Trying to lose weight with hypothyroidism

[chunt]

Hello all, 

I am a newbie here but not so new to losing weight, I have in the past lost 60 pounds so I could become part of the military. 
I love my career and everything as far as that goes is excellent and has been for the past few years. 

However, and this is a big however, in September I had been diagnosed with hypothyroid, and had some uncontrollable weight gain that I was unable to manage even with calorie restriction and exercise, I wasn't really eating because I was sleeping for 14 hours a day. Since then I have gained a total of 30 pounds from this condition while my doctors were in the process of adjusting dosages. 

My doctor said my levels are almost normal and I really really want more than anything for this extra weight to go away, other than the fact it has to go away (weight and fitness standards) I just dont feel like myself in my own skin. I have been seeing a nutritionist for the past 3 months and while seeing that person has helped maybe putting a wrangle on what the weight potentially could have been (worse) I have not lost any weight. 

Before finding out what was wrong with me I did try some of the fad diets and found that they hurt more than helped (not enough nutritional support to do large amounts of PT). I really would like some kind of advice from others on here that might have had hypothyroid issues and see what maybe helped them.

Having all that said, I am trying out the fitbit force and aria scale (gets here on tuesday) and was wondering if this helped others achieve their goals?

[randiL]

I have hypo as well and gained 47 pounds and last year had a partial thyroidectomy due to cancer in my right lobe. I got my fitbit 8 weeks ago and the first three weeks lost 10.2 pounds but the last six weeks have lost only ounces pet week and I'm on a 1000 calorie deficient and meeting that goal. I do every thing it asks including the water and have no clue what else to do. I am 31 5-6 and weigh 201 right now. Hypo does effect me everyday bring on hormone therapy meds for life has a depressing aspect and allowed me to give up on my wright over the last year I'm ready now to take control but the battle is proving too difficult and I'm afraid I will give up soon. I take levo at 100 mg a day and my levels are almost normal each month but still getting switched between 88-100 mg often. I have a bad back and can't afford equipment with a family of 6 and even though I meet my calories burned goal set by the fitbit trainer of 3200 daily I can't seem to find the right exercises to fix my weight loss issues. I need help too!

[thestarryskyx]

I am also finding it very hard to lose weight. I use myfitnesspal and sync with my fitbit, my goal is 10,000 steps a day but i only hit it maybe once a week. i average about 8,000 a day. i also have a personal trainer that ive had for 2 months and have for 1 more month, and know ive gotten stronger, but the weight in my middle will not budge. i have no idea what to do. it's pretty amazing how i'm toning everywhere but the weight does not come off, and the fat will not come off my stomach. i still cannot fit into my old jeans/pants.

about 5 days a week i stay under my calories, stay under the carbs and sugars and try to with fat, but it seems like nothing works. i feel like i just have to work out every day and eat lettuce and thats alll (ofcourse i wont but thats how i feel i will lose weight and itll be the only way lol)

[meaty64]

Look at the happy side, you could be facing the final "dirt nap!"
Everyday is a gift...just figure out a reason why and everything will
come together. Many other people care so don't give up. Remember life
is not like immediate gratification(McDonald's)...you have to work at it
and believe their is a solution!!!!

[dancefoxtrot]

Hi

Once the medicine is stabilized then dancing, walking fast, running, biking, swimming what ever you enjoy will help you to burn the calories. The fat burning zone is lower than the cardio zone so some of both help. Just log all your highly nutrient food and burn 500 cals more than you eat and you will lose 1 lb a week. Lot's of people that take synthetic thyroxin are able to get to a healthy weight and have enough energy too. Best of luck to you.

[chunt]

Hello Everyone, I wanted to check in since this thread has been going for about a year. For me things are much much better. My levels are somewhat stablized, I finally got to see an endocrine doctor after a year and a half of asking for one and he wants to switch up the hormones so then hopefully -7000 calories will equal 2 pounds instead of one! But despite that it took almost a year of being very diligent and exercising but I did lose weight and I think that even though we have to work harder, as long as we dont give up we will all get there. Good luck everyone! 

[carolnz]

i  also sufer from  hypothyroidism  , i am hoping this place can help me also. Happy yo see the weight can come down.      

[carolnz]

good on you, im just starting out on my journy to lose weight ,so i will be here for some time yet

[thestarryskyx]

My levels r also stabilized, i switched to a natural medication and lost a lb, have been doing more clean eating, les mills combat a few times a week and went back to zumba classes and lose an inch off my stomach. Lets hope there is more to come

[dancefoxtrot]

just read that 90% of natural thyroxin is made of iodine! Make sure you take adequate amt daily. 

