Weight gain after IVF?

[Porridgeislife]

Did anyone else find they gained weight after multiple rounds of IVF?

I finished my third round of egg collection (freeze all) 6 weeks ago & have put on nearly a stone which doesn’t seem to want to leave. Normally I’m quite slim (BMI around 21) but I’ve got a spare tire all of a sudden and just feel awful and blah.

The drugs don’t seem to have left my system this time, my boobs are still big and sore and it felt like my ovaries were massive when I ovulated last week.

Anyone got any words of advice about how to deal with the weight gain? Does your body struggle to get rid of the drugs, the more rounds you do?

Yes - I did 5 cycles in 18 months- the last 3 being almost back to back embryo banking. I think it's the progesterone and steroids in my case as it always made me bloody hungry. I had to do almost a fasting type diet to restart my metabolism and I did lose 1/2 a stone before my transfer and did that couch to 5k. Age is definitely a factor too although I was 37 so not that old 🤣 but found whereas a few days of a healthy diet I'd lose 2lb a week now I'm lucky to lose a 1lb a week! My transfer worked and I had twins so coming to terms with the fact my body will never go back to what it was!

Yep 2 rounds of ivf and about 4 stone heavier
Did have my baby after 2nd round (21monthago) so that’s probably to blame too... but who cares I got my prize and that’s all that matters
Good luck all x

Yes for sure - I hate what it’s done to my body after five rounds. No easy solution. I exercise more everyday and do feel better than I did six months ago.

Thanks everyone. I’m glad it’s not me going mad. Nothing has changed, I’m still eating well & exercising but wake up every morning to these swollen & frankly very sore boobs!

Thanks for the advice andivfmakesthree, I’ll look into a fasting diet.

Shazzz1xx, great to hear you got your “prize” , unfortunately for some of us we’re still trying really hard to get there.

@Porridgeislife

Maybe try the dukan diet - that's high protein and once you get through the initial stage it has a one day a week fast day (usually a Thursday - so today is haaaard😬)

The keto diet is similar too

I also limited myself to 1200 calories per day and tried to do 7500-10,000 steps per day

I also tried to do 3 days per week vegan meals (the hardest part for me as I love meat and fish)