Re: Weight Issues

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

One of my major issues with my thyroid problem

is the huge weight gain I had and the fact that I

have found it all but impossible to lose that

weight, even though I am on what the doctor

indicates is the correct dose of Synthroid. I

had been on Topomax for a different problem

and lost close to twenty pounds while due to

it's side effects, but when I stopped taking it

those pounds came right back.

I so much want to lose at least a portion of these

extra pounds, as they are causing problems with

my knees and Type II diabetes runs in my family.

ANY ideas that might help would be greatly

appreciated.

Thanks,

Tammy

[Guest guest]

I'm in a similar situation at the moment, but

previously I found that calcium supplements really

helped me with losing weight. I also found they helped

with premenstrual symptoms and cramps if I took them

throughout the month.

I just realized I need to take my own advice and be

more diligent about that.

Ren

--- Tammy Wolfgram wrote:

> Hi All,

>

> One of my major issues with my thyroid problem

> is the huge weight gain I had and the fact that I

> have found it all but impossible to lose that

> weight, even though I am on what the doctor

> indicates is the correct dose of Synthroid. I

> had been on Topomax for a different problem

> and lost close to twenty pounds while due to

> it's side effects, but when I stopped taking it

> those pounds came right back.

>

> I so much want to lose at least a portion of these

> extra pounds, as they are causing problems with

> my knees and Type II diabetes runs in my family.

> ANY ideas that might help would be greatly

> appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Tammy

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

OK, I'm asking:) I don't even know what T3 meds ARE, so youall will have to tell me about them.I had a frightening experience with oatmeal once. OK, I justdon't like it. I already take 1500 mg of calcium every day anddrink 8 glasses of water or more every day, but thank you forthe ideas.Maybe I'll have to break down and try oatmeal again. I haven'teaten any in at least fifteen years, ever since the unfortunateoatmeal incident;-) OK, my MIL makes oatmeal like mortar,and I haven't eaten it since. I blame her! lolTake care,Tammy Tammy, Although I'm not diagnosed yet, I am finding that if I force myself to remember to drink enough water, or juice (free of high fructose corn syrup) it does help my body at least keep from gaining. I'm trying to drink 8 - 8 ounce glasses a day (or 64 ounces) I think I realistically am now drinking about 7 glasses. I have shed a pound or two actually. It will at least help the body stop "hording" ... when I (or anyone) doesn't drink enough fluids, your body sort of panics and tries to keep too much stuff in storage. Works the same way with skipping meals, your body figures it won't get anymore, so it stores stuff. Eat many small meals per day if you need to, rather than 2 or 3 larger meals. I also switched to eating oatmeal every morning about 2 or 3 months ago, and I like how I feel full or satisfied after eating that. (I jazz it up by cooking it with raisins, or dried apricots, or dried apples ... mixing maple syrup sometimes instead of sugar, etc.) I do use real sweeteners, and real butter, because I think the body works with that better than the fakes/margarines/equal etc. It is helping - at least until you can get your meds optimized, that is a start. And also, I bet if your meds were at the ideal levels for your body, you'd have an easier time with weight. Ask some of the  ladies here about T3 meds. Best, -Lynn Tammy Wolfgram wrote: > Hi All, > > One of my major issues with my thyroid problem > is the huge weight gain I had and the fact that I > have found it all but impossible to lose that > weight, even though I am on what the doctor > indicates is the correct dose of Synthroid. I > had been on Topomax for a different problem > and lost close to twenty pounds while due to > it's side effects, but when I stopped taking it > those pounds came right back. > > I so much want to lose at least a portion of these > extra pounds, as they are causing problems with > my knees and Type II diabetes runs in my family. > ANY ideas that might help would be greatly > appreciated. > > Thanks, > Tammy > > > >

[Guest guest]

I have gained weight too it bugs me since

I am already really overweight. I read the forum on 3fatchicks.com.

I have been trying to just cut back on my food intake by little things at a

time. Getting some gentle exercise in and lifting weights. I love

to lift weights.

-Ata

From:

The_Thyroid_Support_Group

[mailto:The_Thyroid_Support_Group ] On Behalf Of Tammy Wolfgram

Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006

12:15 AM

To:

The_Thyroid_Support_Group

Subject: Re:

Weight Issues

Hi All,

One of my major issues with my thyroid problem

is the huge weight gain I had and the fact that I

have found it all but impossible to lose that

weight, even though I am on what the doctor

indicates is the correct dose of Synthroid. I

had been on Topomax for a different problem

and lost close to twenty pounds while due to

it's side effects, but when I stopped taking it

those pounds came right back.

