Okay, I have thyroid cancer and had a total thyroidectomy. In preperation for my scans, I had to stop taking all my thyroid hormone (synthroid), so, I’m severely hypothyroid now. The last month and a half, I’ve been on a diet and exercise at least 5 days a week. Even with my diet and workout, I have not lost a single pound and in fact have gained a tiny bit. Is this normal? Does your thyroid play that much into weight loss?
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November 9th, 2009 at 5:30 am
Ah yes…I remember Hypo Hell. The weight gain, puffy face, crabby mood, lethargy, etc. It’s totally normal and your thyroid hormones are a huge part of weight gain and loss. When you’re all done with your scans and you resume your meds, the extra weight (from the hypo hell) will come off. If you’re trying to lose additional weight, then the diet and exercise you’ve been doing will actually make a big difference.
I only had to do the full on withdrawal from meds the first time I had scans and RAI ablation treatment. After that, I did the thyrogen route so I didn’t have to stop my meds at all. But thyrogen is only useful for scans, not for ablative treatment. Just thought I’d throw that out there for your future reference.
Hang in there. Check out http://www.thyca.org for lots of info about thyroid cancer as well as a great (and free) Low Iodine Cookbook.
Regards,
mari
November 9th, 2009 at 6:31 am
Sorry to hear about all the symptoms you’re experiencing at the moment - that is tough. Perhaps you should try taking supplements that could help whilst you’re unable to take your synthroid.
Your metabolism has slowed down incredibly which is why you are not losing weight but the more you do, the better the chances of speeding it up again. In the meantime, don’t give up on the exercise but take a look at your diet and what you’re eating. Try to eat meals that are 80 percent protein and 20 percent carbs. Avoid ALL white carbs if you can and only have wholemeal or rye bread and brown rice and brown pasta. It will make a difference to your weight which may be a small comfort at this time.
November 9th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Yes thyroids do play a major part in weight loss or gain. Here is something that may help you.http://www.thyroid.org/patients/brochure…
November 9th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Tyroid hormones can be thought as the ‘gas’ to fuel your metabolism. Yes, in short, you will loose significantly more weight with thyroxane (synthroid).