Hi, I am new and this is my first post. I have been looking over the site and see several places I need to post, 100lb, 40 something, etc., but I ended up here because I feel my hypothyroidism is my biggest hindrance to weight loss. I have lost weight in the past but since my diagnosis about 7 years ago I have not been able to get the weight to bulge. That is except during my pregnancy with my now almost 6yo ds. I have lost weight during each of my six pregnancies without trying. I didn't have any morning sickness but being pregnant was a big appetite suppressant for me. Then I would gain it all back plus more while breastfeeding and craved carbs.
To be truthful, I haven't seriously tried to lose weight for awhile because of the frustration of depriving myself and not seeing any results. I have been eating healthier, though, since last fall when my husband found out he had high cholestreol and triglycerides (both were normal for me) and he wanted to start eating better. Before I always had to prepare separate meals whenever I wanted to try to lose because he didn't want to change but now he is willing to do what he needs to do. Of course he has already lost some weight even though mine hasn't bulged.
Now that I have my husband on board to eat healthier, I want to get more serious and get on a more structured plan. Is there a method of weight loss that is best for hypothyroidism? I read everything I can about this condition and even have read Thyroid Diet by Mary Shomon (sp) but I don't remember now her recommendations. I am very much encouraged by you ladies that have lost alot of weight with this condition and would like to hear more about what worked and didn't work for you. I was thinking about the South Beach Diet because I have lost on Atkins in the past and low carb was kind of easy to stick with. As I understand it, South Beach is a healthier version with emphasis on good carbs and good fats and was originally geared for cardiac and diabetic patients. My husband has had episodes of atrial fib. and has been diagnosed as pre-diabetic and prescribed Metformin. Diabetes is not in his family but is in mine big time. My mother had it and currently both of my brothers and several aunts, uncles, and cousins have it. So far, I have not had any problems even though I suspect I have insulin resistance and I realize my kids are at high risk. I want to make permanent lifestyle changes for all of us.
I also know that exercise is very important and am planning to walk more. It is so hard when I never have any energy. I have a wonderful doctor that is willing to adjust medication or try different things (I have been on Synthroid, Armour, Armour+Cytomel, Levothyroid, Levothyroid+Cytomel) but nothing has helped me not to feel so tired all the time. I know from the past that exercise helps give me more energy and also curbs my appetite, so I'm going to have to just make myself do it.
I am glad I have found this site because I need the support. Are there any challenges, buddy systems, etc. that will help with motivation?
Thanks if you took the time to read all this.