told people w/ hypothyroidism won't lose more than 10 lbs

ryry1322
ryry1322 Posts: 29 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
It worries me. Dr wants me down 60 lbs and so do I. My friend was diagnosed hypothyroidism 4 years ago. She's only lost 10 lbs and said it'd be the same with me.

Anyone have advice. I'm 4ft 9.5 in and due to being undiagnosed for awhile I ended up gaining until I hit 195. I lost 15 lbs by changing my diet but gained it back. I'm going for a blood test soon. I think my meds need upped.

This is driving me nuts and making me loathe my body more. Now that I've completed physical therapy I can start lifting weighs, walking more and swimming.

What do I do if I plateau?

Replies

  • Lizajayne23
    Lizajayne23 Posts: 123 Member
    I can't help with plateau advice since I have be en stuck for months but you CAN lose more than 10 lbs if you work at it. I lost 32 lbs in the first 6 months. Log as accurately as you can and move your body. It's better when your meds get to the right dosage but you're still going to have to work harder for it than a non-hypo person.

    Good luck!
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    Your friend is looking for an excuse for not losing weight, like most of us :) A person with treated hypothyroidism is no different than someone completely healthy.
  • NightWriteMermaid
    NightWriteMermaid Posts: 43
    I have a severe case of hypothyroidism, and as you can see, I've lost more than 10 pounds so far. As long as you have the proper medication, and possibly come to terms with the fact you may have to adjust your calories a little lower, you'll be able to lose weight. Untreated? That's a different story...yikes. (I could tell you a heck of a horror story.)
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    You can lose more that 10lb.

    In all honesty, it will be hard as hypothyriodism often means you have a lower metabolism than average plus you are pretty short. I would suggest:

    - get your meds sorted out
    - log all you food (weight it with a digital scale)
    - limit your carbs (not low carb, but keep them in the low 100's, depending on your caloric intake) and keep your protein and fats on the higher side
    - resistance train
    - keep active
  • ryry1322
    ryry1322 Posts: 29 Member
    Glad to hear that. I don't want to be stuck here forever.
  • Trukngrl
    Trukngrl Posts: 106 Member
    Never let anyone tell you you can't or won't. Other people's lables have no use in your brain. You are an individual, who's body composition is different than any other person around. You can do anything you decided in your mind. Your resolve and will power may have to be higher than others who want to dable in weight loss or take it up as a hobby or a resolution. Decide and do. Don't allow others' negativity to cloud your plan, and your goals.

    You can do it.
  • ryry1322
    ryry1322 Posts: 29 Member
    NightWriteMer how long have you been at it? And do you work out?
  • StArBeLLa87
    StArBeLLa87 Posts: 1,582 Member
    I have hypothyroidism and I've lost 86lbs since last year it takes great commitment but can be done! I'm also a PCOS sufferer! Did I struggle yes! KEEP A I CAN ATTITUDE and believe in yourself is the true key to success! Good luck on your weight loss journey!
  • MJ_Watson
    MJ_Watson Posts: 180 Member
    I have hypothyroidism, too, and I've fifty-five pounds in about nine months. So it is totally possible. That said, getting your dosage right IS very important and will make things a LOT easier. And I second the advice about to measure and log everything and do resistance training. I'll cop to not being able to keep up a low carb diet (I shoot for moderate carb - if I'm being good), but I have heard it helps! Overall, you need both patience and tenacity. It's not an easy road, but you can do it!
  • MrsBooBear
    MrsBooBear Posts: 12,618 Member
    It's totally possible. I have hypothyroidism. I managed to lose about 2 1/2 stone BEFORE I was even diagnosed. Fortunately mine is fairly mild and the meds are keeping it stable. It can be a slower process, but it's totally achievable. Have patience, you can do it!x
  • lcfairbairn74
    lcfairbairn74 Posts: 412 Member
    When I started on here, I was severely hypothyroid (my thyroid medications have been decreased as I've lost weight). It certainly hasn't affected my progress past 10 pounds! Don't listen to other people saying you can't do it! Eat at a moderate deficit, throw in a bit of exercise and you will be successful!
  • amw5471
    amw5471 Posts: 111 Member
    Hashimotos hypo thyroid here, more than 10 lbs down, tracking since christmas ish, going slowly but it is possible!!
  • jlahorn
    jlahorn Posts: 377 Member
    Lost 45 last year before I was even diagnosed.

