Hypothyroid and Frustrated!!!!!

trbkjb

I am trying very hard to lose weight. Being hypothyroid I know it's not easy. This past summer I managed to lose 10 lbs., but that's it. I plateaued and couldn't lose any more. Kids started back to school and now I have no time to exercise. During the summer I used my lunch hour to exercise. Now, I use it to pick the kids up from school. During the summer I also would walk ever evening, but now it seems like there's always somewhere we have to be for PTA, or School functions, Dances, etc. I never have time to exercise any more. I gained back 3 lbs. because I got off track with keeping up with what I eat. I have been below my calorie intake goal and haven't lost a single solitary pound. Being hypothyroid you deduct 200 calories from whatever a goal for a normal person would be in order to lose weight. I've been well below even that and still haven't lost anything. I want to be healthy and I really want to lose weight. I'm trying to lose 40 pounds total. I just don't see how that's going to happen. While on vacation this summer my daughter asked her dad about when he proposed to me and asked if the thought was "hot". To which he replied she WAS hot. My oldest daughter chimmed in WAS?? She still is. (sweet i know) My husband's reply (dagger to my heart) was "well ...um it's a different kind of hot now". Now I am completely and totally obsessed with losing this weight. More motivated than ever before and I can't drop a pound. What can I do? I take my meds, I take supplements, I eat right and exercise when I can. I'm so frustrated. I don't want to give up, but I don't know what to do.

Cherimoose

I never have time to exercise any more.

But you had the time to tell us the vacation story about your daughter. You could have spent that time jumping rope, running, doing push-ups, etc. Most people can fit in lots of short bursts of exercise each day if they give up activities that aren't productive - TV, Facebook, phone gossip, manicures, whatever. Lifestyle changes are hard for everyone, hypothyroid or not.

How many calories do you average per day?

AskTracyAnnK28

Being hypothyroid you deduct 200 calories from whatever a goal for a normal person would be in order to lose weight.

huh??? I'm hypothyroid and this is the first time I'm hearing this...

Kalikel

I have thyroid issues, too. I was recently off the Synthroid and got reminded of how hard it is to be hypo. The lethargy. The constipation!! Ugh! Dizziness. Weight gain. It all came slamming back.

Since it came on insidiously before my surgery and disappeared slowly after, I never had the sharp contrast driven home. I just kind of realized one day, "Hey, I don't crave food all the time anymore. I don't need piles of carbs anymore."

Being hypo sucks!!

Please know that you aren't alone. It's so horrible.

Be sure you are seeing an endocrinologist on a regular basis and that your levels are good. Getting it straightened out changed my life.

I know I still have a harder time losing than most people, but it can lose now, which is more than some people can say, so I count myself as very lucky, indeed.

Good luck.

cavia

Do you feel euthyroid? Or do you still suffer from hypo symptoms? Do you know your lab numbers (TSH, free T4, T3)?

How are you tracking your calories? Do you weigh your solids/measure your liquids?

If your dosage isn't right, that should be your priority right now as it will make losing weight that much easier.

lindsey1979

A lot of us that are hypo definitely seem to struggle more. One of the things that really helped me was discovering that in addition to the hypo, I had other issues -- I'd developed insulin resistance (which my doc said is common for those with long untreated or undertreated thyroid problems as it's a way the body compensates) as well as huge vitamin deficiencies in both magnesium and Vitamin D (which has also been linked to difficulty losing weight when you're deficient). So, I'd ask if you know if all your other systems are good -- insulin resistance/glucose metabolism, adrenals, liver, vitamin deficiencies (D, magnesium, iron, iodine, etc.).

I also eat Primal (less restrictive version of Paleo where dairy is permitted if it agrees with you) and I found that when I got all my stuff worked out and ate Primally, the weight started coming off. A little slower than average, but within the realm of normal. But if I add back in grains or too many carbs, I totally stall. The grains are likely setting of my thyroid since I have Hashi's and gluten is a common trigger for it. And the carbs are probably due to the insulin resistance -- it's getting better with the weight loss and I hope when I get to my goal weight that I'm back to normal levels and can incorporate more carbs into my diet (right now, I keep them below 100/day, so low-ish but not keto low).

I also find that when I'm working out fairly hard, I need to take a recovery week more often or I start seeing hypo signs again. So every 4-6 weeks, I step back from the heavy lifting and weekly or bi-weekly sprint sessions and just walk. That seems to reset things and I start losing again. Another one of my hypo friends suggested this since she discovered it about herself and I found it to be true for me too.

BoatsnHose

Sounds like you are making a bunch of excuses to me.

lindsey1979

I've also personally found that I *NEED* to exercise to lose the weight. Just creating a calorie deficit through diet alone doesn't work for me unless the calories are dangerously low, and that's not a good solution to the problem. But when I'm consistently exercising -- even if it's just walks -- I'll see more results from the same deficit. I'm not sure if it's tied to the thyroid specifically or the insulin resistance (since exercise increases insulin sensitivity). This may be your issue as well.

