I've Tried Almost Everything For 8 Months

LuHox · May 2013

I promise this isn't one of those "Help, I haven't lost weight in a week!" posts, and also that I have tried suggestions from other threads asking the same "I can't lose weight despite trying" questions. I have been stuck for so long that people have nothing to say to me, but that I must be counting incorrectly or lying about what I'm doing. I promise that is not true, and I'll be quite honest about what I have done.

The only thing I haven't tried is choosing one precise method and sticking with it for several months hoping one day my plateau (if you can call it that) will be magically broken. The only qualm I have with doing that is that I'm not sure which precise method to stick with for the long haul.

Stats: I am 5'5" and 200 lbs. I fluctuate between 198 to 202. I am 25 years old. My high weight was 240, but that was several years ago. I haven't lost anything in at least 6 months.

I have tried 1200-1300, 1400-1500, and 1600-1700 calories in a day. I have stuck with each of these for a considerable length of time (1 month or more). My estimated TDEE (since I can't afford to have metabolic testing as a broke college student) is 2300. I have done interval running (although I haven't done that one in a while and will probably go back to it soon), strength training/lifting, and exercise dvd's like Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 for example. I have tried combinations of the three. I have tried various distributions of macros including MFP default recommendations, 40/30/30, and even low carbohydrate, high protein. I have eaten 100% clean (how expensive) and 100% vegan (how difficult). I talked to my doctor and after testing my thyroid and blood sugar levels he said I must be drinking things with calories in them and not counting it (not true). Clearly, he didn't believe me. If I tell anyone else (who isn't with me on a daily basis & doesn't see how I eat and log every darn bite) they think I'm lying.

I've been doing this for so long and not losing anything. I'm not losing weight, nor am I losing inches. I doubt I'm losing fat and gaining muscle, and my clothes fit the same.

I'm tired of counting calories. I don't have a smart phone, so I feel like a slave to my computer, running back and forth to log everything I eat, to no avail. I'm almost ready to give up and resign myself to living obese for the rest of my life. I don't want to, but I don't know what else to do.

So what in the world should I do? I know I need to stick with one thing long term, but how do I determine what is right for me, and if anything will, what will eventually work?

fluffykitsune · May 2013

Have you tried eating at maintenance ?
I say, eat 2200 cals a day for 2 weeks. Eat whatever you want, but aim for 2200 cals.
If you can, don't exercise for the second week. So First week eat 2200 cals and continue to work out, next week take a break from working out.

Pollywog39 · May 2013

I feel like you and I are in the same boat.

I, too, was totally STUCK for almost a year.................nothing I did made any difference. I didn't see a doctor, nor did I do any dramatic changes ................ but tried increasing, then decreasing my calories, changing my food decisions, walking/hiking more (which is my normal exercise - hey, I'm old!), even gave up BEER for a while (NOOOOOOOOOO!)

What I did was just 'LET IT GO' and determined to live as healthy (and happily) as I could. I know I had changed my life - and that my horrible eating habits were DONE. So, I found peace with not obsessing about the scale.

Recently, I lost 2 lbs. I hope it continues...............

craigmandu · May 2013

Do you record your exercise? Why not open your diary, it would be much easier to get an idea of what you are eating and what you are doing.

Some simple questions

Are you drinking alot of diet drinks?
Are you drinking just plain old water?
Do you drink alcohol, and do you record it?

Muchmoretogive · May 2013

First i just want to say how i admire you for sticking to your healthy eating and exercise!!!! I can imagine being stuck on same weight for 8 months must be very tiedious and frustrating aswell as disheartning. My only advise would be to log everything you are doing and go back to Gp and see if there are more blood tests that can be done for different illnesses as it could be something other than thyroid. I also recommend sticking to maintenance for a while like previous post then dropping it it may give metabolisim a kick up the backside. I would also try increase your exercise pushing yourself longer and harder and see if that helps. Also try different exercises for different times to shock your body. It will come off eventually but it sometimes takes longer than expected. I know if i was in your position id be tearing my hair out.

