Dr. Recommended 800-900 calories for weight loss

ShawShaw34
ShawShaw34 Posts: 3 Member
edited October 2017 in Health and Weight Loss
So, I had finally had it! Made my appt. yesterday and saw the Dr. about my weight struggles. It's been 1 yr. since actually in the office face to face. Since August of 2016, I've been going every 6 weeks for blood work for my under active thyroid. Back in 2013 I had joined the Dr's office wellness program and it was very expensive- peeks of body scan, full blood panel review, dietician etc. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos disease. Informed to go gluten free and I did for 2 years. One day I had just had it. I had lost less than 10 lbs. and am a very healthy protein/ veg eater with minimal sugar and alcohol consumption. Probably 1 drink a week. I stopped taking my thyroid medicine for 1 month and vowed not to be gluten free ( it's super hard) just gluten/ carb conscious. By week 3 my emotions were a wreck and my hair was falling out. So, August of last year 2016, having dinner with friend we vowed to check in every day and encourage each other via text and mfp. Well Friday of last week I had just about had it. I weighed 203 in August and Friday I was 198. Back in Aug. I went to another Dr. In the same office that I hadn't seen in over 10 years. He was not a fan of the practices of the wellness/ weight loss program in the office, but did not criticize as it had helped target people in serious need of a lifestyle change. I explained the Hoshimoto diagnosis, gluten free and me stopping my thyroid med, hair loss no weight loss etc. He had a blood draw on my TSH levels and the following week he started me on 30 mcg of nature-thyroid. Every 6 weeks following I get blood work and the results are the same, low levels, prescription increased. I had not see him in a year. So with continued hair loss a prescription change to levothyroxine and maintaining 198lbs and a 1200 mfp calorie goal I called out of pure frustration. Something has to give and I want the Dr to practice medicine! So what he said some how shocked me. He said most people that are obese you can put them to 1200 calories moderate exercise and they will lose weight. That's not where you are. Your intake must be much lower, like in the 800-900 calories. Tears combusted out of nowhere, no warning. I shocked the assistant the Dr. looked puzzled, but kindly grabbed the tissue box and I cried. I think it's because I know I just knew I was doing everything right, even with moderate exercise I should have lost 20 lbs. 800 calories? Are you serious. He took blood even though only 4 weeks since last test. Said to see him in one month for weight in. I got the call yestrday and of course right on schedule, well 2 weeks early they up'd my thyroid dose to 137. I'm not driven to eat and don't snack. Although maybe that's what's wrong, but I didn't receive advice on that. So 800 calories 137 mcg Levo and surely in 4 weeks I'll be down. I'm concerned about muscle loss as every single friend had said 800 CALORIES! That sounds like Slim4 Life, you'll gain it back. I haven't lost it yet and I'm worrying about going it back already. Does anyone have thoughts on the thyroid continual increase experienced issues? Is that high? I'm 39 and want to be 160 but obviously come out with muscle as my friends said my body will start eating my muscle. Ugh! Food recommendations and feedback is appreciated. I'm very serious about losing this weight and I'm one of those people that they say do this and Iveill, So I will be at 800 calories or less every day. I need to find something that works and 1200 calories isn't working. High protein to keep muscle? Thank you for help.

Replies

  • changeconsumeme
    changeconsumeme Posts: 229 Member
    I have Hashimoto's and hypothyroid. I feel I am lucky because they found the correct doseage of medication for me the first time (although I'm going for my six month follow up after having fasting labs yesterday, so we'll see if I get any changes).

    I agree with a suggestion from above. See an endocrinologist. I wouldn't dare cut my calories to something so low and unsustainable!
  • tayusuki
    tayusuki Posts: 194 Member
    Ohhhh, if I find it I'll come back with a link. But the thyroid may not be the root cause. There's some other factors that trickle down and eventually affect the thyroid.

    Has your doctors done additional blood work?

    I probably sound unhelpful because I don't know the names of things. Someone I know had these issues too and basically the wrong thing was being targeted.
  • evileen99
    evileen99 Posts: 1,564 Member
    Azdak wrote: »
    I would consider seeing an endocrinologist. Unfortunately, as with many autoimmune diseases, the information on the internet is mostly un or undersubstatiated woo. Not a criticism of your current docs, but there are complex factors involved that may be beyond their expertise. Under no circumstances should you solicit any health or exercise information from friends.