So, I know some here love to say it's all about the deficit and it doesn't matter how you create it (i.e. you don't need to exercise but just eat less). I've found that not to be the case for me. And I started with 35 lbs or so to lose (and only have 12 more to go or so). So you may be in that same spot.

mrsmcmo

What it really comes down to is priority. I am a stay at home mom with 3 kids (2 of whom are in school and also a 2yo, very, very, very busy toddler), and a husband who works a lot. Most days the only time I can work out is after the toddler goes to sleep at around 8:30 or 9, in my basement. Some days I don't work out because I am too dang exhausted to do it, and other days I am running on the treadmill at 10:30pm. My point in telling you this is that if you really want to work out, you will make it happen. If it's not a priority for you (and it doesn't HAVE to be in order to lose weight), then don't feel guilty about it.

trbkjb

Wow. Looking for support not to be knocked down further. I do that enough to myself thanks. Also, I typed that while at work. I think the people around me would think I was crazy if I started doing jumping jacks next to my desk in a skirt and heels. You don't know me or how hard I do try to find time to exercise.

trbkjb

Being hypothyroid you deduct 200 calories from whatever a goal for a normal person would be in order to lose weight.

huh??? I'm hypothyroid and this is the first time I'm hearing this...

I've been doing a ton of hypothyroid research. I found some website that had a calorie calculator for people with hypothyroidism. Not sure how accurate it is. However, I did see results this past summer using that method and the exercise until I hit a pleateau.

SoDamnHungry

Being hypothyroid you deduct 200 calories from whatever a goal for a normal person would be in order to lose weight.

I've never heard this. As long as you're on medication everything should be ok.
Not to mention I am hypothyroid and BEFORE I knew or was on medication I didn't do this and still lost weight. Try not deducting that 200 as that could be slowing you down.
But anyway, remember that it's calories in vs calories out. If you don't have time to work out, then stay within you goal and you should lose. Stress and busy schedules make it hard to work out or stay within calories, but if you want it, then that's what you have to do.
Also, if your kids are in school, why are you picking them up at lunch? (Just curious, not critical)

msdjsmith95

I would definitely suggest a FULL thyroid panel. If your endocrinologist won't do it (many old school doctors won't), find a integrative doctor that will. Taking all the synthroid in the world won't help if you don't convert it right. There are probably underlying issues other than no time to exercise. You should still be able to take off weight by cutting calories if your thyroid is working properly. I take liothyronine, synthroid, D3 and selenium all for my hypo issues. Granted, losing still isn't a piece of cake, but I just need to stop taking nibbles of things here and there. Because every bite counts! You can do it...good luck.

trbkjb

To everyone who gave sound advice. Thank you. It was a rough day yesterday. To all of you who decided to cast judgment on me and how hard I try, I'd like to let you know you made a hard day even harder. Congrats on kicking someone when they're feeling down.

trbkjb

Being hypothyroid you deduct 200 calories from whatever a goal for a normal person would be in order to lose weight.

I've never heard this. As long as you're on medication everything should be ok.
Not to mention I am hypothyroid and BEFORE I knew or was on medication I didn't do this and still lost weight. Try not deducting that 200 as that could be slowing you down.
But anyway, remember that it's calories in vs calories out. If you don't have time to work out, then stay within you goal and you should lose. Stress and busy schedules make it hard to work out or stay within calories, but if you want it, then that's what you have to do.
Also, if your kids are in school, why are you picking them up at lunch? (Just curious, not critical)

I can take my lunch hour any time during the day. I take it when school lets out.

trbkjb

I would definitely suggest a FULL thyroid panel. If your endocrinologist won't do it (many old school doctors won't), find a integrative doctor that will. Taking all the synthroid in the world won't help if you don't convert it right. There are probably underlying issues other than no time to exercise. You should still be able to take off weight by cutting calories if your thyroid is working properly. I take liothyronine, synthroid, D3 and selenium all for my hypo issues. Granted, losing still isn't a piece of cake, but I just need to stop taking nibbles of things here and there. Because every bite counts! You can do it...good luck.

Thank you for your advice. I truly appreciate it. I think all my doc ever does is take my blood and raise my meds. Perhaps I need to find a new doctor. I will do some research to see if there are any specialists in my area.

trbkjb

I've also personally found that I *NEED* to exercise to lose the weight. Just creating a calorie deficit through diet alone doesn't work for me unless the calories are dangerously low, and that's not a good solution to the problem. But when I'm consistently exercising -- even if it's just walks -- I'll see more results from the same deficit. I'm not sure if it's tied to the thyroid specifically or the insulin resistance (since exercise increases insulin sensitivity). This may be your issue as well.