Keep going and don't give up and keep smiling x

LuHox · May 2013

Are you drinking alot of diet drinks?
Are you drinking just plain old water?
Do you drink alcohol, and do you record it?

I do typically drink a lot of "diet" drinks. While I was eating clean, I gave them up as well as artificial sweeteners, period. I generally FELT better while eating that way, but no weight loss resulted. I've recently (in the past week) started drinking them again... because I'm weak and why not.

I drink more water than anyone I know. I'm constantly thirsty. and constantly drinking.

I do drink alcohol occasionally, and I do record it. Sometimes I drink it, sometimes I go long periods without any at all. It doesn't seem to make a difference as long as I drink plenty of water and factor it into the calorie count.'

I don't open my diary because to be honest this is a brand new account. I deactivated my last account after getting frustrated a few weeks ago and giving up for good. Now I'm back because I decided I don't want to be obese all my life

Sounds dumb, but it's the truth. Sorry I don't have any concrete data for you.

FlaxMilk · May 2013

Do you have any symptoms of anything like PCOS or other similar hormonal issues? Do you take any medications?

RowenaBernice · May 2013

First question are you eating calories that you gain from exercise? If you are you must be sure that you know exactly how many calories you are burning, I fell into that trap, the calorie counters on gym machines are not accurate UNLESS you type in your height, weight and age (and most don't let you do that.) I know this because I use a heart rate monitor and the number is always different. Second, I know this is a repetitive question, but are you accurately measuring everything? I'm talking digital scale weighing food and all that? That is a huge thing, most of the measurements aren't very accurate unless you weigh them. These are a few common traps I find that people fall into, I myself did. Because bottom line if you are creating a deficit you should be losing weight, I know the frustration and I wish you the best of luck breaking through!

LuHox · May 2013

Do you have any symptoms of anything like PCOS or other similar hormonal issues? Do you take any medications?

I don't really know much about PCOS. Even when reading about it online right now I don't really get what the symptoms are. My understanding is that it means there are many tiny cysts on your ovaries. I have had problems with ovarian cysts before, but I mean big ones, not little ones. On two occasions in the past year I have been in the hospital because a rather large one ruptured and caused infection. The reason I mention this is that perhaps there's some kind of hormonal imbalance if that's pertinent, and it also means I've had a few vaginal ultrasounds of my ovaries so wouldn't they have been able to see right away if I had PCOS?

I was taking birth control, but I can't seem to take any of it without awful side effects. Each kind of birth control I have tried has its own lovely set of miserable side effects. I've tried every pill and I don't want to try the shot or ring.

I also recently found out that sometimes my blood sugar levels fluxuate more than they should... but not enough to be considered diabetic. So I don't know if maybe there's some kind of insulin resistance going on? Or am I just hoping for an answer?

Even if I go back to the doctor I know I've got to find a new one. The one I had been going to is a... well, I don't like him and he doesn't help me.

bdelaney001 · May 2013

I totally understand. I have been trying for the past few years to get to a healthy weight but nothing seemed to be working for me. I actually gained weight on one weight loss program I started Medifast last month and finally the scale is moving down. I have lost 15lbs. It works for me because I do not have to think about anything, just eat one of the meals every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. And make my own lean protein and veggie dinner. Remember we are learning new healthy habits and it takes time but will pay off in the long run. There are many programs and approaches out there and you will find the one that works for you. Hang in there!

FlaxMilk · May 2013

Do you have any symptoms of anything like PCOS or other similar hormonal issues? Do you take any medications?

I don't really know much about PCOS. Even when reading about it online right now I don't really get what the symptoms are. My understanding is that it means there are many tiny cysts on your ovaries. I have had problems with ovarian cysts before, but I mean big ones, not little ones. On two occasions in the past year I have been in the hospital because a rather large one ruptured and caused infection. The reason I mention this is that perhaps there's some kind of hormonal imbalance if that's pertinent, and it also means I've had a few vaginal ultrasounds of my ovaries so wouldn't they have been able to see right away if I had PCOS?