I so much want to lose at least a portion of these

extra pounds, as they are causing problems with

my knees and Type II diabetes runs in my family.

ANY ideas that might help would be greatly

appreciated.

Thanks,

Tammy

[Guest guest]

First thing is to get copies of your labs to be sure that your levels are correct. Many docs consider that anything 'in normal range' is just fine and even more docs don't test the correct hormones, testing only TSH which is criminal in it's negligence.

We'll go into this more... but for now, some quick questions...

What is your resting heart rate? (sit quietly for about 20 minutes then check it)

About how many calories per day do you eat, rough average?

What is your REALISTIC goal weight, not what you weigh now... but the healthy (non twiggy) weight that you are aiming for?

If your hormone levels are low, if you are not converting properly, if you are consuming too few calories... we gain weight. Correct those things and the weight comes off.

Of course if you're over eating that's something different, but as a general rule we, hypos, are so conscious of weight gain and calories we have a higher tendency to under eat then over eat.

With insufficient intake of calories we mess up our hormone conversion causing us to drop metabolic rate, increase fatigue (and other hypo symptoms) and gain rather than maintain or lose.

Topper ()

On Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:14:43 -0500 Tammy Wolfgram writes:

Hi All,One of my major issues with my thyroid problemis the huge weight gain I had and the fact that Ihave found it all but impossible to lose thatweight, even though I am on what the doctorindicates is the correct dose of Synthroid. Ihad been on Topomax for a different problemand lost close to twenty pounds while due toit's side effects, but when I stopped taking itthose pounds came right back.I so much want to lose at least a portion of theseextra pounds, as they are causing problems withmy knees and Type II diabetes runs in my family.ANY ideas that might help would be greatlyappreciated.Thanks,Tammy

[Guest guest]

Oh oh... did you guys see the oatmeal page yet? I started listing some of my oatmeal recipes, adding oatmeal to other things to sneak it into your system more often...

Oatmeal crusted chicken, oatmeal bread, oatmeal pancakes, oatmeal brownies... all kinds of things.... I still have more to add, but there are some to get you thinking.

See.... I hate oatmeal as a cereal, but there are so many benefits to it... I started messing around with where and how I can use it. I go through a big can of the stuff a month and never have even one bowl of it as cereal....

www.thyrophoenix.com/add_oatmeal_for_fiber.htm

I have a page set up for mini meals too... forgot to mention that earlier....

www.thyrophoenix.com/mini_meals.htm

Topper ()

On Tue, 11 Apr 2006 01:02:59 -0500 Lynn writes:

Tammy,Although I'm not diagnosed yet, I am finding that if I force myself to remember to drink enough water, or juice (free of high fructose corn syrup) it does help my body at least keep from gaining. I'm trying to drink 8 - 8 ounce glasses a day (or 64 ounces) I think I realistically am now drinking about 7 glasses. I have shed a pound or two actually. It will at least help the body stop "hording" ... when I (or anyone) doesn't drink enough fluids, your body sort of panics and tries to keep too much stuff in storage. Works the same way with skipping meals, your body figures it won't get anymore, so it stores stuff. Eat many small meals per day if you need to, rather than 2 or 3 larger meals. I also switched to eating oatmeal every morning about 2 or 3 months ago, and I like how I feel full or satisfied after eating that. (I jazz it up by cooking it with raisins, or dried apricots, or dried apples ... mixing maple syrup sometimes instead of sugar, etc.) I do use real sweeteners, and real butter, because I think the body works with that better than the fakes/margarines/equal etc. It is helping - at least until you can get your meds optimized, that is a start. And also, I bet if your meds were at the ideal levels for your body, you'd have an easier time with weight. Ask some of the ladies here about T3 meds.Best,-Lynn

[Guest guest]

I've got a page set up at the website that runs through all the hormones, meds and tests... it will give you a better understanding, I think, about what we're all talking about here.... Give it a read when you have a chance... then hit us with any questions that still come to mind....

www.thyrophoenix.com/thyroid_101.htm

Dare I ask with the frightening experience with the oatmeal was? Anything like the explosions I get from carageenan and guar gum? hehehe Might it work better for you in smaller amounts at a time? I have a page of oatmeal recipes that I've started that might give you some ideas.... www.thyrophoenix.com/add_oatmeal_for_fiber.htm

I'm having a rice mini meal right now that is made with a sauce/gravy that has a ground oatmeal base.. It's about a teaspoon of oatmeal to a serving, I would guess.... just a bit at a time sneaked into meals throughout the day....

