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Devoted February 2020

Losing Weight is Hard - Venting

Christina, on April 9, 2019 at 4:47 PM Posted in Fitness and Health 0 48

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I never had a weight problem as a kid. I ate what I wanted, wasn't very active, and I was skinny as can be. Then my thyroid decided it was done working and I gained 40+ lbs in a year. I've struggled ever since. I've worked hard about being kind to myself through it all, which it really hard for me.

My engagement photos, while still gorgeous, made me feel fat and brought back all the self hate that I've worked so hard to get past. I'm watching what I eat and doing my best to be more active. I signed up for a weight management program offered through work and I'm struggling. I'm down a measly 3 lbs and we're in week 10 of the program. The other participants have lost 10+ lbs and are super motivated as a result.

I've considered quitting this program and signing up for Weight Watchers. The $20 a month is a bit steep, but I know several people that have had a ton of success on it. While I weigh the pros and cons, I'm following as much as I can without actually signing up for the program. I have a list of 0 point foods and I keep a stash at work (carrots, celery, apples, oranges...) I stay away from sugar and only drink water or hot tea (no sugar added). I eat a healthy, balanced diet that follows all the guidelines of the weight management program.

Every time I have a good week and lose another pound, I end up gaining it all back the next week. It's frustrating and depressing.

Here I am, snacking on celery, AKA flavorless water sticks, and a coworker stops by my desk... "I know you're on a diet, but would you like a piece of chocolate to go with your celery?" ....she means well, I know, but I want to scream. Do I WANT it, yes. I ALWAYS want chocolate. That's a stupid question. ....but I didn't take it. And THAT made me proud of myself. I'm still grumpy and hungry, but I feel good knowing that I made at least one good decision today.

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48 Comments

Latest activity by Heather, on June 6, 2019 at 10:53 AM

Devoted August 2021
Monica · on April 9, 2019 at 4:54 PM
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I'm proud of you for making a healthier choice! Losing weight is HARD! I would strongly recommend weight watchers. I know it's expensive but the meetings are so helpful. Everyone that I've been to has been so supportive and even gives you tools to handle do-you-want-chocolate people like that. You can do it and 3 lbs is a great start!
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Mim · on April 9, 2019 at 5:07 PM
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As far as your completely insensitive co-worker goes, I would have just given her a blank stare and said "no".

Have you added in exercise? While cutting calories is the biggest step, exercise is an important part as well.

Also, don't over eat 0 point foods, they still have calories. Do you have a kitchen scale? Weighing out actual serving sizes can be a real I opener. I live cereal. Truly I have a problem. My typical self serving is about 3 times what an actual serving is.

My other thought is to weigh yourself less. I used to weigh myself constantly and could see to easily if I had a bad couple of days. I've learned to weigh myself once a month at the most. Four days after my period starts is when I'm at my lightest. I've shed all my excess water weight and can more accurately tell if I've gained, list, or maintained.
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on April 9, 2019 at 5:09 PM
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Have you met with a dietitian who could maybe recommend a program specific to someone with thyroid issues? I started working out & dieting in early December. I didn't lose a SINGLE pound until the middle of March. I was so annoyed, it had been 3+ months with no results. But once I lost my first pound, the next five were easier. Now that I've lost 6 lbs, I'm struggling again to lose the next 4-6.
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Dedicated April 2019
Joanne · on April 9, 2019 at 5:11 PM
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Im challenged with the same issue too (thyroid). I found that cutting sugar out my diet made a major difference.
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Devoted February 2020
Christina · on April 9, 2019 at 5:15 PM
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Thanks! I'm considering it. I'm just also looking at the wedding costs and the cost of the home renovations we're in the middle of. There is a potential promotion at work that I'm hoping to get. If I do, it comes with a pay increase and I'll feel more comfortable with the cost.
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Devoted February 2020
Christina · on April 9, 2019 at 5:23 PM
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I've added SOME exercise, but I need to fit in more. I also track my calories with the MyFitnessPal app, and track my activity with my Garmin watch. I keep my overall calories around 1300 (recommend by my nutrition coach), and watch my macros too. I have a kitchen scale at home and a second one in my desk at work.

