and I guess it will go on that way for years... only the skeleton might be the last obstacle to have a nice female figure.
In short, just be patient, HRT will do the rest.
There is also a medication I'm taking to enhance body fat redistribution (Glycophage), which is helping a bit, but it is in no way mandatory.
Glycophage, as in Metformin?
I've read about that. Are you using it for it's primary purpose of reducing insulin levels, or does it have some secondary effect that's causing redistribution? (kinda like spiro being an antiandrogen) In regards to using it with your hrt, are you in pills or injectibles?
Quote from: Becca on September 07, 2009, 02:56:33 AM
I've read about that. Are you using it for it's primary purpose of reducing insulin levels, or does it have some secondary effect that's causing redistribution? In regards to using it with your hrt, are you in pills or injectibles?
I'm using it for its reported effects on fat redistribution enhancement, I don't have any diabete condition.
I use the (extremely cheap) generic form as pills.
Originally I read about it on that page (http://www.secondtype.com/hormones.htm) (search for "metformin" on the page).
I can't find anything about Metformin on that site dear, but it's been a long day. I'll look again tomorrow, thank you.
Found it. From the link:
Quote
In one study, profound changes in weight and fat distribution were observed in 20 MTF transsexuals after taking hormones for just 12 months. A marked increase in subcutaneous fat deposition was observed, reaching near female norms in the arms, abdomen, hips, thighs, etc. Other studies support these findings. It's also become clear that transsexual women on hormones loses muscle mass, in particular there is likely to be a large decrease in thigh muscle, instead a considerable subcutaneous fat deposit is accumulated in this area - this is a typically female characteristic as the thigh is not a primary site for fat storage in men.
Many transsexual women, perhaps most famously Tula, have great legs The long long legs of a genetic male can, when padded out and softened by additional fat deposits from female hormones, result in a serious WOW factor. Unfortunately the effect is often ruined by size 10+ feet.
As well as hormones, a doctor may be able to recommend other drugs to aid fat redistribution and weight control. One such drug is Metformin (one brand being Glucophage). Although normally associated with diabetes, it's now also considered useful for aiding and enhancing the bodyfat redistribution (including limbs and face) of transsexual women taking oestrogen.
This fascinates me since I've been on Metformin for a year now. Although I've been skimping on the dosage (must stop that!) ;)
What more got my attention was this:
Quote
a moderately active metabolism means that typically "male fat" on areas such as the stomach will be burnt up while female-type fat on areas such as the buttocks will still be deposited.
I hadn't really thought about that but it makes a lot of sense on the surface. It would tend to negate the idea of losing all the excess weight before starting HRT.
Also, upthread, there was this:
Quote from: becca
I'm really into the psychology behind obesity, and I think being on hrt with slower weight loss is probably more productive for an overweight transexual than trying to lose the weight first. Of course one needs to be in a reasonable range for the medications to be used safely, but in my completely medically untrained opinion I'd think 250 would be ok.
Are you saying that the effects of E on one's mental state is more conducive to having a positive approach to, and being more faithful to, a diet?
I have wondered if it would be more likely that I would really focus on dieting once I felt the effects. Right now I sometimes find that the instant gratification of the donut i can see before me blinds me to the ultimate gratification of having the figure I want.
Might be wishful thinking on my part to think that HRT would help in that regard.
Might be wishful thinking on my part to think that HRT would help in that regard.
HRT is not going to overcome doughnuts and McDonalds. Weight starts with not only how much you put in, but what it is.
I have taken Glucophage (Metformin) for a couple of years now, not for fat redistribution, but because I am diabetic. It has been well known to help reduce weight in some seriously overweight women whose metabolic problems stem from insulin level imbalances. It also has been known to restore regular periods in some women who are irregular. Exactly how it affects the body's hormone levels is not known.
But please, please, please be careful! Hear me: Talk to your doctor before going on this medication and get a prescription. It is not expensive in its generic form. Unless you have experienced the horrible feeling of your blood sugar suddenly dropping and then passing out, you don't understand how serious this can be. I have read that Glucophage does not cause this hypoglycemic effect, but I am here to tell you differently. I have also talked to others who have had the same problem with this drug. You absolutely must be committed to eating a very regular and controlled diet, or you are playing with fire.