I was taking birth control, but I can't seem to take any of it without awful side effects. Each kind of birth control I have tried has its own lovely set of miserable side effects. I've tried every pill and I don't want to try the shot or ring.

I also recently found out that sometimes my blood sugar levels fluxuate more than they should... but not enough to be considered diabetic. So I don't know if maybe there's some kind of insulin resistance going on? Or am I just hoping for an answer?

Even if I go back to the doctor I know I've got to find a new one. The one I had been going to is a... well, I don't like him and he doesn't help me.

Not every woman with PCOS will have the little cysts. I would really suggest talking to your gyno or an endocrinologist at this point rather than your PCP about treatment. If birth control won't work for you, there are a few other options that a gyno or endocrinologist can recommend. Based on the information you reported in your response to my post, that's the first place I would start for help on your questions about weight loss and why it won't work for you.

LuHox · May 2013

First question are you eating calories that you gain from exercise? If you are you must be sure that you know exactly how many calories you are burning, I fell into that trap, the calorie counters on gym machines are not accurate UNLESS you type in your height, weight and age (and most don't let you do that.) I know this because I use a heart rate monitor and the number is always different. Second, I know this is a repetitive question, but are you accurately measuring everything? I'm talking digital scale weighing food and all that? That is a huge thing, most of the measurements aren't very accurate unless you weigh them. These are a few common traps I find that people fall into, I myself did. Because bottom line if you are creating a deficit you should be losing weight, I know the frustration and I wish you the best of luck breaking through!

I cook with a digital food scale and measuring cups and spoons. In other words, I count as accurately as I can.
When it comes to exercise I have tried both eating them back and not eating them back.
ETA: when eating them back I used MFP estimates when entering exercise. I don't own a HRM though I'd love to have one.

The only thing that has seemed to work is if I NET around 800 calories. But I doubt anyone of you would approve of that, but I could be wrong. Should I net 800 caloriies since that's where I lose weight?

LuHox · May 2013

Do you have any symptoms of anything like PCOS or other similar hormonal issues? Do you take any medications?

I don't really know much about PCOS. Even when reading about it online right now I don't really get what the symptoms are. My understanding is that it means there are many tiny cysts on your ovaries. I have had problems with ovarian cysts before, but I mean big ones, not little ones. On two occasions in the past year I have been in the hospital because a rather large one ruptured and caused infection. The reason I mention this is that perhaps there's some kind of hormonal imbalance if that's pertinent, and it also means I've had a few vaginal ultrasounds of my ovaries so wouldn't they have been able to see right away if I had PCOS?

I was taking birth control, but I can't seem to take any of it without awful side effects. Each kind of birth control I have tried has its own lovely set of miserable side effects. I've tried every pill and I don't want to try the shot or ring.

I also recently found out that sometimes my blood sugar levels fluxuate more than they should... but not enough to be considered diabetic. So I don't know if maybe there's some kind of insulin resistance going on? Or am I just hoping for an answer?

Even if I go back to the doctor I know I've got to find a new one. The one I had been going to is a... well, I don't like him and he doesn't help me.

Not every woman with PCOS will have the little cysts. I would really suggest talking to your gyno or an endocrinologist at this point rather than your PCP about treatment. If birth control won't work for you, there are a few other options that a gyno or endocrinologist can recommend. Based on the information you reported in your response to my post, that's the first place I would start for help on your questions about weight loss and why it won't work for you.

Thanks. I feel as if something isn't right with me. Perhaps a specialist is the way to go. My GP is no help at all. I didn't know hormonal imbalance could cause such an inability to lose weight. It seems the only logical thing I haven't already thought of and pursued.