    This x1000000000. Hashimoto's is too complex to trust your care and management to a GP
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    get thee to an endocrinologist pronto! your GP should have recommended you to one when he had issues getting your thyroid levels into range (I see my PCM now after many years of having an endo, but we have identified triggers for when she will refer me to an endo for follow-on tests/medication)

    getting your levels right should be your first priority - i'm not sure how the dose of nature-thyroid works as compared to levo (I take levo) - but 137 has been my dose for about a year now, and we just had to revise my dose

    can you open up your food diary - so more experienced members can take a look - but honestly, if your levels are adequately controlled, then losing weight shouldn't be an issue
  • sjd421
    sjd421 Posts: 54 Member
    Please see an endocrinologist! I have hypo but not hashimoto and yes at first your meds might take a visit or two to get to the correct dosage. But you really should see a specialist as the PCP's don't understand the disease. It took me a while to start to see the scale move, but keep at it. I am now steadily losing 1lb a week, as long as a stick to my MFP calories and stay active. Also with Hashi, gluten free really helps a lot of people, so maybe try that again as well.
  • bmeadows380
    bmeadows380 Posts: 2,981 Member
    I'm on 300 mcg of name brand synthroid being treated for thyroid cancer - I don't have a thyroid any more. While that high was to push me into being hyperthyroid, the doctor is slowly reducing my meds and I'll probably end up around 150-200 mcg like I was before the cancer - meaning that 137 mcg is not too high a dose, so don't worry about that.

    Definitely go to a endocrinologist! And note that not all endo's are the same - you need one that is up on the current research and willing to use it. A lot of endos are old school and are still going by the standards established 20 years ago, but there have been recent changes in treatment methods and even in the definitions of hyper and hypothyroidism. Do your research and go into the appointment informed!
  • Sunnybrooke99
    Sunnybrooke99 Posts: 369 Member
    I don’t a lot about thyroid problems, but it does seem like seeing a specialist would be appropriate. I’m very petite, 4’11” and I have a small frame. I eat around 1200 a day, but that’s bc I drink. I don’t get a lot of protein, but you could get your fat and protein, and then use lots of low cal veggies to fill in what you have left, and do what you can to have more calories to eat by walking, or other exercise. I’d look into high quality supplements, and diy whole juice to get plenty of nutrients. I’m sorry you are going through this. It sounds horribly frustrating.
  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
    tayusuki wrote: »
    Ohhhh, if I find it I'll come back with a link. But the thyroid may not be the root cause. There's some other factors that trickle down and eventually affect the thyroid.

    Has your doctors done additional blood work?

    I probably sound unhelpful because I don't know the names of things. Someone I know had these issues too and basically the wrong thing was being targeted.

    The OP was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. It's an autoimmune disease which attacks the thyroid and destroys it.

    She knows the root cause.
  • acorsaut89
    acorsaut89 Posts: 1,147 Member
    I don't know a whole lot about your specific diagnosis, but what I do know is that your GP/family doctor probably doesn't have the experience or knowledge to really help. I'd see a specialist who knows more about people living with that disease than just your GP. It's nothing against your doctor, I just think specialists are specialists for a reason. Sometimes family doctors see something and they think they're equipped to deal with it. But they aren't; and it's a hug hit to their egos to say I want a second opinion. Always get a second opinion.

    For example: I have a protein S deficiency, which means my blood clots in my body but doesn't break down on its own. I have been on blood thinners for a long time. About 4 years ago I had to find a new family doctor because my family doctor stopped practicing in my city. Anyways, my new doctor strongly believed he could handle my blood deficiency, and I didn't need to see a hematologist anymore. He also recommended I don't continue on the medication I'm on now, and start something else. I was like look, I've been with my hematologist since I was like 6 years old. I haven't had any clots in over 15 years and he keeps my levels steady, without issue. My GP said well yes, but there's new meds out there and you could try them and blah blah blah. I was like you do realize a blood clot could kill me. They do kill people. Why take the risk when everything is good as it is?

