anyone have thyroid issues and been having a hard time losing weight? id love to hear your stories and journies

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism close to 20 years ago.  I'm sure I had it longer than that it was just never diagnosed.  Due to this combined with side effects from meds I was taking, and poor eating habits I gained alot of weight.  It is difficult to lose weight even when your blood tests show proper hormone levels.  It can be done though.  Currently I have lost approximately 50+ pounds and kept it off for 6 years.  I changed my diet gradually eliminated processed foods, and most meat.  I still eat chicken and fish on occasion but it's mostly grains, legumes, fruits and lots of veggies.  I eat very little dairy only Greek yogurt and small amounts of cheese (usually feta).  I also added in exercise of course, weights, cardio and stretching.  I have just recently become addicted to Zumba it is fun and doesn't feel like exercise, but believe me you get a great workout from it.

Even with the meds, and bloodwork in the normal range I was still not feeling my best so I managed to convince my GP to increase my dosage.  My bloodwork was still in the normal range but in the lower end of normal.  I am still not feeling the best and am struggling with losing the last 10-20 lbs even with exercise, so I tried to get her to add Cytomel (T3)  but she wouldn't go for that.  Some people have better luck with Armour thyroid instead of the synthetic however, Dr.'s are reluctant to prescribe it and last I checked it was in short supply.

Just keep at it, the weightloss will most likely be slow but eventually it will come.

You're right in the short supply on the armour thyroid.  some people do better on it because it is of a natural source, unlike synthroid which is made in a lab.  I'm not sure if you're aware, but armour thyroid comes from pigs.  they extract the hormone from them, which is why it is more natural.  unfortunetly with the armour, besides the obvious, is that you are not getting a consistent amout of the hormone, unlike synthroid.

Hi Kelli, thanks for mentioning that Armour comes from pigs, I guess I should have mentioned that. Obviously that poses a problem but just wanted to suggest another option.   

I have had thyroid problems for several years now. I thought it was just menopause (I'm 54) weight gain and hot flashes. After gaining 30 lbs. I went to see my IM who put me on a low dose of levothyroxine. Nothing seemed to change so I went to see an endocrinologist who increased my dosage. I was on a weight watchers diet for 6 mos and managed to loose 16 lbs. but was always hungry and couldn't keep doing it. That weight plus more has all come back now. I have only been on the kind diet for about a week now so I don't know how it's affecting my weight...I just know I feel better, especially since I'm not hurting any animals to eat! We'll see...

No problem Jackie!  Many people don't know that, or that the hormones in the medication are very inconsistent.... obviously because it's coming from an animal, not a lab!

I had a very large mass growing on my thyroid and had to have all but one lobe removed.  I take Armour b/c synthroid drives my body CRAZY!  Armour is the BEST natural regulated pill (at least what I have experienced).  Armour is in short supply b/c the plant had a hard time obtaining the raw materials b/c they were pulled to make H1N1 Vaccine in bulk.  Now that the rush is over, the plant is working very hard to make as much as possible.  Supplies should return back to normal soon.  Hope this helps if you are having a hard time getting your meds.

I have been on a quest to heal my thyroid naturally for a couple of years. I was seeing a kinesiologist/nutritionist about a year ago and she told me my hypothyroidism was connected with my adrenal burn out. (haven't slept through the night since my 6 year old was born) The body is all connected. In other words, thyroids don't just go bad on their on. I wanted to find out the underlying problems and see if I could solve it naturally. So I stopped taking my meds at that time (about a year ago) and haven't had them tested.  Short story made long :) my quest led me here. I've tried blood sugar stabilization diets, high protein diets, rawfood diets, lots of different things. I've managed to stave off the horrible depression I suffered with my hypothyroidism and kicked white everything. This is my first attempt at strict veganism with an emphasis on the macrobiotic dishes. I'm about two weeks in and feeling pretty darn good. I'll have to keep you posted. Peace, SuzyC
ps I forgot to mention that I take Iadoral, an iodine supplement that is supposed to help the thyroid work.

I commented on this briefly in another post (another subject line), but just came across this "Thyroid" line and thought I'd add my experience.  About 2 years ago I tried going vegan.  I totally switched all my dairy to soy-related products.  I didn't eat much meat anyway, so that wasn't a big change.  But I drink at least 1-2 glasses of milk a day, which with the change, I was drinking all soy milk.  PLUS, all the soy "meats" I was eating, soy nuts, not to mention the traces of soy found in almost every processed food product.  Well, I started experiencing dizziness, light-headedness, body temperature changes.  I freaked out and went to the dr.  She said my thryoid levels were ever-so-slightly low and put me on thryroid med.  She didn't think my change in diet had anything to do with it (HA!).  I had a feeling inside, however, that it was more than just a suddenly drop in my thyroid levels b/c that was too strange.  I did my own research on the internet and saw that high soy intake can cause thyroid problems.  I felt that was my problem, so I switched back to cow's milk and regular cheese and pretty soon stopped taking the thyroid med and was fine.  This time around I'm more committed to being vegan, but still a little wary that I'll experience the same thyroid issues, so I'm going into it very carefully.  I'm not eating as much soy as I did the first time around b/c now I know better.  I won't drink as much milk of any kind, b/c I learned in Alicia's book that we really aren't made to drink a lot of milk, period.  So we'll see how it goes.  I'm still slightly nervous, but trying not  to let my nerves get the best of me, listen to my body, and follow through. 
Sarah

Sarah, i also eat very little tofu/soy product just in case.