Kristi
Quote from: tekla on September 07, 2009, 08:23:20 PM
Might be wishful thinking on my part to think that HRT would help in that regard.
HRT is not going to overcome doughnuts and McDonalds. Weight starts with not only how much you put in, but what it is.
Not overcome the effects of - help handle the desire for.
I hope no one is stupid enough to think it produces "non-fattening donuts"
dedicated and sustained weight loss is really about changing the lifestyle that got you overweight in the first place, because all the diets in the world will do no good if you lose the weight and then go right back to the same eating habits as before. That's what I liked so much about Weight Watchers is because they not only show you how to lose the weight but how to keep it off through making healthy eating choices and portion control. When I lost over 60 pounds through them I still had the occasional donut, just not the occasional half dozen at once. And pretty much forget anything that goes by the name "Whopper"... lol
Quote from: Laura Hope on September 07, 2009, 08:19:48 PM
Are you saying that the effects of E on one's mental state is more conducive to having a positive approach to, and being more faithful to, a diet?
Yes, that's my theory. The thing is, it would be unethical to test it so really it's going to remain an academic discussion.
Fairygirl is right though, as usual :-* I also lost most of my extra weight before starting, and I have continued to live the low carb lifestyle and it's incredibly rewarding. My need for antidepressants disappeared. The thoughts of opening my wrists ended. Having experienced first hand the body's withdrawl from sugar and refined grains, I dread experiencing it again so much that the donuts are not even a temptation.
I can't even imagine going off Estradiol. I'm so obsessive about it that I've stockpiled an absurd amount of it. I have this vision in the back of my mind that it must feel a lot like a painful, uncontrollable descent into madness and I won't ever do it, no way. My life will end before I go back to that. So, imagine for a minute that I was still obese and when I looked at that donut I saw the choice between eating it and going off. I'd have to answer to my doctor who would absolutely stop the scripts if I started gaining weight. So I dunno if it would be the Estradiol itself or the cost-benefit analysis, and like I said it's unethical to test it.
Yeah, Whoppers. I went there once with my now ex boyfriend, and ordered a double whopper and just ate the meat and pickels off it. I still wound up with the headrush and dizzyness you get when you eat sugar while low carbing. That place is meh, I swear they even sugar and deep fry their salads.
dedicated and sustained weight loss is really about changing the lifestyle that got you overweight in the first place
Dead on like an Indy car. This is the essence of the truth.
I did try and get in shape pre - HRT but since being on HRT for 10 years I haven't noticed and changes physically. I am very disappointed but obviously HRT does work on some people and not others. I have no fat re-distribution and no fat in my face. My legs are very skinny and boney but my upper body is too big. I'm now at a point of giving up and I think more information should be put out that HRT does not work on everyone, so that the disappointment is not so hard to take.
Your "hormones dont work" posts make me so sad NB :( Have you tried everything there is to try?
What about the psychological benefits? In my humble opinion THOSE have the most understated impact, the physical risks and benefits are pretty well known and beat into our heads. The psychological stuff is do or die for me. After this experience there is no going back, even if the meds were a complete failure cosmetically.
Quote from: Becca on September 11, 2009, 04:40:39 AM
Your "hormones dont work" posts make me so sad NB :( Have you tried everything there is to try?
What about the psychological benefits? In my humble opinion THOSE have the most understated impact, the physical risks and benefits are pretty well known and beat into our heads. The psychological stuff is do or die for me. After this experience there is no going back, even if the meds were a complete failure cosmetically.
I was already psychologically female all my life so I wanted to re-address that with looking physically female as much as possible. For me the physical appearance is paramount but for some they are quite happy with how HRT makes them feel like a keep happy drug rather than wanting to look female. I have tried most forms of HRT and anti - androgens and I'm still working on it. But I have become cynical about the whole process after many years of being on HRT, so appologies for that.