Came for support....so disappointed

kamakazeekim

I've been where you are! I've worked my butt off for 3 years and my weight only kept going up. I saw several doctors and nutritionists and worked with a personal trainer...they didn't know how to help me...they were completely baffled. As my weight increased so did my depression and it got to the point I had a hard time leaving my house because of how terrible I felt about myself. Turns out that I have PCOS and am insulin resistant but there is still another component that my doctors can't put there finger on yet because even with PCOS I should lose weight when I am working as hard as I have been. Since being prescribed the maximum dose of metformin for my PCOS/insulin resistance I have started to see the weight slowly come off.

*edit* I should add...I tried phentermine but it didn't work for me because overeating was not the problem. I never had any negative side effect. I also want to add that my endocrinologist says that she has a handful of people like me who gain/can't lose weight despite doing "everything right." She says that we all have numbers that are borderline low...not quite low enough to need medication. She thinks that some people may be more sensitive to hormone levels than others.

KetosisTina

Not sure what I’m missing but if you have a calorie deficit (medically induced or not) I don’t understand how you wouldn’t lose weight.
I haven’t read all the threads and quite frankly I don’t have the time to do so but if people have been rude to you in their remarks it is rather easy to just skip their comments.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Eleanor Roosevelt

Good luck.
V/r,


Exactly. You don't fully understand. It's not always about the calories. I gained 30 lbs one month on a seizure medication. I did not increase my calories at all. In fact I wasn't that hungry, yet I still gained 30 lbs. There are just some issues, thyroid, gut flora or medications that will keep you from losing weight.


DW

Brige2269

You need to get yourself a good group of friends. That's where all the support comes from. Start friending people, and as the weeks go on, don't be afraid to delete those who do not support you. Before you know it, you will have an awesome group of friends that encourage you, cheer you and support you. Good luck!!

lindsey1979

OP -- I saw that you said your blood work was in the low normal range. If this is in reference to thyroid levels, you may want to seek out a thyroid and/or metabolism specialist. I had some tests that were low normal and so for years, I was told everything was "fine" or "within range". It wasn't until I looked further into it and sought out a specialist in thyroid (not just endos -- two of those told these things as well) who was able to look past certain blood tests, measured for other things (he was the first to test for antibodies -- which is text book for Hashi's -- but none had done so before), look into other avenues and treat symptoms, that I finally received the treatment I needed.

Here's a good article on this sort of need to look beyond blood tests (in this case TSH) and about low normal values: http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/woliner.htm

On thyroid boards, I've found many, many people with similar experiences(especially those with Hashi's) -- who's TSH level is within range, but they're still suffering horrible hypo symptoms.

My doc also looked beyond thyroid to adrenal issues, liver issues, various vitamins and sugar/insulin issues. He found insulin resistance (which was a big surprise to me) along with a couple of severe vitamin deficiencies (D and magnesium). Once, I got all of this on track, I started losing weight like a "normal" person.

Before that I was doing the exact same things and had a 700+ daily caloric deficit and was barely losing or staying the same (I lost 2.2 lbs over 3 months, when according to the calculations, it should have been 15-18 lbs). I shared my experience on these boards and was called some nasty things by some people -- that I was in denial, was crazy, didn't know how to count calories (I was fastidiously weighing EVERYTHING), was a liar, wanted to be coddled, was a "special snowflake" etc. -- much as you've described. It was a great relief to me to finally figure out what the issue was and fix it, but people's reactions on these boards were very disappointing.

I'm so sorry you're struggling with your experience. Sadly things like thyroid and insulin resistance aren't as uncommon as many would believe. Some groups estimate up to 80 million Americans have insulin resistance (or 25% of the population) and thyroid is something like 20 million (60% of which are undiagnosed) according to the American Thyroid Association. It's not just 1% or less. And things like this may be why you're having such a hard time taking off the weight -- I know I did.

1princesswarrior

OP -- I saw that you said your blood work was in the low normal range. If this is in reference to thyroid levels, you may want to seek out a thyroid and/or metabolism specialist. I had some tests that were low normal and so for years, I was told everything was "fine" or "within range". It wasn't until I looked further into it and sought out a specialist in thyroid (not just endos -- two of those told these things as well) who was able to look past certain blood tests, measured for other things (he was the first to test for antibodies -- which is text book for Hashi's -- but none had done so before), look into other avenues and treat symptoms, that I finally received the treatment I needed.

Here's a good article on this sort of need to look beyond blood tests (in this case TSH) and about low normal values: http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/woliner.htm

On thyroid boards, I've found many, many people with similar experiences(especially those with Hashi's) -- who's TSH level is within range, but they're still suffering horrible hypo symptoms.