    Your friend is making excuses.
  • 2bfit4me4ever
    2bfit4me4ever Posts: 3
    I am hypo as well, and it is a struggle. I have not been successful, but I know most of it is due to discouraging facts about my illness, and how quickly I gain weight. I worked so hard and lost weight, and then BOOM it comes right back and is so hard to get off again. I am talking 10 pounds in 4 days during a weekend getaway. Then the discouragement happens all over again, and I am stuck. I hope to gain a little encouragement from others who have been successful. At this point I am so confused about how to eat. No carb? Low carb? Count calories? My mind is so consumed with information that I don't really know where to start this time :\
  • amw5471
    amw5471 Posts: 111 Member
    Honestly, there as always going to be so many different opinions. I have found that not drinking as much caffeine helps me as well as taking my synthroid about 2 hours before I actually wake up (which sounds terrible but I am able to go back to bed really easily and it ensures nothing else is messing with it). Mess around a bit with different pieces of advice and figure out what is working. My number one thyroid symptom is feeling exhausted even with 10 hours of regular sleep. Now that I am able to recognize that I can kind of figure out when my diet or meds aren't working.
  • 2bfit4me4ever
    2bfit4me4ever Posts: 3
    Caffeine is what keeps me going when I am feeling so tired. Does cutting out caffeinated diet drinks really help lose weight? This may be one of my big problems as well.
  • potluck965
    potluck965 Posts: 529 Member
    Your friend is full of Cheetos :laugh:

    Seriously, once you get your blood levels settled with meds, there is no reason you can't lose more than 10 pounds. The biggest problem is that because of the nature of the thyroid hormones and the blood tests, it can take maybe a year to normalize your levels.

    Just keep working, don't get discouraged and it will kick in eventually. I have zero thyroid function and am regulated with meds and was able to lose 30 pounds. I am in my 60's and have fibromyalgia and arthritis as well as a bad back. If I can do it, anyone can.
  • amw5471
    amw5471 Posts: 111 Member
    Caffeine is what keeps me going when I am feeling so tired. Does cutting out caffeinated diet drinks really help lose weight? This may be one of my big problems as well.

    It wasn't what helped me lose weight, it helped my thyroid levels stabalize. Well who knows for sure but it was a variable, stopped coffee/tea/soda and I am not only able to recognize when I am truly tired and not crashing but my levels have been stable.
  • RoseTears143
    RoseTears143 Posts: 1,121 Member
    <--- has autoimmune thyroid disease. Ticker speaks for itself.
  • Cskinner2
    Cskinner2 Posts: 16 Member
    I have hypothyroidism, I lost 35 pounds through eating right and exercise.DO not believe your friend. if you want it you can do it. It is not easy but you will.
  • lisals1979
    lisals1979 Posts: 3
    Once you're on the correct dose of meds, you'll lose weight like any other person.
    Once I was on the right dose of synthroid, I lost about 50lbs.
    I agree with a PP... I think your friend is just trying to make up an excuse for why SHE hasn't lost more.
  • ruqayyahsmum
    ruqayyahsmum Posts: 1,513 Member
    i have hypothyroidism (autoimmune) and pcos

    while i have a LONG way to go ive lost alot already just some what slower than others my size
  • broox80
    broox80 Posts: 1,195 Member
    34 years old, hypo for 7 years, lost over 60 pounds. It can be done!! :)
  • firstsip
    firstsip Posts: 8,399 Member
    Glad to hear that. I don't want to be stuck here forever.

    You won't. It'll just be much slower, even if you do everything perfectly.

    I'm still coming to terms with "being different" when it comes to metabolism. I'm also understanding more and more that not having a thyroid at all can throw a wrench in (even when I am "stable"... which honestly never lasts longer than a few months).

    Be patient. Add in strength training to help preserve LBM.