Topper ()

On Tue, 11 Apr 2006 01:11:20 -0500 Tammy Wolfgram writes:

OK, I'm asking:) I don't even know what T3 meds ARE, so you

all will have to tell me about them.

I had a frightening experience with oatmeal once. OK, I just

don't like it. I already take 1500 mg of calcium every day and

drink 8 glasses of water or more every day, but thank you for

the ideas.

Maybe I'll have to break down and try oatmeal again. I haven't

eaten any in at least fifteen years, ever since the unfortunate

oatmeal incident;-) OK, my MIL makes oatmeal like mortar,

and I haven't eaten it since. I blame her! lol

Take care,

Tammy

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

You may have certain chemical embalances in your body that prevent you from losing weight. I think it's called weight loss resistant. You can have your docs run tests and they can let you know. Nutritionists can do some things for you also.

Another possibility is allergies. If you are allergic to certain foods, no matter how healthy they are (as well as external allergies) you won't get your metabolism right, until you eliminate them. Food allergies are the worst in this area, but chemical sensitivities can also cause it.

People with thyroid problems and metabolic problems have an obviously harder time of losing weight than those that don't. Their bodies are against them.

Drinking plenty of water and fruit juice (the real kind, not with lots of sugar/high fructose) can also help you replentish your storage. Do you know that most people have wrinkles and dry skin because they aren't getting enough water? This is why all dry skin creams and other things have lots of extra moisture. Bilking people because they don't drink enough h2o.

You can also use evening primrose oil on your dry face (make sure you're not allergic first by testing it on your arm) you can also use olive oil. You can also mix lemon juice and sugar with some water to make a paste, then slather it on and gently buff off. That will take care of the dead skin build up.

Good luck,

-med

Re: Weight Issues

Hi All,One of my major issues with my thyroid problemis the huge weight gain I had and the fact that Ihave found it all but impossible to lose thatweight, even though I am on what the doctorindicates is the correct dose of Synthroid. Ihad been on Topomax for a different problemand lost close to twenty pounds while due toit's side effects, but when I stopped taking itthose pounds came right back.I so much want to lose at least a portion of theseextra pounds, as they are causing problems withmy knees and Type II diabetes runs in my family.ANY ideas that might help would be greatlyappreciated.Thanks,Tammy

[Guest guest]

Try pool exercises. Swimming and water aerobics. Takes the tensions off your body and lets you feel like a normal person because you can jump and run and do things in the water that hurts to much to do on land.

med.

RE: Weight Issues

I have gained weight too it bugs me since I am already really overweight. I read the forum on 3fatchicks.com. I have been trying to just cut back on my food intake by little things at a time. Getting some gentle exercise in and lifting weights. I love to lift weights.

-Ata

From: The_Thyroid_Support_Group [mailto:The_Thyroid_Support_Group ] On Behalf Of Tammy WolfgramSent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 12:15 AMTo: The_Thyroid_Support_Group Subject: Re: Weight Issues

Hi All,One of my major issues with my thyroid problemis the huge weight gain I had and the fact that Ihave found it all but impossible to lose thatweight, even though I am on what the doctorindicates is the correct dose of Synthroid. Ihad been on Topomax for a different problemand lost close to twenty pounds while due toit's side effects, but when I stopped taking itthose pounds came right back.I so much want to lose at least a portion of theseextra pounds, as they are causing problems withmy knees and Type II diabetes runs in my family.ANY ideas that might help would be greatlyappreciated.Thanks,Tammy

[Guest guest]

I have to question with which to jump in

on this: How does pulse rate relate to weight loss?

I ask because I tend to have a high

resting pulse, especially when I am not feeling well. My blood pressure

and pulse always go up when I am unwell, and as I have not being doing well for

quite a while my blood pressure and pulse are both up. This week my blood

pressure is 140 something over ninety something usually and my pulse is always

above 100, but always less than 120. I think losing weight and feeling

better would help with the BP.

But for me pulse is always sort of a “canary

signal” to borrow from my CFS group- a sign that something is up. When

I had pneumonia in the fall (I had it three times in the fall) my pulse might

get as high as 150 just when I was lying down.

-Ata

From:

The_Thyroid_Support_Group

[mailto:The_Thyroid_Support_Group ] On Behalf Of topper2@...

Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 6:58

AM

To:

The_Thyroid_Support_Group

Subject: Re:

Weight Issues

First thing is to get copies of your labs to

be sure that your levels are correct. Many docs consider that anything 'in

normal range' is just fine and even more docs don't test the correct hormones,

testing only TSH which is criminal in it's negligence.

