Desperate to lose weight

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-16-2003
Desperate to lose weight
2
Sun, 07-25-2004 - 3:29am
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism several years ago (my mom has it too). I started to steadily gain weight for no apparent reason. My TSH test indicate I am borderline hypothyroid, so I only take 100mcg of Levothroid.

I am very frustrated because I started out at 135lbs in high school, and have steadily gained weight and am now about 250 lbs. I have tried many methods to loose weight. I even exercised for two hours cardio+ strength training for 1.5 hrs for five days a week for 6 months and had no results! I do not eat a lot and fast food makes me nauseas. The point is there is no way that I eat enough to make me this big. I am very depressed and go out in public on a need basis for the embaressment and the fear that I'll bump into someone I knew when I was thin and healthy. I am also wanting to have a baby soon, and do not want to be overweight and pregnant.

I tried to research thyroid problems and found that they say people with T problems usually have a combination of problems. Does anyone know of any therapy that might help. I am desperate and any help is greaty appreciated.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-22-2004
Sun, 07-25-2004 - 11:27am
Hi:

I just wanted to let you know you're not alone... I can really relate to a lot of what you're saying.

Getting support is something I've found really helpful... there's a weight loss board on this site, that might really help you. I also suggest that you make sure you're eating enough: I know it sounds silly, but I found that my biggest problem was a continued pattern of restrictive eating that led (ineveitably) to over-eating. I now eat following what is basically the diet given to diabetics... making sure I eat 5 small meals a day that include a form of high quality protein, and are limited in empty carbohydrates (I try to incorporate whole grain foods instead). This is helping with my energy, too. And as long as you're including all the nutrition that you need, you can follow this type of program all through your pregnancy.

Another tip someone once past along to me that has really helped is "don't ever eat a food you don't like, and don't ever do a form of excercise you can't stand." This simple advice has really helped me. The idea is you won't be able to follow up with something you just don't like and you can usually find an option that you do enjoy. Like with excercise, I pretty much just make sure I do my walking (cuz I don't like much else!)

Good luck to you,

Dee

ps. If you can, try to let go of being embarassed... you haven't done anything wrong and there's no good, motivating reason to worry what other people think!
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Mon, 07-26-2004 - 8:34am
Hi and welcome - You say that you are borderline but are taking 100 mcg of levoxyl which is a pretty high dose. Do you have any idea what your tsh level was at your last blood test? That's going to be the best indicator of whether or not you are in the "normal" range and whether or not your thyroid is hindering you in your efforts to lose weight. I can sympathize with you on the whole weight issue and so can many tohers here. It can be difficult but not impossible to lose weight and get in shape while hypo. But you have to have your TSH in the proper range so that's an important first step.

Can you afford to go to a nutritionist for a few counseling sessions? It might be a good way to track what you're eating and get advice on a healthy start to eating a balanced diet. I know there were times when I was just ready to give up and it's important to have a fresh start. If you can't go to see someone, I would recommend either Weight Watchers if you can afford it or come over to the Kathy Smith board, where I co-cl. Here's the link:http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-fbkathysmith

Kathy has an eating plan called Jump Start that's well balanced and flexible and geared to a lifestyle change. It's an excellent plan and way to eat.

About the exercise, I hear you!! I did the same thing before I was diagnosed, two hours a day, 6 days a week and I actually got weaker! LOL! But I didn't know I was hypo. I just maintained my weight for awhile and then slowly crept up. But the key is to be consistent, don't give up and get a good support group that can encourage you when you're down and celebrate with you when you have success. That's what the KS board does for me. That's what this board does for the women who are posting here about their thyroid symptoms and other related issues!

So the first thing to do is get your tsh level. Can you find out if you don't know, and then come back and post it for me??? Thanks! Cathy :)