I'm new too! I had undiagnosed thyroid problems for about 12 years, then once I was finally diagnosed it wasn't long after that I had to have my entire thyroid removed and then received radioactive ablation therapy (due to cancer) about 8 years ago. I gained lots of weight right away and just recently have been able to lose some of it! (I also have PCOS which causes similar issues and is common in hypothyroid patients).

Unfortunately for most people, a diagnosis of hypothyroidism *is* permanent and means a long struggle with weight. I don't believe that you will "always" be overweight though, that sounds like some one who has given up!!

Yes - it's harder. It will always be harder for you than your friends with normal thyroids. Take a day or two to feel sorry for yourself, which I think is perfectly allowed and totally normal - and then pick your chin up and know that your accomplishments will mean so much more!!

Synthroid doesn't always fill in all the gaps for people (even though some people are lucky enough where it does!) so you really need to limit your calories, up your exercise, and lower your carb intake. I wish the simple "calorie in, calorie out" type of dieting worked, but it doesn't for us!

I've found success with P90X, and a diet of 1000-1200 calories a day (when I was eating 1200-1400 a day, I was still gaining very regularly). Starting tomorrow for a month I'm going to do my best to give up refined breads and ALL sugars (except fiber-filled fruit) and see if there's a change in my results.

THE GOOD NEWS IS (yes it's really good!) is you're going to start eating healthier than you ever had, which can never be bad. You'll find foods that help a lot (my staples: eggbeaters, chicken breast, watermelon, fresh pineapple, fresh green beans, and celery with hummus) and really start to move towards a more natural, fresh, and healthy diet. My blood sugar, cholesterol, and other blood markers have improved and are likely better than my "healthy" friends.

Find a really good endocrinologist - the best in your area - and do your best to have a relationship with him/her. Ask for visits with the doctor and not a nurse or PA. Do NOT just see your general physician for thyroid issues. My GPs thought they had it under control and unfortunately didn't - I could possibly still have my thyroid if it hadn't been allowed to become so sick over the years.

I've seen this bookr eferenced a lot but haven't read it myself, if you're interested - "Living Well with Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You... That You Need to Know"
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060740957/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

Hi there, welcome to the forum, there aren't masses of us, but we are all friendly and helpful.
I have found that small amounts of regular exercise work for me. Also a very natural diet as possible. It really does depend on your individual response to your meds and how fit you want to be. It really is a 3 pronged approach.
Good luck to you all.

Hi, I'm also new to the group! I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in May of 2010. I was very surprised since I've never had any health problems. I went from 130lbs to 166lbs in no time & was getting pretty upset with my self. But, when my doctor explained to me what it was & then told me that unfortunately I might not be able to lose the weight that I've gained :-/
I took it upon my self to prove him wrong! I started a low calorie diet & working out. Yes, I'm not going to lie I did quit a few times, well more then a few..haha But, I had the love and encouragement of my husband! And of course my doctor!
I'm now 118 lbs & feel a lot better about my self.

I guess the key is to find your motivation to not give up & keep pushing yourself to the limit!

You can do it!

Jasmin