Best,

Barb

[Sue54]

Yes, I agree...see your endrocronologist.  My regular doctor was only testing for my TSH.  After a year of feeling lethargic, weight gain and many other symptoms, I saw my endrocronologist and she tested for my T3, T4 and TSH.  After a week of having medication adjusted I started to feel better. (I'm also insulin dependent diabetic.) I bought the FitBit Flex and since January 8 to current I've lost 11 pounds with 9 more to go.  It's slow coming off but that's ok, at least it's coming off and starting to fit into my clothes again.  I am 61 and feeling like me again!  Don't give up, stick with it.  I do at least 10,000 steps a day and log everything I eat.  You will see results!!!

[chunt]

So I have been on the medication for a little over a month and HOORAY! I am losing and I am moving more. I cannot stress enough if you have this problem and are still having issues to fight until you can see an endocrinologist. I was havng weeks where I went -7000 calories and lost only a half a pound. This was incredibly maddening, then the endo I saw tested all my stuff, saw all my hormones were screwwy even though doctor 1 said 'stable', he put me on a NDT and so far no complaints, only relief and happiness that I will finally be ok. 

[texasnewf]

Hi Chunt

I feel your pain - I've been hypo for 40 years and yes it's sooooo hard if not impossible.  One thing I have recently started doing is omitting as much added sugar as possible.  I try and keep my intake at 10mg a day which is what the old old recommendation used to be.  If you look at labels, sugar is in everything especially processed foods!  Natural sugar is taking the place of it - I am not omitting if in fruit and vegetables etc.  So far I am slowly losing weight, approx a lb a week, but that is fine!  I put it on at the same rate.  Now I am trying to add bad carbs to the list - white flour etc.  It's a lot easier then you think when you are ready to do it.

[texasnewf]

Hey Sue54  That is great!  I'm on Synthroid - used to take Eltroxin, but not available in the States - Synthroid is ok, but boy I struggle to lose any weight at all.  I also take cytomel - anyone familiar with that? 

[littlelisar]

I have been hypothyroid now for 25 years since I was 19. The weight will start to come off as you get regulated with the medicine. Your doctor should be checking your levels every 3 months and adjusting the dosage as needed. The weight will take a while to come off but it will come off. Hang in there, pay attention to your symptoms, get checked regularly, keep up with the exercise and nutrition and it will all pay off. I have struggled many times with my thyroid and I am able to maintain a healthy weight for my limited height. Good luck and pack your patience with the scale.

Lisa R

[juliehop]

I am seeing great weight loss results by limiting my carbs. Carbs of all kinds including fruits, potato, sugar, rice, flour, etc. I even look more tone in the abs. I've lost a lot of inflammation I'm guessing. I have also added healthy fats to my meat and veggies. Best of luck to you all.

[carringtondl]

I've been hypothyroid since my 40s (60 now); I had to diagnose myself.  Lost 43 pounds, gained 30 back.  Lost 30 pounds, gained 26 back.  Now I have two more pounds to goal (5'0", between 100-105 pounds).  What everybody said: 

Take meds way before other meds on an empty stomach.  Make sure you are taking the optimum dose (mine is 100 mcg levothyroxine and 10 mcg Cytomel).  Once you achieve this, DO NOT LET YOUR ENDO LOWER IT NO MATTER WHAT THE **ahem** TSH SAYS. 

I lost the weight with a low carb vegan diet (à la "eco Atkins"), 25-60 g net carbs, the rest protein and fat. I'm using the Fitbit Charge HR to give me a vague idea of my TDEE and taking 25% of that to get my daily calorie goal.  My TDEE is running about 1300 calories and therefore my goal is about 900-1000.  So far it seems to be working.  The scary part will be how to graduate to maintenance.

I have arthritis and can't squat but I do a 30 minute circuit with body weight and resistance bands three times a week and two 30 minute walks with hiking poles every day.

Never felt better.  You can do it!!!!!!

[Sparxify]

I was diagonsed with Hashimoto's in 2013. At my heaviest I was at 159kgs.
Since July 2014 a combination of my medication, changes to my exercise routine and diet (rebalancing of protein and carbs mainly - definitely not cutting things out completely) I have lost almost 40kgs.

It has not been easy. Not in the slightest! I have very low energy days due to the issues with my thyroid, I find as I've lost weight, I've been injuring my joints a lot easier and I've had to attempt to get passed being self conscious about exercising at group classes or the gym.

I aim to get down to 68kgs - so I'm nearly half way!

[Atomic77]

Hi I have Hypothyroidisim and since ive been on Levothyroxine I have been slowly losing weight along with my daily walking at eating a bit healthier than I used too.

[mongokirk76]

Thank you first for serving our country. I myself suffer from Hashimoto's and have been on synthroid for three years. Recently I was told about the AIP or Auto Immune Paleo diet. There is a book out there with the same title and will tell what foods you can and cannot have plus some awesome receipes in it. I will admit I miss pizza but being on it for a year and adding in with weight lifting, running and martial arts and my fitbit I have gone from 280 down to 170 pounds.

I hope trying the AIP may help a fellow suffer of hypothryroid.