My doc also looked beyond thyroid to adrenal issues, liver issues, various vitamins and sugar/insulin issues. He found insulin resistance (which was a big surprise to me) along with a couple of severe vitamin deficiencies (D and magnesium). Once, I got all of this on track, I started losing weight like a "normal" person.

Before that I was doing the exact same things and had a 700+ daily caloric deficit and was barely losing or staying the same (I lost 2.2 lbs over 3 months, when according to the calculations, it should have been 15-18 lbs). I shared my experience on these boards and was called some nasty things by some people -- that I was in denial, was crazy, didn't know how to count calories (I was fastidiously weighing EVERYTHING), was a liar, wanted to be coddled, was a "special snowflake" etc. -- much as you've described. It was a great relief to me to finally figure out what the issue was and fix it, but people's reactions on these boards were very disappointing.

I'm so sorry you're struggling with your experience. Sadly things like thyroid and insulin resistance aren't as uncommon as many would believe. Some groups estimate up to 80 million Americans have insulin resistance (or 25% of the population) and thyroid is something like 20 million (60% of which are undiagnosed) according to the American Thyroid Association. It's not just 1% or less. And things like this may be why you're having such a hard time taking off the weight -- I know I did.

+1

ANGIE181062

Hi hun I hope you don't mind me saying but I have read up on phentermine and it has lots of side effects so please be very careful. Also if you have a thyroid problem are they treating that? You may also find it more difficult to lose weight even almost impossible according to some research I have done but all I will say is stick to the calorie intake suggested by MFP and exercise and you should be fine and please do not listen to the haters as I think they mean well but don't know how to address people x:happy:

Mr_Knight

...for the last 18 months I have not lost anything, even when doing everything correctly...

The fact you can make a statement like that after 18 *months* says you to me that you haven't learned a damn thing.

You ARE NOT doing "everything correctly". Until you can accept that reality, you will continue to fail.

I'd wish you the best of luck....but it's really not about luck.

DWBalboa

Not sure what I’m missing but if you have a calorie deficit (medically induced or not) I don’t understand how you wouldn’t lose weight.
I haven’t read all the threads and quite frankly I don’t have the time to do so but if people have been rude to you in their remarks it is rather easy to just skip their comments.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Eleanor Roosevelt

Good luck.
V/r,

Exactly. You don't fully understand. It's not always about the calories. I gained 30 lbs one month on a seizure medication. I did not increase my calories at all. In fact I wasn't that hungry, yet I still gained 30 lbs. There are just some issues, thyroid, gut flora or medications that will keep you from losing weight.


DW

If that is the case then you would know that there was a reason and not make a statement like this person has made. You would know that your meds were the reason and any sane person would then work with their Doctors on the solution and not here.

mccindy72

Not sure what I’m missing but if you have a calorie deficit (medically induced or not) I don’t understand how you wouldn’t lose weight.
I haven’t read all the threads and quite frankly I don’t have the time to do so but if people have been rude to you in their remarks it is rather easy to just skip their comments.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Eleanor Roosevelt

Good luck.
V/r,


Exactly. You don't fully understand. It's not always about the calories. I gained 30 lbs one month on a seizure medication. I did not increase my calories at all. In fact I wasn't that hungry, yet I still gained 30 lbs. There are just some issues, thyroid, gut flora or medications that will keep you from losing weight.


DW

I'd be very interested to know what AED you were on that made you gain weight. I've been on several and my main issue with them has been nausea, loss of appetite, and weight loss, not weight gain.

lindsey1979

Not sure what I’m missing but if you have a calorie deficit (medically induced or not) I don’t understand how you wouldn’t lose weight.
I haven’t read all the threads and quite frankly I don’t have the time to do so but if people have been rude to you in their remarks it is rather easy to just skip their comments.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Eleanor Roosevelt

Good luck.
V/r,

Exactly. You don't fully understand. It's not always about the calories. I gained 30 lbs one month on a seizure medication. I did not increase my calories at all. In fact I wasn't that hungry, yet I still gained 30 lbs. There are just some issues, thyroid, gut flora or medications that will keep you from losing weight.


DW

If that is the case then you would know that there was a reason and not make a statement like this person has made. You would know that your meds were the reason and any sane person would then work with their Doctors on the solution and not here.

Except for those of us that went untreated for years (sadly, common with thyroid issues -- they estimate something like 60% are undiagnosed) or were told that everything was "fine" or "within range". Except for those people.

CoopMaybrymommy

This is the last time I am going to respond to this thread. I will answer some of the questions that people have asked me and then I am done. I am not going to continue to be called names and listen to the nastiness.

I have never said anything about cutting/adding carbs. If that is what it said, it was a typo...I meant cardio.

I am not taking the phentermine to control my appetite, I am taking it for the metabolism booster. Unfortunately there are no other medications that just boost the metabolism. Appetite is not my problem. I am not a binge eater. I have a difficult time getting my calories in everyday.