    Your friend might be in the realm of "not getting stable," which could very well explain her incredibly slow loss. Or she could simply be eating more than she needs to be.

    Focus on doing what you can and don't worry about what others experiences are. They may not apply to you.
  • for2day
    for2day Posts: 209 Member
    YES, it can be done. It just takes allot more than before, but you can do it. I had 3/4 of my thyroid removed and live off that lovely pill and it is harder, but it can be done. What I have found, is first - DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP! Second, you do have to watch what you eat and third - you have to find an exercise you love and do it. I love to walk, so that is mine. The weight tends to come off slow, but it will. We are all here for you and you are not alone in this! AND, MFP has been awesome for me. Tracking food is a must and be honest about it, but don't starve yourself, it doesn't work. If you need any help on this, I am more than happy to share my ups and downs with you!! Good Luck to you and YOU CAN SO THIS!!!!
  • suejoker
    suejoker Posts: 317 Member
    Welcome! I'm also hypothyroid and my ticker also proves your friend wrong. I get my thyroid levels checked every 3 months, because they can change over time. As long as your thyroid hormone is in a normal range, you can lose weight as easily as anyone else. The one way I feel different is in how quickly I can regain weight, if I stop watching what I eat. Last week, I went on vacation and my cousin kept trying to get me to eat donuts and other high calorie foods. I thought that was evil, since she knows I've been working really hard to lose weight and that I'm hypothyroid and could easily have gained 10 lbs on a one week vacation! Best of luck and friend me if you want some extra encouragement:)
  • trinity9058
    trinity9058 Posts: 149 Member
    My sister has lost over 102 lbs and she is hypothyroid. She has to work harder for it and it takes longer but she has done it. You can do it too! Don't let anyone's words have power over what you do with your body. Even if you don't start losing immediately, you will feel great anyway. Just keep swimming, as Dory would say.
  • ShrinkingBeauty79
    ShrinkingBeauty79 Posts: 2
    oh my goodness... i needed this post more than you know..
    I have PCOS, hashimotos and hypothyroidism. My old endocrinologist had me on 500-800 cals and on victoza, metformin (my sugars were fine), synthroid and cytomel. I was a wreck.. a bloated zombie. I have a new endocrinologist who has me on 125 desiccated thyroid. I just started ddp yoga and I will be tracking my calories on here. I have a week left of weight watchers but i find they really promote processed foods. I am gluten free as it is recommended w thyroid issues and I limit dairy.
    A year and a half ago I had a trainer who I worked out with Mon-Fri 5am-7am and followed his clean diet plan. I didn't lose anything.
    Maybe I was over medicated? Thanks to those who have given me hope. I pray it works this time. I want to be healthy to conceive and to feel good again.
    having said that, i am EXHAUSTED every day. Will it help when I lose weight.. or is it just a thyroid thing?
  • for2day
    for2day Posts: 209 Member
    having said that, i am EXHAUSTED every day. Will it help when I lose weight.. or is it just a thyroid thing?

    For me, everyday is different. I have found that if I eat only 3 meals a day and that's it, I'm sleeping on the couch right after dinner and I have no energy the next day. BUT, what I have found for me is, 3 healthy meals, with 3 healthy snacks - helps. It keeps the blood sugars leveled and I tend to feel much better and I have the energy. PLUS, walking. It stinks when I can't get out and move.
    In the past, I experienced a drop in my iron, my number was 7, when it should've been between 70-90, not good. So, iron is something you may want to keep an eye on and the next time you have blood tested, ask if they will take a look at your iron levels - their already there taking your blood, so why not!
    But, everyone's experiences with thyroid is different. I listen to others and try what they suggest and if it works great :)), if not, then I know, that just wasn't right for me.
    I can say, the one thing 2 of my doctors have said is, EXERCISE :)) It is the key and I found walking to be the best and it only costs a pair of good sneakers!
    And lastly, being a woman, there are different stages in your life and the medicine has to be adjusted. Every 20 to 25 lbs. lost, you should be retested, just to make sure things are correct.
    Well, Good Luck to you and we are all in this together and feel free to send me a message, if you need to talk - sometimes, that helps, too! :))

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