We'll go into this more... but for now, some

quick questions...

What is your resting heart rate? (sit quietly for

about 20 minutes then check it)

About how many calories per day do you eat, rough

average?

What is your REALISTIC goal weight, not what you

weigh now... but the healthy (non twiggy) weight that you are aiming for?

If your hormone levels are low, if you are not

converting properly, if you are consuming too few calories... we gain weight.

Correct those things and the weight comes off.

Of course if you're over eating that's something

different, but as a general rule we, hypos, are so conscious of weight gain and

calories we have a higher tendency to under eat then over eat.

With insufficient intake of calories we mess up our

hormone conversion causing us to drop metabolic rate, increase fatigue (and

other hypo symptoms) and gain rather than maintain or lose.

Topper ()

On Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:14:43 -0500 Tammy Wolfgram

writes:

Hi All,

One of my major issues with my thyroid problem

is the huge weight gain I had and the fact that I

have found it all but impossible to lose that

weight, even though I am on what the doctor

indicates is the correct dose of Synthroid. I

had been on Topomax for a different problem

and lost close to twenty pounds while due to

it's side effects, but when I stopped taking it

those pounds came right back.

I so much want to lose at least a portion of these

extra pounds, as they are causing problems with

my knees and Type II diabetes runs in my family.

ANY ideas that might help would be greatly

appreciated.

Thanks,

Tammy

[Guest guest]

Yup because I take calcium after a meal, and I take

thyroid first thing in the morning, at least an hour

before I eat anything.

--- topper2@... wrote:

> Are you keeping your calcium doses separate from

> your thyroid doses?

> Calcium binds with thyroid hormone so you have to

> time your dosing of

> both so that the calcium doesn't cancel out your

> thyroid....

>

> Topper ()

>

> On Mon, 10 Apr 2006 22:46:36 -0700 (PDT)

>

> writes:

> I'm in a similar situation at the moment, but

> previously I found that calcium supplements really

> helped me with losing weight. I also found they

> helped

> with premenstrual symptoms and cramps if I took them

> throughout the month.

>

> I just realized I need to take my own advice and be

> more diligent about that.

>

> Ren

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I do have a heart murmur, but it is small

and completely benign. I had an EKG halter monitor thing done when I was

14 (I was hypoglycemic and felt like I was having palpitations).

-Ata

From: The_Thyroid_Support_Group

[mailto:The_Thyroid_Support_Group ] On Behalf Of topper2@...

Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 2:18

PM

To:

The_Thyroid_Support_Group

Subject: Re:

Weight Issues

High pulse rate like that can be an indicator of a

few things... a hypo heart that is weak and can't take the load will increase

it's beats per minute in an effort to get enough circulation going.... there

are also issues with the valves... I'll let others jump in on that....

Topper ()

On Tue, 11 Apr 2006 09:30:47 -0500 " Ata

Claussen "

writes:

I have to question with which to jump in

on this: How does pulse rate relate to weight loss?

I ask because I tend to have a high

resting pulse, especially when I am not feeling well. My blood pressure

and pulse always go up when I am unwell, and as I have not being doing well for

quite a while my blood pressure and pulse are both up. This week my blood

pressure is 140 something over ninety something usually and my pulse is always

above 100, but always less than 120. I think losing weight and feeling

better would help with the BP.

But for me pulse is always sort of a

canary signal to borrow from my CFS group- a sign that something is

up. When I had pneumonia in the fall (I had it three times in the fall)

my pulse might get as high as 150 just when I was lying down.

-Ata

[Guest guest]

Yep.. it makes a difference... Take your Synthroid first thing when you wake up, when your tummy is still empty... it needs your stomach acid to break it down to usable T4.... One hour later it's okay to eat and drink and do regular vitamins.... At three to four hours after you took the Synthroid it's okay to do your calcium and iron....

If you take the iron and calcium before the Synthroid... you have to wait four hours, with no eating until you can take the Synthroid...

Same rule applies for ALL of the T4 synthetics and if you are doing natural thyroid by swallowing... it's best to do that the same way... if you are doing natural thyroid sublingually... I take my calcium and hour after I take the thyroid (I multi-dose my thyroid, six to seven times per day)

Topper ()

On Tue, 11 Apr 2006 17:56:21 -0500 Tammy Wolfgram writes:

Now that I did not know. See, I knew you would teach me

things I didn't know! I had been taking synthroid and part

of my calcium dose at the same time. Does it matter which

you take first? And how much time does there need to be

in between?