And, I understand that this is not a long term medication. That was never the plan. I have been working with my nutritionist and doctor and we have a plan in place. I do not intend on taking it for the full 12 weeks. And, there is medical research (actual research published in journals, not just anecdotal online stuff) that indicates a boost in metabolism given by the medication may have long terms effects, even after the medication is out of your system.

I am not saying the calorie deficit doesn't work. And I am not saying I am doing everything correctly. I am saying that everyone always says calories in/calories out and that is what I have been doing. I have been measuring, weighing, logging for longer than I can even remember. I don't put it into my mouth if it is not in my food log and if it hasn't been on the scale. I have had 4 professionals all monitoring me and they have all said that they do not know why I am not losing weight. It is extremely frustrating when you are doing what you are told and nothing is happening. Now, you can continue to judge me and call me a liar, and that is fine. You don't know me. You don't know what I have been doing. You don't know how I feel when I look in the mirror and you don't know how I feel when I am working my butt off to get results and nothing is happening. It is a terrible, terrible feeling and I truly hope NONE of you ever have to feel it. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

Again, I wish everyone luck on their journey. I have made my decision. I was fully informed and it was not one that I took lightly. I certainly do not need everyone to support me or agree with me. My original post was that people have been mean and nasty. I can take constructive criticism and I have answered questions that people have had. And now I am done. I am not going to continue to defend my choice, because it was my choice. I am certainly not saying anyone else is wrong for how they feel and I am not trying to change anyone's mind. I guess my original thought was that maybe if we could ask the questions and give criticism without name calling and bashing, then these boards would be much more helpful.

Iwishyouwell

If you're going to post on this forum you've got to learn to soak in the good, and laugh at the rest.

I just had an obese woman in another thread, with only 12 lbs down on her ticker, lecture me about how I chose to eat and lose weight. Trust me, stick around enough and you learn to guffaw your behind off at some of the know-it-alls, bullies, and trolls on this board.

suey2k1

I feel for you. I've been plateaued/ gaining for over two years while supposedly eating at a deficit. I have run every calculator on the web, and I have tried a deficit from 250-750 calories. I think this covers a reasonable margin of error. I have tried a "reset" and thus gained 15 lbs. NOTHING is working for me either. I bought a new food scale. I weigh, I measure, I even count my chips and nuts. I work out. Usually six days a week. 4 days of circuit training with a lot of strength and 2 days of cardio, usually running. I used a heart rate monitor. I now use a Bodymedia. I have figured net calories and eaten back exercise calories. I have used the %off TDEE method. I tried straight lifting for awhile. I am human, so I'm sure that my logging of both food and exercise is not 100% accurate, but I have tried various deficits! and I should at least be seeing a small loss! not as gain! Currently I am just including a margin of error in my deficit/goal.

Nothing works. NOTHING. (And it used to work. Four years ago I lost nearly 45 lbs using MFP reccomendations. I am still maintaining a healthy weight, but I am unhappy with regaining 15 lbs and not being able to lose it.)

So I certainly understand your frustration. And people on the boards are not kind about this. (Please don't tell me I eat too little--the calculators say I should maintain at 1490 cals for sedentary, so anyone with half a brain can do the math for creating a deficit. Small, low body weight people simply don't burn many calories, even when you add in more exercise ise cals--say 150-200 more a day.)

I personally would not want to try a stimulant, especially since heart issues are all over my family tree, but I would think this has more to do with your doctors recommendations for YOU and no one else. My biggest question would be, and I think you pointed this out--will the metabolism boost from the meds remain when you stop the meds. Very valid question.

I would echo the good advice of several--try to ignore the idiots on the boards who have not been taught basic social skills, sift comments carefully, and add friends carefully who will help you. Add me if you like. I don't have the answers but I am searching and I love hearing new ideas that are presented I a courteous manner.

how did you lose 45 pounds if calorie deficit does not work for you???

Exactly. Calorie deficit doesn't just work some of the time. If you are calculating it right it works all of the time.
I love the bit where you say you even 'count your chips'. Maybe you should try eating 'clean' instead of processed rubbish. That along with a calorie deficit should help you no end :O)

mccindy72

I feel for you. I've been plateaued/ gaining for over two years while supposedly eating at a deficit. I have run every calculator on the web, and I have tried a deficit from 250-750 calories. I think this covers a reasonable margin of error. I have tried a "reset" and thus gained 15 lbs. NOTHING is working for me either. I bought a new food scale. I weigh, I measure, I even count my chips and nuts. I work out. Usually six days a week. 4 days of circuit training with a lot of strength and 2 days of cardio, usually running. I used a heart rate monitor. I now use a Bodymedia. I have figured net calories and eaten back exercise calories. I have used the %off TDEE method. I tried straight lifting for awhile. I am human, so I'm sure that my logging of both food and exercise is not 100% accurate, but I have tried various deficits! and I should at least be seeing a small loss! not as gain! Currently I am just including a margin of error in my deficit/goal.

