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.

bandit5125

my thyroid is constantly going up and down. I get labs done every 8 weeks. People say if you are on meds you are fine but that is not the case for everyone. My endo keeps a very close eye on me. We talked and she suggested 1000 calories a day for 3 months, I did that and lost 25 pounds and had to change my meds again. then we went to 1200 calories. I am now down 93 pounds since February 24, 2014. I workout everyday. I walk 8-10 miles a day with Leslie Sansone. I now do between 1200-1400 calories a day. I can not lose weight going over 1400 calories. Some people can, I can't. I also drink a minimum of 15 glasses of water a day. I weigh and measure all of my food.

you can lose the weight but you will have to be more diligent about weighing things and keeping track of things and your activity level. I can't lose weight by food deficit alone, I need the workouts. Some people are lucky enough to just lose weight by watching their food intake, it doesn't work for me, I have tried. Everyone is different and there is no one thing that works for everyone. Talk to your endo and set up a plan.

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.

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

your'e right.. I've had under 1,000 calories every day and i feel like crap, but i'm desperate to lose weight.

Kalikel

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.

Some people are very nasty or cruel or hurl childish insults when they're online. Consider what leads a person to this sort of behavior and you'll probably feel a whole lot better. Also, make use of that ignore thing.

Some of it is just ignorance, too. People do not understand that it's a real thing and think it's just an excuse. They really believe that. They're trying to be motivating, lol.

Don't sweat it.

dannyxtyler

Hypothyroidism effects people's weight/metabolism differently. My numbers are where they "should" be, thanks to my medication, but if I eat my recommended number of calories to maintain my weight AND get in 5k steps a day, I gain a pound or so a week instead of maintaining. So, that means I have to cut/burn 500 calories/day in order to just maintain. I understand your frustration and how difficult this is. Right now, I've found something that is working for me, and I have been losing weight pretty well. Now, you've just gotta play around with different things and find what works for you. A very honest log of what you're eating, weighing everything that goes into your mouth, might be completely necessary for you... but eating so little that you're barely making it through the day MIGHT let you lose some weight, but that weight loss will be muscle loss, and WHEN it comes back on, it will come back on as fat. I learned this the hard way, so please don't make that same mistake. Try different methods, look around on this site and see what others are doing... Add friends (feel free to add me) to help motivate you! Best of luck; I KNOW how tough this is, but we can do it!!!

Lizzy622

I carried sneakers in my car so I could get a quick 10 minute walk in between dropping off one child and picking up the next. Every bit of exercise helps even 10 minutes. Yes hypothyroidism sucks but you need to move past it. Don't let the depression rule your life. Finding the 10 minutes here and there for you helps.

phobiep

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?

Wow. This was NOT helpful to the OP at all.
I am also hypothyroid and have some age-related hormonal issues as well. I'm struggling, too, but I do have some advice. Check what you're eating. Do you eat alot of wheat? Rice? White flour/sugar? My doc told me that alot of people who are hypo are sensitive to gluten and carbs. Make sure your carbs are GOOD, like the occasional fruit or veggies like sweet potatoes (not white). My doc also told me that hypo people should be EATING, not starving themselves. So perhaps you need to add back those 200 calories and breaking up your food so that you can have some kind of little snack between meals. I've NEVER heard that hypo people should subtract 200 calories!
Maybe I missed it, but what medication are you on? I'm sure there are people that do fine on Synthroid, but you might consider changing to Armour. It is natural and people seem to do better on it. If you still have hypo symptoms, your dose needs to be adjusted. I do better when my numbers are almost nothing, but it can be difficult to talk a doctor into upping your dose if your numbers are in the "normal" range. But normal is vastly different for everyone.

Alamo0809

Everyone is different... and it is so darn frustrating!! Although it is good that you have this forum to ask the question about hypothyroidism... individuals will have experiences different from your own.

The exercise issue is important. But... if I watch calories and try to burn them via exercise... I do NOT lost weight.

Your body will adjust to the lower calories and exercise and go into starvation mode... hanging on to every calorie for your survival.

It matters what you eat. In my case, if I follow a kind of low carb-paleo eating plan I lose weight, especially if I take at least a short walk every day... which I kind of need to do for my dog. Then, when a special event comes along I allow myself to share a dessert or taste a few french fries. Waitresses have been so good to me... they literally have added 4 french fries to my salad! From tracking nutrients on this site it appears I am eating about 100 carbs a day.

The key is to be honest with yourself... if you have been on a 4-5 day or week vacation from healthy eating for weight loss be honest with yourself about that, don't make excuses and get back to making healthy choices. If you get into the habit of making good choices it won't be disastrous when there is a party or holiday... just get back on the health boat when the party is over.

And the really sad news is... it gets harder to lose weight when you get older so getting honest about what you have to do regardless of hypothyroidism or menopause or age or injury... I am thinking of all the excuses I am tempted to use, and just eat healthy.

PBS did a great science series on exercise and weight loss .... you can google it, and one of the pieces addressed the issue of "low responders"... not everyone responds to diet and exercise the same way... and the program explained how "low responders" needed to kick start the development of muscle and metabolism of calories. Worth looking at.

sadiebrawl

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.

this was very helpful to me I just recently found out this is why my weight loss stalled. I was running 15-20 miles a day. eating 1200 + a little for the running and sometimes gaining weight. When I get my numbers back I'm going to try playing around with primal eating.

sadiebrawl

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.

I have leaky valves, hypo and atrophied muscles in my knees... we have a lot in common. Feel free to add me, maybe we can help in each other if we find something that helps.

mrsmcmo

My apologies to the OP, I didn't mean to make you feel bad at all, just trying to offer a bit of perspective. We all have tough days, and I'm truly sorry that you had one yesterday. I'm sure you can agree that we all have priorities in life. Sometimes exercising is one, sometimes it isn't - for everyone! My advice would be just to do what you can as far as exercise is concerned, when you have the time and energy to get it done. All we can do is give our best. The small things make a difference - parking farther away from the door, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking to the store instead of driving, whatever you can do.