So, I know some here love to say it's all about the deficit and it doesn't matter how you create it (i.e. you don't need to exercise but just eat less). I've found that not to be the case for me. And I started with 35 lbs or so to lose (and only have 12 more to go or so). So you may be in that same spot.

Thanks for your advice. I really appreciate it. Even though it's hard for me to find any time during the week, I can find time on the weekend. I think I'm going to start working out like crazy all weekend that way at least I get some exercise in.

trbkjb

A lot of us that are hypo definitely seem to struggle more. One of the things that really helped me was discovering that in addition to the hypo, I had other issues -- I'd developed insulin resistance (which my doc said is common for those with long untreated or undertreated thyroid problems as it's a way the body compensates) as well as huge vitamin deficiencies in both magnesium and Vitamin D (which has also been linked to difficulty losing weight when you're deficient). So, I'd ask if you know if all your other systems are good -- insulin resistance/glucose metabolism, adrenals, liver, vitamin deficiencies (D, magnesium, iron, iodine, etc.).

I also eat Primal (less restrictive version of Paleo where dairy is permitted if it agrees with you) and I found that when I got all my stuff worked out and ate Primally, the weight started coming off. A little slower than average, but within the realm of normal. But if I add back in grains or too many carbs, I totally stall. The grains are likely setting of my thyroid since I have Hashi's and gluten is a common trigger for it. And the carbs are probably due to the insulin resistance -- it's getting better with the weight loss and I hope when I get to my goal weight that I'm back to normal levels and can incorporate more carbs into my diet (right now, I keep them below 100/day, so low-ish but not keto low).

I also find that when I'm working out fairly hard, I need to take a recovery week more often or I start seeing hypo signs again. So every 4-6 weeks, I step back from the heavy lifting and weekly or bi-weekly sprint sessions and just walk. That seems to reset things and I start losing again. Another one of my hypo friends suggested this since she discovered it about herself and I found it to be true for me too.

You know that is very helpful. I do not know that all of my systems are in good shape. They keep testing me for diabetes so the insulin thing may be an avenue I need to pursue. I have 3 leaky heart valves and will need to have them replaced in a couple of years or so they say, I also need knee surgery which I keep putting off from an old dance injury. I have a bunch of health issues I didn't include in my post b/c I was afraid of being told I was making excuses and low and behold I was accused of that anyway. I left out that while I did exercise in the summer I'd have to ice my knee b/c it is extremely painful and swells. I have to wear a knee brace.

SoDamnHungry

I would definitely suggest a FULL thyroid panel. If your endocrinologist won't do it (many old school doctors won't), find a integrative doctor that will. Taking all the synthroid in the world won't help if you don't convert it right. There are probably underlying issues other than no time to exercise. You should still be able to take off weight by cutting calories if your thyroid is working properly. I take liothyronine, synthroid, D3 and selenium all for my hypo issues. Granted, losing still isn't a piece of cake, but I just need to stop taking nibbles of things here and there. Because every bite counts! You can do it...good luck.

Thank you for your advice. I truly appreciate it. I think all my doc ever does is take my blood and raise my meds. Perhaps I need to find a new doctor. I will do some research to see if there are any specialists in my area.

If your doctor isn't working for you, it's always good to get a second opinion.

AskTracyAnnK28

Being hypothyroid you deduct 200 calories from whatever a goal for a normal person would be in order to lose weight.

huh??? I'm hypothyroid and this is the first time I'm hearing this...

I've been doing a ton of hypothyroid research. I found some website that had a calorie calculator for people with hypothyroidism. Not sure how accurate it is. However, I did see results this past summer using that method and the exercise until I hit a pleateau.

If I end up having to do that I would only be able to eat 1100 calories a day - barely enough to function

RoseyDgirl

There are ways to fit in exercise, even at work. Every 2 hours, get up and walk around the office, take a bathroom break, do squats in the bathroom before heading back to your desk. Next break, do pushups against the wall or bathroom counter, If you get in a set or two spread out throughout the day - by the end of the day, you'll have a few dozen of each and at least will be working on stregnthening your major muscle groups. Every little bit helps.

As to adding other routines outside work, I'm sure you've heard it said plenty of times -always take the stairs. Park far away and walk. ... but also, consider at the end of the night when the kids are in bed - pop in a yoga video. It's a great all over workout, that usually ends with a relaxation peace that should help you to sleep.

And there's always trying to make chores fun. Dance while you put things away or clean house. A broom and hips, and some good music and you will work up a sweat in no time.

I too have hypo-thyroid, and have plateau'd more than I've lost - but, for me, I just keep exercising (knowing that even if I don't lose fast - I'm still doing the body good) - and I work on my diet, to see if making changes with my macro levels - will help restart the weightloss cycle.

It's one day at a time, and we're all works in progress. Good luck.