Nothing works. NOTHING. (And it used to work. Four years ago I lost nearly 45 lbs using MFP reccomendations. I am still maintaining a healthy weight, but I am unhappy with regaining 15 lbs and not being able to lose it.)

So I certainly understand your frustration. And people on the boards are not kind about this. (Please don't tell me I eat too little--the calculators say I should maintain at 1490 cals for sedentary, so anyone with half a brain can do the math for creating a deficit. Small, low body weight people simply don't burn many calories, even when you add in more exercise ise cals--say 150-200 more a day.)

I personally would not want to try a stimulant, especially since heart issues are all over my family tree, but I would think this has more to do with your doctors recommendations for YOU and no one else. My biggest question would be, and I think you pointed this out--will the metabolism boost from the meds remain when you stop the meds. Very valid question.

I would echo the good advice of several--try to ignore the idiots on the boards who have not been taught basic social skills, sift comments carefully, and add friends carefully who will help you. Add me if you like. I don't have the answers but I am searching and I love hearing new ideas that are presented I a courteous manner.

how did you lose 45 pounds if calorie deficit does not work for you???

Exactly. Calorie deficit doesn't just work some of the time. If you are calculating it right it works all of the time.
I love the bit where you say you even 'count your chips'. Maybe you should try eating 'clean' instead of processed rubbish. That along with a calorie deficit should help you no end :O)

Um... no. Eating "clean" vs. "processed" doesn't matter. If there is a deficit, in most people,weight will be lost. The type of food only affects muscle loss and nutrition.

Mr_Knight

And I am not saying I am doing everything correctly.

That is *exactly* what you said in the OP.

ndcyciv

I am very new to MFP and the message boards but I feel quite honestly sorry that you want to blame everyone for your feelings.

No one posted any hurtful comments. They are just asking inquiring questions. Some have even given great advice about hormonal issues. It took me 9 months to lose 40 lbs and 2 months to gain 20 lbs even though I still worked out like crazy but had some extra binges here and there. I decided to see a NMD to check all of my hormones and get regulated because it is more frustrating doing everything right and you can't lose. Meanwhile, my husband eats stricly junk food and loses 10 lbs.

I do need to correct some of your post. Phentermine is not a "metabolism booster". It is an appetitie suppressant. It has similar pharmacologic activity as amphetamines. Metabolism is such a loose, broad term and very inaccurate term.

I feel you are misinformed and feel that your weight issues are the result of your failure. They are not of your failure and everyone on this forum is trying to help you and give you advice you can either take or not.

I have been told by nutritionists that calorie deficiet isn't always an appropriate weight loss tactic. Sometimes calorie intake needs to be increased with reduction or increase of certain macronutrients to find your correct balance.

I wish you well in your endeavor.

hennaj22

Don't let a few bad apples spoil this site for you. Everyone I have met on here has been wonderfully supportive. As long as you are losing your weight in a healthy way then you shouldn't worry about what anyone else thinks. At least you're trying to do something about it which is a lot more than so many overweight people can say. Feel free to add me if you need a supportive buddy

ANGIE181062

Don't let a few bad apples spoil this site for you. Everyone I have met on here has been wonderfully supportive. As long as you are losing your weight in a healthy way then you shouldn't worry about what anyone else thinks. At least you're trying to do something about it which is a lot more than so many overweight people can say. Feel free to add me if you need a supportive buddy

Totally agree x

mycupyourcake

This is a very interesting thread to read through. To all who say this OP and others like her are not calorie counting correctly I have this to say: just because you have had success with your TDEE and calorie deficits does not mean that everyone else who uses the same formula and does not have success is doing it wrong. I recently read that our BMR and TDEE calculators can be off by 30-40%! That is a big difference when you are trying to find a calorie deficit for your body!

I do have a question for those who are knowledgeable on these calculations. Other than body fat percentage not being accounted for, what else can cause the calculation to be off by so much?

darkrose20

This is the internet. People are blunt and mean. Most folks on here (who I have encountered) don't like the idea of using any gimmick to help weight loss. They swear it's not sustainable. It probably isn't. The thing is, they also don't know your motivation. Perhaps you WANT to yo-yo. They also don't know your research. Perhaps, you've found the one silver bullet to rapid and sustainable weight loss.

Again. This is the internet. People CAN be horrible, because they are safe behind their screen. It's not like you can jump through the screen and beat them up. Tho, life would be interesting, if we could.

There *is* support and motivation and help here. You have to look past the idiots and jerks to find it. You also have to have a thick hide for when you really *are* doing it wrong and people bluntly tell you. There really isn't a lot of sugar coating on the internet forums.