[Kathee]

I was diagnosed with Graves disease 2 years ago so they used radioactive iodine to kill my thyroid and I have put on 80pounds in the last 18months Any advice which diet would be best for me? I have been on South beach for about a week but no results except being even more cranky and tired (which I wouldnt have thought possiable) HELP? please!!!!

[3Beans]

Kathee, I had the same procedure six years ago. I put on some weight, but not that much. Have your habits changed at all? Have you started a course of Synthroid or any other medication yet?

As far as what plan to choose, your thyroid issue shouldn't get in the way of your preferences. (And in any case, a week is NOWHERE NEAR long enough to gauge how good a fit a particular program is.) Like everyone here, you'll have to make a long term commitment to lose weight and keep it off. No tricks - just determination, hard work (maybe some extra), and getting back to plan ASAP when you slip up. For me, calorie counting combined with exercise has worked best.

Having said that, here are some important tips: don't eat or drink anything but water for 20 minutes after a dose of synthroid, don't eat or drink any soy products for 4 hours after a dose, limit soy to one serving a day, and limit cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower to several servings a week at most. These items have a suppressive effect on thyroid hormone.

Look around the boards here at the different plans, and when you find one that looks good, give it a try and STICK TO IT for a while - like a couple of months at least - before you make a verdict. Good luck!

[andreaphilip3]

weight watcher core ive thyroid issues too and ive lost 50 lbs

[housewife]

Hey Kathee
I've been on thyroxian for 10 years now. Made an important discovery last year. Of the 2 brands sold in Canada 1 I gain on (even though my blood #'s were fine) the other I lose. Dr said it wouldn't make a dif to switch, he said they were both the same. I think he went with it to shut me up but I lost the 40 I had gained since the switch... I'm even starting to think better.
That said a week is nothing, relax. Start simple add a walk into your day, dosen't have to be far. try to add more movement in general throw out your day. nothing fancy.
I can't be calorie counting as I get competitive. So right now I'm working on healthy non-processed food and exercise. Good luck.

also dont take iron supliments close to taking your thyroxian, I can't remember how meny hours between sorry. If your taking a multi vit check to make sure that nothing in it would stop you from absorbing the thyroxian.

[BlzMaxGnrCCJkMly]

i had thyroid cancer, had thyroid completely removed as well as radiation! wegiht watchers is what is working for me!!!

[Dinkster]

I have a hyperactive thyroid and gained weight. lol Go figure that's just my luck. I didn't agree to the radioactive killing of my thyroid because I have small children with spina bifida and I didn't want to expose them to radiation. Told them if they wanted it gone they would have to cut it out.
Weight loss is harder with Thyroid Disease but is not impossible.
For me, my best success with dieting is low fat. I am eating alot of food and averaging the first two weeks five pounds per week. I am sure much of it is water but that is an added plus. I also am low sodium. I don't need to retain all that water causing my legs and ankles to swell. Here is an example of what I eat in a day. My day usually starts at 4 or 5 in the morning so I have long days to get through. (Sleep problems due to pain issues)

Breakfast
1 poached egg 2 egg whites. (The dogs like the other yolks) lol
two thin slices homemade low fat toast
coffee
half grapefruit.

mid morning snack
1/2 c nonfat yogurt topped with fresh berries and crushed shredded wheat on the top.

Lunch

2 thin slices lowfat homemade toast
2 thin slices lowfat roast beef
1 slice fat free cheddar cheese
slice sweet onion
dijon mustard
glass skim milk
angel food cake with fat free topping

afternoon snack
1/2 c fatfree cottage cheese with handful of grapes on top

supper

salad with leafy greens spinach topped with boiled boneless skinless chicken breast cut up with whatever fresh vegetables I have and fat free dressing.
a bowl of my homemade low fat soup.
cup of sugar free jello with fat free topping
skim milk

I love fruits and vegetables of all kinds and keep them easily available and ready for healthy snacking.

It is possible to go low fat without getting a ton of carbs with the right food choices. I never go over 15 grams of fat per day.

Annie

[Dinkster]

For me it is important to eat the same times every day to ward off hunger or cravings.

Annie