FlaxMilk · May 2013

I don't think it would be the worst thing in the world to eat 1200 calories and exercise, but you shouldn't have to do that. You mentioned some concerns with your insulin, one of the treatments can be diabetes medication. I would consult with more specialized doctors than your PCP before forcing yourself to eat that way.

*Edit: One of the treatments for PCOS, I should say.

craigmandu · May 2013

Ok....

Pretty hard to really try to analyze or help without some history to go by.

Here are my recommendations...and they are just recommendations.

Keep drinking your water I'd shoot for around 10 glasses a day if I was you. I would limit all diet drinks to 1 per day (like a treat after dinner or something).

I would limit all alcohol to no more than 2-3 drinks at a time, and no more than once a week.

If you can't tell, I'm simply trying to ensure moderation is being employed.

I would take new measurements, record them...re-calculate my TDEE (on a sedentary activity level), and aim for a TDEE -5% calorie level (this is a very slight calorie deficit).

Next I would do a full body workout M/W/F in a strength training regimen (plenty of suggestions on this site to go by).
I would also ensure on my off days Tue/Thur I did some light cardio, walking for a couple miles, or low intensity treadmill/elliptical.

I would shoot for about 100-120G of protein a day while doing the strength training.

Be honest with yourself when you record your exercise and err on the side of caution when it comes to recording the exercise calories burned....

Starting with this...I would initially eat back about 40-50% of exercise calories.

I would take new measurements exactly 1 month from the start...I would be expecting to see some shift in the tape.

I wish you luck in your journey.

cristinadsantos3 · May 2013

I've heard that variety can help, co maybe try mixing your diet up a bit? Soup is amaze-balls

Slimming World Speed soup is nom and helps to lose weight. Also try eating little and often (not always easy to fit into day). i.e 5 small meals a day.

Try keeping a little food diary maybe? Then you'll be able to see the repetition in your diet and then spice it up a little.

I hope that these tips help, though I am not a dietician! These are just some things that have worked for me.

Chin up sweetpea,

Crissy :flowerforyou:

nomeejerome · May 2013

bump

ctwachal · May 2013

There are actually quite a few studies done with the diet drinks, and artificial sweetners, and that while you won't be ingesting the calories, they screw with your body chemistry and actually cause it to hold onto fat. I would suggest eliminating them all together, and when you really crave a sugary drink, have a regular one, within your calorie limit.
A couple other things to consider, do you track your fiber intake, or sodium? Adults should be hitting about 25 g of fiber min/day, and if you could keep your sodium under 1000 for a few days, and never, or rarely go over 2300, it will help your body not to retain water.
If you still find you aren't having any luck, maybe try to find a different doctor, if that's a possibility, since yours doesn't seem to be taking you seriously.
Good luck, and keep up the effort towards healthy living!

noraht · May 2013

Have you tried crossfit for exercise? It changes exercises everyday so your body doesn't get used to one type and hibernate. I am about the same height and weight as you and I started with a 30 day squat challenge to strengthen my legs. I started with 50 squats the first day and at day 30 I was up to 250. Add 5 squats perday until you get a couple of weeks in then add a few more. I got my challenge at Fit Community on Facebook. After a couple of weeks I joined a crossfit group...Crossfit Mamas is online and free. It is weights, strength and cardio and you work at your own fitness level. There are modifications for exercises so you start with the modification and work hard until you can do the real deal. I have been 4 weeks and have only lost 2 pounds but I have lost and inch and had a great time. It is hard, you ache and it is soooo satisfying to find that your body will do more and more each week. I couldn't run 100 meters the first time and this week I ran over a mile. Mind you it was was a 2 1/2 run and I walked a good portion but it was a huge improvement in 4 weeks! I keep track ot it and my food here and that is a huge help!! Cut yourself some slack and start of tomorrow on the first day of your healthy road. Forget the weight and even the inches and stive for healthy and the rest will take care of itself over time!! You go girl, I know you can do it!

