About Allyson
Hi! I’m Allyson, and I’m thrilled to have you here.
Here’s a little about me.
I’m a 53-year-old mom, food lover, hysterectomy survivor and Christian who enjoys writing, reading and cooking. I started Hysterectomy Fitness™ for like-minded women who are having trouble losing weight after their hysterectomy.
A few years ago, I struggled with severe menstrual cramps and extreme anemia, caused by over a year of nonstop periods and large fibroids. I got to the doctor in the nick of time, and it’s a miracle that I’m alive today! I was floored when my doctor said that I needed a hysterectomy.
Having heard horror stories that women often gained 20, 30 and even 50 lbs years after their hysterectomy, I didn’t want this option. So, I researched both natural and surgical alternatives that looked promising, including Acessa, Hope Beyond Fibroids and a myomectomy.
My insurance wouldn’t cover Acessa or Hope Beyond Fibroids, so I went with an emergency myomectomy. My myomectomy was unsuccessful and only removed half my fibroids. In a matter of weeks, my pain and bleeding returned with a vengeance. That’s when I knew that a hysterectomy was my only option if I wanted to live.
Still, I didn’t want my fitness to suffer. I doubled my efforts to find options that would help me maintain my weight if I had the procedure.
What I found wasn’t comforting. There were mixed reports from women. Most had gained weight uncontrollably after their hysterectomy; a few had lost weight. However, at the time, I found no information for women who wanted to keep the pounds off permanently post-surgery.
My emergency hysterectomy took place a month after my myomectomy.
After the surgery, the dreaded pounds started piling on although I ate healthily and exercised regularly. My diet was mostly fruits and vegetables with some protein. I got at least 8 hours of rest, drank plenty of water, ate smaller meals throughout the day, and even ate my last meal a few hours before bedtime. None of these things helped. My body seemed to have a mind of its own. I’d never had trouble losing weight and felt like my metabolism was shot.
I gained 23 pounds within the first 6 months. At this rate, I would be 40-50 pounds heavier by year end! Frustrated, I continued tweaking my process, determined to find answers.
With trial and error, I finally found a solution that worked for me, and that’s how Hysterectomy Fitness™ was born.
From time to time, when I see the pounds trying to return, I revisit my journal and rinse and repeat the actions I took before.
Today, I share what’s worked for me and hope to inspire others to become healthier, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. I do not have a medical degree, nor am I a nutritionist. What I’ve learned came through blood, sweat, tears, research and a whole lot of prayer.
I’m here to provide a resource for women who are struggling to lose weight after their hysterectomy, and to do so naturally and safely. I don’t claim to have all the answers or to have it all together. It’s a day-to-day path that takes dedication. I pray that you — like me — will stay fit in body, mind and spirit as you journey with me.