    Some doctors don't like to think they can't help you. I think it's an ego thing.
  • Jruzer
    Jruzer Posts: 3,501 Member
    GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »
    The doctor likely advised you to go to "800" not actually 800 because he knows people don't accurately calorie count. Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable staying with such a doctor.

    @GottaBurnEmAll, I think this is often (usually?) the case when doctors make such low calorie recommendations. Look at how many members here post that they are "eating under 1200 calories and not losing."
  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
    Jruzer wrote: »
    GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »
    The doctor likely advised you to go to "800" not actually 800 because he knows people don't accurately calorie count. Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable staying with such a doctor.

    @GottaBurnEmAll, I think this is often (usually?) the case when doctors make such low calorie recommendations. Look at how many members here post that they are "eating under 1200 calories and not losing."

    I agree, but I also think that a good clinician would instruct their patient that there are pitfalls to calorie counting and that they should find out how to accurately count calories. Telling someone to eat 800 calories is ridiculous.

    As we can see in the OP's case, it's demoralizing. I've seen anecdotes elsewhere from people who were given this advice who followed it who were also counting inaccurately that "diets don't work". It perpetuates falsehoods.

  • ashliedelgado
    ashliedelgado Posts: 814 Member
    Definitely request a referral for Endo. Focus on maintaining until you feel well.

    And I'd be cautious of alternatives like Nature Thyroid. They are not regulated to the same extent that pharmaceuticals are, and therefore - like foods - the amount in each dose can vary widely. I work in a Family Practice office, and worked in Endo for 3 years before this. This obviously does not make me an expert, but every provider I have ever worked with, Endo or GP, does not prescribe alternatives and will instead work to balance with levothyroxine or synthroid.
  • davidylin
    davidylin Posts: 228 Member
    I believe you are not accurately counting calories, however, my understanding is that since you aren't losing weight on your current intake, your doctor is suggesting that you reduce your intake by 1/3rd. If you want to try this, I suggest tapering your level of intake over the next week to reduce down gradually.

    In the long run, you may want to consider getting help to track your actual calories accurately OR, in the rare minority case that you are tracking the calories accurately, have them confirm your count.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    so if she is potentially undereating...you are encouraging her to eat less...

    why not just advocate for accurate tracking for a couple of weeks, then re-evaluate depending on log...
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    just remember this too...doctors on average have less than 6 hours of nutritional based education in their entire career...

    That average includes those who majored in diet/nutrition so a regular GP gets about 1-2 hours...talk to a RD who is up to date...log accurately and consistently and see how it goes.
  • MizMareedy
    MizMareedy Posts: 148 Member
    If I were you I'd seek out the help of a different nutritionist. 8-900 calories seems dangerously low. How can you possibly get all the daily recommended nutrients on that?
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    she's not getting it from a nutritionist...but a doctor...even then nutritionists aren't regulated by licenses/training - she needs to see a registered dietician
  • MizMareedy
    MizMareedy Posts: 148 Member
    deannalfisher wrote: »
    she's not getting it from a nutritionist...but a doctor...even then nutritionists aren't regulated by licenses/training - she needs to see a registered dietician

    I didn't realize there was a difference in nutritionist/dietician. =\. I stand corrected. I did mean someone who specializes in nutrition. =)
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    kommodevaran wrote: »
    Channel all that energy into meticulously, honestly and accurately logging and eating 1500 calories per day, every day, and you will lose weight.

    This is not necessarily true with thyroid problems. I agree with the poster above that said don't worry about losing weight right now. Get your thyroid sorted out first.

    I feel for you OP. I have a sister with severe thyroid problems and even though she's an inch taller than me she maintains her weight on about 1000 calories less per day than I can even with medication. Hang in there.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    Azdak wrote: »
    SezxyStef wrote: »
    just remember this too...doctors on average have less than 6 hours of nutritional based education in their entire career...

    That average includes those who majored in diet/nutrition so a regular GP gets about 1-2 hours...talk to a RD who is up to date...log accurately and consistently and see how it goes.

    Which is still 6 more educational hours than the average MFP commenter.

    except most GP's have 1-2 hours and I can tell you that a lot of MFP commenters have more nutritional education than that..myself included...

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