imheids · May 2013

The ovarian cysts, the fluctuation in the blood sugars, the not tolerating birth control sounds like it may be PCOS. Can I ask...what shape are you? More belly weight in the front, little hips and flat butt? Not real defined waistline? Small breasts? Can you fit a hand width between them? Irregular periods, or non at all? If yes, it may be PCOS. This is real personal stuff and this post may get deleted, but these are the noticeable signs that you don't read about or a Dr. may not tell you. I can spot PCOS a mile away.
You may have to get a new Dr. Try for an OB/GYN, as they deal with this daily.
This may be why you are stuck with your weight.
Hope this helps.

LuHox · May 2013

The ovarian cysts, the fluctuation in the blood sugars, the not tolerating birth control sounds like it may be PCOS. Can I ask...what shape are you? More belly weight in the front, little hips and flat butt? Not real defined waistline? Small breasts? Can you fit a hand width between them? Irregular periods, or non at all? If yes, it may be PCOS. This is real personal stuff and this post may get deleted, but these are the noticeable signs that you don't read about or a Dr. may not tell you. I can spot PCOS a mile away.
You may have to get a new Dr. Try for an OB/GYN, as they deal with this daily.
This may be why you are stuck with your weight.
Hope this helps.

Thanks. Can it really cause such extreme difficulty? I appreciate all the posts, especially those that don't assume I'm not being honest or accurate with myself

I am an apple. In my opinion, I am an EXTREME apple. I look pregnant. Everything else isn't as bad.

LuHox · May 2013

I wish I could reply directly to everyone. I appreciate each of your suggestions so much and am considering them all! Thanks for all the replies, and feel free to continue to reply if you have anything to add. It can only help.

I think what I'm going to do is eat the way that makes me feel good and gives me the most benefits beyond just weight loss (especially since I'm not getting that benefit anyway).

For me, that tends to just mean lots of fruits and vegetables with healthy fats and limited portions of whole grains throughout the day, protein at every meal, and little to no added sugar of any kind. I may start counting calories again very soon. I think I will go for 1200-1400 tops for right now, and exercise on top of that (not eating back the cals).

I may go to maintenance for a while before I start. My body probably needs the rest as much as I do.

I plan to net between 800 and 1200 calories in the mean time and get in to see a doctor ASAP and perhaps a specialist or two.

For exercise I want to continue my strength training (which I've been doing more than anything else these days) but focus more on adding cardio by walking, running, and jogging. I want to start exercising an hour a day 5-6 days a week at least.

Given the situation, does that sound like a bad thing?

sekhmet13 · May 2013

I drink more water than anyone I know. I'm constantly thirsty. and constantly drinking.

Being constantly thirsty is a big sign of diabetes, you might want to get your glucose and A1C tested (I'm in the medical field, FYI).

denitraross · May 2013

How is your break down on calories? Is your sodium high? I too was at a plateau early on - it was for two reasons - 1 - my sodium was threw the roof! I was eating lots of frozen lean cuisines, low calorie soups, etc - all full of sodium, once I started eating cleaner and preparing my own foods and upping my protein - I started losing again....the second reason was my body got used to the excercise - I use to do half hour on elliptical, then half hour on treadmill...after few months this stopped being all that benificial as my heart rate didnt go up, ie, my body was used to it.....so I got a HRM (invest in one, you would not believe the difference in the calories burned versus what MFP says or even the machine)..and started working to keep my heart rate up during my workouts and doing more interval training.....

LuHox · May 2013

I drink more water than anyone I know. I'm constantly thirsty. and constantly drinking.

Being constantly thirsty is a big sign of diabetes, you might want to get your glucose and A1C tested (I'm in the medical field, FYI).

Thank you. I had it tested about 7 months ago and both a1c and fasting glucose were normal.

themedalist · May 2013

I plan to net between 800 and 1200 calories in the mean time and get in to see a doctor ASAP and perhaps a specialist or two.