The weight management program requires at least 3 weigh ins a week. Weighing daily help me see how a "just one one hurt" decision impacts my progress, and helps keep me accountable.
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Expert May 2019
Keary · on April 9, 2019 at 5:27 PM
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Instead of focusing on 0 point items - maybe focus on macro nutrients? That helped me. Protein helps you stay full so you're less inclined to snack ( even tho lets be real it's it's hard to say no to fun sized candy all the time). It also gives you a wider network of foods you can eat. You still get your fats ( ideally healthier ones like avocados) and carbs so you don't feel deprived.
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Devoted February 2020
Christina · on April 9, 2019 at 5:27 PM
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No, but I've had conversations with my endocrinologist about weight loss. He's given me a ton of advice, but we haven't talked about specific programs. He HAS offered to prescribe me diet pills, but I'm hesitant. I lost my mom when I was 21 and started having periods where I would forget to eat. Luckily I had friends and family to help me through it, but the idea of an appetite suppressant worries me.
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Devoted February 2020
Christina · on April 9, 2019 at 5:29 PM
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I'm trying! It's hard though. I have a huge sweet tooth. I'm trying to substitute sweet fruits like blueberries or oranges.
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Devoted February 2020
Christina · on April 9, 2019 at 5:32 PM
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I do this too. I just keep my snacks to the 0 point foods. My meals are all well balanced. Chicken and fish are also 0 points and high in protein, so I add those in where I can. It's just not something I can keep on my desk.
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on April 9, 2019 at 5:43 PM
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If your insurance allows for it, I'd consider seeing a dietitian!
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Devoted February 2020
Christina · on April 9, 2019 at 5:48 PM
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I'll look into it. Thanks!
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VIP May 2019
Mandy · on April 9, 2019 at 5:55 PM
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I've done weight loss challenges and had success. We did one at work and I won a little over $500 - money was motivation for me to lose. The extra money is going towards the honeymoon! I know there are some out there for every one (like DietBet, HealthyWage, etc)..as long as you lose you win money. Are you driven by anything? It's hard unless you have someone to do it with. I do well through the week then weekends I gain it back because that's our date night/splurge day.
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Devoted May 2017
Katelyn · on April 9, 2019 at 6:00 PM
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I also have a thyroid condition and although I haven't gained a lot of weight, I've gained almost 10 lbs and have been unable to lose it. Last summer, I worked out 6 days a week, plus walking 2 miles a days, was eating **** calories (tracked via MyFitnessPal) and lost maybe 2 lbs in 2 months. So I mostly gave up. I eat pretty healthy and get to the gym about 2-3 times per week. I also walk a lot. My advice: BE KIND to yourself. Your thyroid messes up your hormones and makes it very difficult to lose weight. Make small changes: drink mostly water, eat lots of fruits and veggies. Walk more (I deliberately walk to a further bus stop just to get more steps in). Finally, lower your expectations but don't lose hope!! You should be able to lose weight but with a thyroid condition, it may take WAY longer than others. Keep in mind a healthier lifestyle is better for your heart, your bones, your brain, etc. regardless of the number on the scale.
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Dedicated October 2019
WeddingBliss · on April 9, 2019 at 6:06 PM
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Same thing here. For most of my life I was so flipping thin. I have always ate healthy, and have been a cardio queen - at one point I was like 98 lbs & no one thought that I was sickly skinny bc I had descent muscles.

And then like 5 yrs. ago I started gaining weight & literally nothing I did helped. Plus I was super stubborn & I thought it was just age - never thought that it was my thyroid (although there was signs: hair falling out, super dry skin, low energy, but I was always hot & sweating & everything that I read said that under active thyroid makes you cold).

I’ve been working w/ my endocrinologist, I’m on a high protein low carb diet. I do 60 minutes of high intense cardio a day, & wake up in the middle of the night to take my meds (I usually wake up for bathroom & it’s best on an empty stomach & not eating for at least an hour after). I have no idea if I lost any weight yet - I don’t weigh myself anymore bc I just cry at the lack of progress...
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Devoted August 2021
Monica · on April 9, 2019 at 6:07 PM
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Totally get that. Hope you get the promotion! 🤞
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Expert August 2020
· on April 9, 2019 at 6:08 PM
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I completely understand. I gained 36 pounds after a medication change and now I can't seem to lose more than 3-5 pounds. It's disheartening. Wishing you the best.
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Super September 2019
Iva · on April 9, 2019 at 6:30 PM
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Is your thyroid well managed now? If thyroid is still not under control, it might be hard to lose any weight.

About food: you really have to kick out white flour & replace it with whole grains & also all refined/added sugar - no exceptions. I know it’s hard, when you have a sweet tooth, but sugar is actually addicting (as addicting as cocain, as studies have proved) so the more you eat, the more you’ll crave it & other way around. Replace it with fruit or stevia (as a natural, no calorie seeetener). Refined sugar is poison. Also, eating organic meat & dairy is very important, otherwise you’re ingesting bunch of artificial hormones that mess with your own hormones & cause weight gain, especially with your thyroid issue.
Lastly, you have to start moving. You don’t need to do some crazy exercise routine or go to gym, you just need to move - light jogging, brisk walking, yoga, swimming are all great. You need to do this to speed up your metabolism, because it seems like it slowed down based on what you’re saying, which is why you’re also struggling.

Good luck & don’t give up! You will get there & probably end up feeling better than ever 🙂
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Dedicated April 2019
Joanne · on April 9, 2019 at 6:51 PM
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I know it! I believe that the weight will come off! Also, if you’re under a lot of stress that can slow down your metabolism and it can affect your thyroid production. You can exercise and eat healthy all day but if you’re managing your stress properly it’ll will make it even harder. I’m praying for you and that your body becomes completely healed.
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Dedicated June 2019
Ivelisse · on April 9, 2019 at 6:52 PM
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You may want to consider having an endocrine panel analysis done. Some insurances cover it, but it will measure your hormones and determine if there's an imbalance. It'll also determine what foods are best for you when it comes to your hormones. You can watch what you eat; however, your hormones effects how your food is metabolized. I hope this helps!
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