Tammy

[Guest guest]

Some of us don't do as well with the synthetics as we do with the natural.. synthetics don't do a heck of a lot for me... but if I'm short on sleep taking a bit of extra T3 in the mid afternoon will help....

To be fair though... if the T4 and T3 that you were on before was too low a dose for you it's not going to do a whole lot of good either...

I'd never tell anyone to not try natural, I do believe it's better for us... but I do know folks that are such good converters on their own that using natural ends up giving them more than they need....

First thing would be to look close at what you are doing now.... unless you just want to take a jump and see how you go..... To look first... It's how much T4 you are taking, your weight, your lab numbers and how you feel.... all that together will give an indication if the synthetic isn't doing as well for you as it should.....

All my humble and non-medical-professional opinion, of course! hehehehe

I swear by mini meals... it was the only thing that got me actually losing weight... before that I was struggling to just not gain...

Topper ()

On Tue, 11 Apr 2006 18:10:25 -0500 Tammy Wolfgram writes:

Hi Topper,

I read the page below, and it was very informative. I was on both

cytomel and synthroid at one point, as I used to have the most

wonderful primary in the world. (I moved.) Unfortunately, it really

didn't make me feel any better than the synthroid alone did. Do

you think it well worth my while to try natural thyroid instead of

the syndthroid? The info on your page certainly seems to say

that it's the way to go. I have fibro, CFS and Hashi's. Can I expect

a notable improvement in the overlapping symptoms, do you think?

I am SO tired of being tired.

LOL Nothing as dramatic as that with the oatmeal. It was just

the grossest thing I had ever choked down, that's all.

Thanks for your help. I have printed out the mini meal thing and

am going to look at implementing those ideas.

Tammy

[Guest guest]

Well, who knew? Obviously, you did! I will do that startingtomorrow. Is it ok to take my other meds at the same time?I am on 2 antidepressants and Darvocet for pain. Those are the medications I take in the morning in addition to supplements and the Synthroid. I have no problem takingthe supplements later, but would rather take the medsright away if that wouldn't interfere with the Synthroid. Iam usually in a decent amount of pain when I wake up.I don't take special iron supplements, and seem to haveplenty of iron in my blood according to recent tests. Hey,I just realized that I have been out of my multivitamins forabout a month now. I'll have to take care of that. Thanks for all your help.Tammy Yep.. it makes a difference... Take your Synthroid first thing when you wake up, when your tummy is still empty... it needs your stomach acid to break it down to usable T4.... One hour later it's okay to eat and drink and do regular vitamins.... At three to four hours after you took the Synthroid it's okay to do your calcium and iron....   If you take the iron and calcium before the Synthroid... you have to wait four hours, with no eating until you can take the Synthroid...   Same rule applies for ALL of the T4 synthetics and if you are doing natural thyroid by swallowing... it's best to do that the same way... if you are doing natural thyroid sublingually... I take my calcium and hour after I take the thyroid (I multi-dose my thyroid, six to seven times per day)   Topper () On Tue, 11 Apr 2006 17:56:21 -0500 Tammy Wolfgram writes: Now that I did not know. See, I knew you would teach me things I didn't know! I had been taking synthroid and part of my calcium dose at the same time. Does it matter which you take first? And how much time does there need to be in between? Tammy

[Guest guest]

I'm not sure about the interaction with the meds and the Synthroid, maybe someone else can jump in on that.... I know a couple of folks that set alarms during the night to wake up to pop their thyroid and then go back to sleep so that their mornings can be normal with eating and getting their day going.. that might be an option...

I used to be in chronic pain.... taking advil by the handful ( one or two dozen pills at a shot, 2 or 3 times a day) just trying to manage it..... all that is gone now.. since getting my thyroid meds right.... It might be that way for you, too... once your thyroid levels are right and you figure out what your body needs help with.... it's AWESOME after living with pain for so long to have it all gone....

Topper ()

On Tue, 11 Apr 2006 19:52:29 -0500 Tammy Wolfgram writes:

Well, who knew? Obviously, you did! I will do that starting

tomorrow. Is it ok to take my other meds at the same time?

I am on 2 antidepressants and Darvocet for pain. Those

are the medications I take in the morning in addition to

supplements and the Synthroid. I have no problem taking

the supplements later, but would rather take the meds

right away if that wouldn't interfere with the Synthroid. I

am usually in a decent amount of pain when I wake up.

I don't take special iron supplements, and seem to have

plenty of iron in my blood according to recent tests. Hey,

I just realized that I have been out of my multivitamins for

about a month now. I'll have to take care of that.

Thanks for all your help.

Tammy