Please don't net below 1200 calories. 800 net calories is far too low. But seeing a doctor or specialist soon is a great idea! Also, I think you should have your Vitamin D levels checked. Adequate Vitamin D is essential for weight loss and many people are Vit D deficient. A short dose of sunshine daily is very important for adequate Vitamin D.

I never understood the Vitamin D-weight loss connection before MFP. A friend of mine was eating correctly (not to much, not too little) and exercising moderately but not losing any weight. Her doctor tested her Vit D levels and it was off the charts low. A supplement was all that she needed. It was like turning on a faucet! She lost all the weight that would have been expected given her food and exercise levels.

I'm just adding it to the list of other possibilities people have suggested.

Best Wishes! I admire your determination and perseverance!

norcal_yogi · May 2013

Have you tried eating at maintenance ?
I say, eat 2200 cals a day for 2 weeks. Eat whatever you want, but aim for 2200 cals.
If you can, don't exercise for the second week. So First week eat 2200 cals and continue to work out, next week take a break from working out.

try this^

LuHox · May 2013

If you know your estimated body fat %.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974598-the-basics

do the advanced method, it will give you a more accurate calorie count. Try it for a month or so, if that doesn't work then do calorie cycling. so TDEE 1 day, 50% of TDEE the next and repeat. This is how i broke my plateau of 6 months. I actually broke it doing 5:2 style of fasting, but i have helped people break plateaus with the calorie cycling method i mentioned.

Okay thanks... so I went to the link and I got this:
Based on light activity 1-3 days a week
BMR: 1713
TDEE: 2355
20% TDEE: 1884... yikes that's a lot!

If I put sedentary (although I currently exercise 30 min 6 x a week)
BMR: 1713
TDEE: 2055
20% TDEE: 1555... sounds more reasonable

I've tried both for at least a month in the past already.... so the cycling thing would be something to look into.

Do you mean eat at TDEE one day, eat half of TDEE the next?
So if I were accounting for exercising I would do 2355, 1177, 2355, 1177... and so on? and maybe exercise a little more than the usual 30 minutes or even an hour?

I have no idea how that would work lol please share more info if you have the time

or link me

ETA: It never asked me for body fat percentage. On formula gives me 30% and another says 50%. I don't know which to believe, though I look more like 50%.

LuHox · May 2013

Have you tried eating at maintenance ?
I say, eat 2200 cals a day for 2 weeks. Eat whatever you want, but aim for 2200 cals.
If you can, don't exercise for the second week. So First week eat 2200 cals and continue to work out, next week take a break from working out.

try this^

I think I plan on it for at least a week. I don't know about not exercising at all though. It makes me feel so much better to get regular exercise and I'd miss it. Is the taking a break from working out super important? Maybe I can take it easy for a week and do yoga instead?

Crochetluvr · May 2013

I drink more water than anyone I know. I'm constantly thirsty. and constantly drinking.

Being constantly thirsty is a big sign of diabetes, you might want to get your glucose and A1C tested (I'm in the medical field, FYI).

My thoughts exactly.

acpgee · May 2013

I broke a long plateau by eating at maintenance for 3 weeks, which seemed to restore my metabolism to a normal rate. Have you tried intermittent fasting? If you are not familiar with this eating pattern google 5:2 intermittent fasting. Also I recommend calibrating the calories burned from exercise machines to a HRM, if you eat them back.

I recently discovered that the machines at the gym were inflating the calories burned. My new HRM says my typical cardio workout (65 minutes on the elliptical targeting a HR of 140, using 20 second sprints whenever necessary) is 580. The machine itself says 780 and the MFP database says 930. I suspect that I am still eating back too much if I eat back all of my exercise calories because I should subtract an hours worth of sedentary TDEE from the calories burned.

I do hope you don't have serious medical issues.

I've Tried Almost Everything For 8 Months

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